"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 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 the 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 SportLine.  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 60mph, 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 turbo charged 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."