BMW 3 Series Outperforms Competitors in Cars.com Sport Sedan Challenge

BALTIMORE, Md., April 18, 2013 — Drivers looking for a luxury sports sedan that can take advantage of every twist in the road have quite a few options, but the BMW 328i stands out from the rest, according to Cars.com. Together with USA Today, MotorWeek and a real couple looking for their next vehicle, the automotive website recently compared the 2013 BMW 3 Series against the 2013 Acura TL, Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, Mercedes-Benz C250 and Volvo S60 in its $46,000 Sport Sedan Challenge. After nearly a week of testing on the track and along a 180-mile road course, the BMW 328i emerged as the best offering for car buyers who want performance, fuel efficiency and a spacious interior.

Beyond earning the best times of the luxury bunch in the zero-to-60-mph and quarter-mile tests, the BMW 328i also returned the best observed fuel economy. Testers applauded the sports sedan's balance, steering and feedback, as well as its impressive braking performance that left the drivers feeling confident about taking the vehicle to its limit. While its performance on the road engendered plenty of accolades, the BMW 3 Series' spacious back seat also received praise for its ability to carry additional passengers in comfort.

"The BMW 3 Series is known for being at the front of the luxury sports sedan class, and the Cars.com challenge reinforces that it's not just a reputation, it's a reality," said Melanie Sterry, general manager of Russel BMW, a BMW dealer in Baltimore. "While its competitors may favor performance, fuel efficiency or spaciousness, the BMW 3 Series delivers equally in all departments."

Though the 3 Series already attracts a variety of motorists as BMW's best-selling vehicle, the luxury automaker will soon be broadening the model's appeal with the addition of the 3 Series Gran Turismo and the diesel-powered 328d, both of which appeared at the New York International Auto Show late last month. Featuring a longer wheelbase than the sedan and a versatile power tailgate, the 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo will offer additional legroom in the rear seats and more cargo space. Drivers will be able to choose between a TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine and an inline six-cylinder option when the Gran Turismo goes on sale at dealerships late this summer.

Arriving this fall in sedan and sports wagon form, the 2014 BMW 328d will house a 2.0-liter TwinPower diesel four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. With the help of an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW 328d will be able to net a manufacturer-estimated 45 mpg on the highway and 32 mpg in the city. Both body styles will be available with xDrive all-wheel drive, and the sedan will also be offered in a rear-wheel-drive variant.

"New additions to the BMW 3 Series lineup will offer more choices to drivers who want sporty performance but need additional room for the kids or great fuel economy for their daily driving," added Sterry. "Our customers love the 3 Series, but BMW recognizes that the luxury sports sedan segment is not a one-size-fits-all category, so creating more options means more motorists will be able to find the BMW that perfectly suits their needs."

About Russel BMW:
A trusted Baltimore Country BMW dealership, Russel BMW has served Maryland driving enthusiasts for years with a high level of sales and service that matches the BMW name. The dealership's diverse inventory of new and used BMWs ensures an easier vehicle search for customers, and their parts and service department are renowned for their expertise and professionalism. Visit Russel BMW online at www.russelbmw.com, call them at 410-744-2000 or stop by their dealership in person at 6700 Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RusselBMW.