NADAguides.com Honors BMW 328i Sedan for Its Value Among Luxury Peers

PEABODY, MASS. (08/22/2012)(readMedia)-- Value is not a word typically used when describing luxury vehicles, but NADAguides.com believes that money-saving considerations like fuel efficiency, depreciation and pricing help make the 2013 BMW 328i sedan a wise choice for luxury car shoppers. The vehicle-information provider has named BMW's best-selling model as its Featured Vehicle of the Month for August, citing not only the luxury sedan's power and innovative features, but also its best-in-class fuel economy and favorable first-year resale value.

While NADAguides.com considers the BMW 3 Series' value-based benefits undeniable factors in the buying process, its own recent poll found that consumers instead rank high performance as their top reason to buy a luxury vehicle. Redesigned for the 2012 model year, the sixth-generation BMW 3 Series delivers in that department as well, featuring a standard four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, improvements of 10 horsepower and 60 pound-feet of torque compared to its six-cylinder predecessor. Even with that output boost, the 2013 BMW 328i sedan returns up to 33 mpg on the highway with its standard eight-speed automatic transmission.

"The value of the BMW 328i may not matter much to buyers once they experience the sedan's excellent driving dynamics and intuitive technology, but it is unsurpassed in the segment," said Marshal Cabot, general manager of BMW of Peabody, a BMW dealer in Massachusetts. "There is a reason that the 3 Series has consistently been the best-selling car in its class for 12 years, and it's because BMW holds every aspect of car ownership up to its high standards."

For luxury buyers that prefer their advanced driving dynamics coupled with even more space, the next-generation BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon will be going on sale next spring. Offering either rear- or all-wheel drive, the 2013 BMW 328i Sports Wagon gains a few inches both in length on the wheelbase and width on the rear track to improve rear legroom and cargo room. Meanwhile, rear loading has been made easier with a low trunk lip that is only 24.4 inches off the ground, as well as split 40/20/40 rear seats that can accommodate longer objects without them intruding into passenger space.

Like its sedan brother, the 2013 BMW 328i Sports Wagon will receive the automaker's 240-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and fuel economy is expected to be similar. BMW says that the Sports Wagon will zip from zero to 60 mph in six seconds flat, just a tenth of a second behind the new 328i sedan.

According to a report from U.K. publication Autocar, another 3 Series model, the BMW 3 Series GT concept, is slated for debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. Though it is unclear whether the vehicle will be headed stateside, the liftback 3 Series GT concept is anticipated to feature an even longer wheelbase for more legroom and load space than both the sedan and Sports Wagon models.

"BMW is always thinking of ways to meet the needs of a broader group of luxury buyers with its 3 Series, whether it is the choice of drivetrains, body styles or trim levels," added Cabot. "Regardless of the model you choose though, you'll get the same sense of satisfaction once you get behind the wheel and feel the connection with the pavement below."

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.