BMW Keeps Luxury Sales Crown from Mercedes-Benz's Grasp

PEABODY, MASS. (04/18/2012)(readMedia)-- In the battle of the Bavarian luxury automakers, no race could be more neck-and-neck than the one currently being waged between BMW and Mercedes-Benz. While each had a strong showing last month, it was BMW that claimed the sales crown for March and the first quarter of 2012, thanks to the popularity of models like the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series and the BMW X5 sport activity vehicle (SAV).

BMW reported U.S sales of 23,940 units in March for an 18-percent increase compared to the year prior, besting Mercedes-Benz's 23,134 units. First-quarter sales were closer, however: BMW dealerships moved 61,549 vehicles, a mere 36 units above Mercedes-Benz's total of 61,513. That was still enough for BMW to claim supremacy over all of its premium-market competition though, with next-closest luxury brand Lexus falling short at 49,096 units for the quarter.

"Sales of the redesigned 3 Series have obviously helped BMW tremendously, but it was the X5 that really stood out last month with its 41-percent increase," said Marshal Cabot, general manager of Greater Boston BMW dealership BMW of Peabody. "The BMW X5 offers fuel efficiency along with its power, especially when you look at the 26-mpg diesel model, so its sales don't suffer when gas prices rise like with other SUVs."

Currently, BMW's lineup of SAVs includes the X5, the X3 and the X6 sport activity coupe, but a younger sibling is expected to join them at dealerships this fall. Fresh off its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show earlier this month, the 2013 BMW X1 will be the smallest BMW X model and the first-ever sub-compact premium SAV sold in the United States.

While it has been on sale overseas since 2009, the X1 will sport a number of updates to make it more suitable for the U.S. market when it arrives stateside. A bolder and more modern exterior design will include new headlights that wrap towards the sides of the vehicle and an exaggerated version of BMW's twin-kidney grille. Meanwhile, a redesigned interior gets luxury touches like chrome accents and a driver-oriented center console. U.S. BMW X1 buyers will also have their choice of two TwinPower Turbo engines, which BMW expects will help give the X1 an edge over the competition in terms of power and fuel efficiency.

The 2012 BMW M6 Convertible was also present on the show floor in New York this year, making its world debut. BMW says the third-generation convertible will arrive at dealerships in June, just in time for drop-top enthusiasts to amp up their summers with the highest-powered V8 engine ever offered in a BMW M production car.

"The responsiveness of the M6 engine is amazing; it'll take you from 0 - 62 mph in just over four seconds," added Cabot. "Even with that kind of power, it is expected to use less fuel compared to similar sports cars, so M6 Convertible owners will be able to enjoy the sun for longer before having to fill up this summer."

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 leading 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.