You’d think that the title of “World’s Greenest Automaker” would go to a company like Toyota or Honda, but when it comes to being efficient and using renewable resources, BMW is apparently way ahead of the pack.

According to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, the German manufacturer is the leader in practicing sustainability by using more eco-friendly materials and properly recycling their cars. This is why they were named the “most sustainable automobile company worldwide” by the respected environmental authority for the fifth year in a row.

It’s not terribly surprising though when you look at the company’s push to introduce clean diesel cars to the U.S. and their newest effort called “BMW Efficient Dynamics,” which places priority on a car’s low-carbon footprint as well as the heightening of the driving experience.

2009 BMW 335d

A great example of this ideology is the 2009 BMW 335d, which emits 20% less carbon-dioxide emissions than a comparable gasoline-powered car and goes from 0-60 mph in just six seconds. Talk about having your cake and eating it too.

If you’ve ever wanted to treat yourself to a luxurious sports sedan, now’s probably your best chance to get yourself into a new Audi, Mercedes-Benz or BMW. The entry-level offerings from all three companies have each earned top honors in their class through the years and continue to impress with every new model released, and if you have the right clunker to trade in, these might qualify for up to $4500 off the purchase price.

Whether you’re interested the highly-rated 2010 Audi A4, 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 or 2009 BMW 328i, you’ll be happy to know that all three exude German refinement and a behind-the-wheel experience few automakers can match.  This is not to say they are all the same, however. In this post, we’ll go over the differences between these cars to help narrow down your selection and get you into the luxury car of your dreams.

2010 Audi A4

The 2010 Audi A4 is available with two different engines, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 211 horsepower and a 3.2-liter V6 making 265 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, but Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel drive system is available. With the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, fuel economy is fairly reasonable at 21/27 mpg (city/highway). The A4 seats five very comfortably, as Audi prides itself on its interiors. The Audi A4 has the lowest starting price of the three at $31,250.

2010 Mercedes-Benz C300

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 comes with one engine choice, a 228-horsepower 3.0-liter V6, and in two trim levels—Sport Sedan and Luxury Sedan. The Sport Sedan model has a few less bells and whistles than the Luxury Sedan, but is otherwise the exact same car. A sportier-looking grille with a centered silver arrow emblem makes the C300 Sport Sedan stand out a bit more on the road. Another feature that makes the Sport Sedan model stand apart from the Luxury Sedan is the standard 6-speed manual transmission that further adds to the car’s sporty appeal. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive is also available. The C300 Sport Sedan achieves 18/26 mpg (city/highway) and starts at $33,600.

2009 BMW 328i

While the C300 Sport Sedan may sound sporty, the BMW 3-series has a corner on the market when it comes to sportiness. The focus for the 2009 BMW 328i is on precision. Everything from the steering feel to the smoothness of the 230-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6 is carefully tuned to constantly remind you that you’re driving a high-performance sports sedan. Its firm yet compliant suspension and silky smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission make it the obvious choice for true driving enthusiasts. Also, unlike the other two, the 328i is available as a coupe. The 328i comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system is available. The 328i’s starting price matches the C300’s at $33,600 while fuel economy is slightly better at 18/28 mpg (city/highway).

Hopefully by now you have a better idea of which of these three luxury giants you’re interested in. With all the deals going on right now, you should be able to get your hands on one at a great price.

2010 Audi A4 Prices click here

2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 Prices click here

2009 BMW 328i Sedan Prices click here

BMW wants you to know that now is still a great time to buy a new car. To prove it to you, they’re offering to pay your first two months’ payments (up to $1500) when you opt for financing through BMW Financial Services.

This deal will apply to five different models, including the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series and X5.

The best part is that this offer can be combined with the incredibly low APR (as low as 0.9%) financing deals already available! Imagine being able to enjoy a brand new BMW when you go to work every day.

You have to hurry though, because this offer expires 3/2/09 for all 2008 models and 3/31/09 for 2009 models.

BMW 135i Coupe

BMW 335i Coupe

BMW 535i Sedan

BMW 650i Coupe

BMW X5 SUV

BMW is offering Special APRs for up to 60 months on most of its more popular models. These rates are the lowest of the year, and can save you thousands of dollars.  But the deal won’t last long, so if you’re in the market for an X3, 328i, or any of the other models listed below, act fast before this deal is up.  

0.9% APR for the following models
2008 BMW X3
2008 BMW X5
2008 BMW 6-Series
2008 BMW 7-Series
2008 BMW 5-Series
2008 BMW 3-Series

1.9% APR for the following models
2008 BMW Z4 Coupe
2008 BMW Z4 M Coupe
2008 BMW Z4 Roadster
2008 BMW Z4 M Roadster

For the complete list, click here.