PEABODY, MASS. (03/19/2012)(readMedia)– After falling behind Mercedes-Benz in sales in January, BMW did not waste any time reclaiming its title of luxury-sales king. Boasted by the debut of the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series in February, the brand posted a 29.2-percent sales increase compared to the same month last year, racing past its long-time Bavarian competitor Mercedes-Benz.
With 8,103 units rolling off of BMW dealership lots in the United States, the BMW 3 Series saw a 66.3-percent sales jump in February year-over-year. Though the 2012 BMW 3 Series didn’t go on sale until mid-February, combined 3 Series sales still topped the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by 2,863 units. Elsewhere, Audi’s total U.S. sales barely topped sales of the BMW 3 Series alone, with 8,531 Audis sold last month. Meanwhile, Japanese automaker Lexus tallied just 16,682 in sales, falling far short of the 21,204 units moved by BMW.
“The new 2012 3 Series has a lot more to offer in terms of value than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class,” said Marshal Cabot, general manager of Greater Boston BMW dealership BMW of Peabody. “Our customers are a discerning bunch, and they won’t just settle for a vehicle without doing the research first. After a comparison, they can easily see that the BMW 3 Series offers more power, more fuel efficiency and better luxury features for the price.”
While February’s sales figures show the BMW 3 Series clearly leading the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, two recent luxury-sedan comparisons from Motor Trend magazine and Inside Line may help explain why. In the tests, the new 3 Series not only bested the C-Class, but also top sport sedans from likes of Audi, Lexus and Volvo, proving that it can deliver on the track as well as in the showroom.
Either classified as premium or luxury sedans, eight models competed in the Motor Trend comparison, including the Buick Regal GS, Infiniti G25, Acura TSX, Lexus IS 250 F-Sport, Audi A4 Quattro, Volvo S60 T5, Mercedes-Benz C250 and BMW 328i Sport Line. The BMW emerged the clear winner, leading Motor Trend editors to wonder if they’d ever seen a more lopsided comparison. The publication noted the 3 Series’ test-leading 5.6-second sprint to 60 mph, its class-leading 36-mpg highway fuel economy and its well-designed interior. The 3 Series also led in the areas of handling and navigation, while the Mercedes-Benz C250 was relegated to a third-place finish behind the Volvo S60 T5.
In Inside Line’s March comparo, the BMW 328i, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C250 went nose-to-nose once again. Even with two fewer cylinders than its competitors, the turbocharged four-cylinder 2012 BMW 328i again came out on top. Winning for its ability to perform well on the freeway, back roads or anywhere in between, the new BMW was declared the most well rounded of the bunch.
“Of course, you need to consider your individual needs when shopping for a new car, but Inside Line concluded something that a lot of BMW owners already know, and that’s that you can’t go wrong with the 3 Series,” added Cabot. “When it comes to luxury sedans, you’re not going to find another one that blends all of your desired qualities as seamlessly.”
About BMW of Peabody:
Located minutes from downtown Boston on Route 114, BMW of Peabody takes pride in offering some of the world’s finest vehicles, backing up every new and used BMW sale with their expert, customer- focused sales and service staff. Recognized as a top Greater Boston BMW dealer, BMW of Peabody is a five-time winner of the prestigious Center of Excellence Award and offers two BMW service centers to fit the schedules of its busy customers. See their full BMW inventory online at www.bmwpeabody.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bmwofpeabody, visit their showroom at 221 Andover Street in Peabody or call them at 978-538-9900.
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