[MUNICH] Mercedes-Benz widened its global luxury-car sales lead in the first half of the year, dealing a setback to BMW AG chief executive officer's Harald Krueger's effort to restore his company to the segment's top spot. BMW sold 106,244 fewer vehicles in the period than its Stuttgart, Germany-based rival, versus a difference of 89,818 cars in the five months through May, according to statements from the carmakers. The 14 per cent delivery jump reported by Daimler AG's Mercedes brand was more than double the BMW marque's 5.2 per cent. Audi, which on Tuesday unveiled the newest version of its flagship A8 sedan with an autonomous highway-driving feature, has posted a sales decline this year. Even though BMW says it's putting profit before volume, Mr Krueger reiterated last month that he wants to win back the luxury lead that he lost to Mercedes last year.