BMW 535i GT Review and Road Test

The 535i GT is powered by the new 3.0-liter single-turbo direct-injection engine that now also powers the 335i, producing 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque.  Turbo lag is virtually non-existent and, despite its heft, the GT can go from zero to sixty mph in 6.2 seconds.

The six banger has more than sufficient power to move the GT and it is perfectly mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission (manual shifting is possible by sliding the transmission lever into M).  Behind the wheel, it feels like a BMW, although a slightly heavy one.  The steering is light and precise (more 5er Series sedan like than X5 or X6 like) and the optional active steering system also steers the rear wheels.  Even in tight corners, the GT feels tight and composed while providing a supple and comfortable ride for passengers.  Brakes are responsive and there is no question that BMW’s traditional dynamic strengths are in evidence.

The GT arrived very well equipped.  Standard features include xenon adaptive headlights that illuminate corners when turning, the latest generation of BMW’s iDrive cockpit controller system (more about that in a moment), park distance control for front and rear (with an excellent display on the iDrive screen), and BMW’s Head Protection System in the front and rear (plus numerous other airbags).

Options on our GT included the cold weather package (which provides for heated front and rear seats), the driver assistance package (which includes automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and blind spot intrusion detection), a rear-view camera (a very necessary option given the limited rear visibility in the GT and a feature that will start to be standard equipment in many cars by 2012 <LINK https://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/2010/12/new-transportation-department-safety-rules-to-improve-rear-visibility/>), an iPod and USB adapter, and navigation.

As of September production, BMW supports Apple’s iPod Out functionality. BMW is the first automaker to support this little known and unheralded feature, which allows drivers to see music information (including categorization and album art) exactly as the information would appear on an iPod.  This includes support for Apple’s Genius recommendation system as well as custom playlists.  An in-depth report on iPod Out will follow in an upcoming issue.

For those who want a bit more power, there’s always the 550i GT (reviewed in Executive Road Warrior in our November 2009 issue) with a base price that’s $9,000 higher.  The GT is roughly $8000 more than a comparably equipped 535i sedan and $10,000 more than an X5 but it’s also far more versatile than either of these offerings.  BMW sees the GT as an all-in-one solution for families that want the best of a sedan, an SUV, and a station wagon – and there’s no question that the 535i GT fits the bill quite nicely.

–Jonathan B. Spira is the Editor of Executive Road Warrior and Chief Analyst at Basex, a knowledge economy research firm.

2010 BMW 535i GRAN TURISMO



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