PERTH’S elite are defying WA’s economic downturn to splash out millions of dollars on buying luxury cars in record numbers.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries data shows 5876 top-end vehicles were sold in 2015, compared with 3840 at the height of the mining boom in 2011 — a 53 per cent increase.

Already in the first six months of this year, 3181 luxury cars have been sold on the west coast.

Sales of Porsche models — which can cost up to $150,000 — have jumped from 129 in 2011 to 337 last year.

Over the same period, the number of Audis sold doubled to 1600.

BMW (1513 vehicles), Maserati (32), Ferrari (25), Bentley (16) and Lamborghini (nine) also all enjoyed record-high sales in 2015.

“We’ve still got a lot of wealthy people in Perth that buy cars,” Motor Trade Association of WA chief executive Stephen Moir said.

“The reason for that is price point — BMWs, Mercedes and Audis are still identified as luxury brands and their pricing is really competitive.”

While luxury car sales have gone up, combined vehicle sales have dropped.

WA has recorded the worst car sales nationally so far in 2016, falling 4.3 per cent in the year to date.

Iconic British car maker Rolls-Royce this week launched its latest vehicle — the $749,000 convertible, Dawn — at Barbagallo Motors in Osborne Park.

The Dawn boasts a twin-turbo charged 6.6-litre V12 engine under the bonnet, while technology features include a heat detection system to warn drivers of pedestrians and animals at night.

Just three Rolls-Royce vehicles were sold in WA last year, but the company’s Asia Pacific product and operations manager Sven Grunwald said the Dawn was “ideal” for WA roads.

“The car fits well in this area with its long open roads, even though it’s big you can manoeuvre it quite easily,” he said.