2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo xDrive Review
 

The changing demands of today’s new car shoppers are resulting in more and more genre-busting models like the BMW 535i Gran Turismo. One of the Bavarian brand’s latest model lines, this cruiser lives in the same ballpark as machines like the Toyota Venza and Honda Accord Crosstour as a mishmash of car, crossover and wagon.

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Here’s the skinny: BMW’s latest work takes a shot at reviving the ‘Gran Turismo’ vehicle class from days gone by. A big, majestic five-door hatch, the new ‘GT’ is aimed squarely towards those after an exceptionally comfortable and spacious non-SUV tourer that’s ready for four or five adults and their gear.

High tech, meet high luxury
Nobody blends high-tech and high-luxury like BMW, and inside the tester, there was no exception. Aluminum, leather and wood were the trim materials of choice, and designers even applied numerous consoles and displays that surround lucky owners with an air of modern sophistication.

The partially-digital instrument cluster features beautifully integrated multifunction LCD screens, and there’s a massive panoramic central-command screen, too. Oh, and extra points for the earth-shaking stereo.

The tester even got an optional heads-up display which projects vital data onto the windscreen like a fighter jet. Just skip the polarized driving glasses, or you won’t be able to read it.

Voice command? Check. Navigation? Yep. Advanced communications interface? Of course. Radar-guided safety features that let the GT virtually ‘see’ its surroundings? Ditto. Heck, the tester even got an ‘around-view’ parking monitor and side-looking cameras ahead of the front wheels to make parking virtually idiot-proof.

With all the sensors, screens and support systems, the 535i GT is like the roadgoing equivalent of the Starship Enterprise.

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Tranquil trips, slightly sporty
Boldly going for a road trip? The 535i GT offers up comfort in spades thanks to a quiet ride, a huge cabin and infinitely adjustable seats. At-hand storage and cargo capacities are plentiful, and even second-row passengers get first-class treatment thanks to reclining perches, a giant sunroof, and heated leather at all outboard positions.

The cargo hold is generous, and accessed by a dual-mode tailgate that can be opened in two ways-- depending on what you’re loading.

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Even loaded up and cruising at higher-than-advisable speeds, the tetser maintained effortless comfort and low noise levels. Numerous passengers wondered aloud if there was any classier way to travel.

Drivers can toggle ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ settings with a console-mounted switch that alters transmission, suspension and steering settings in real time. Nutshell? The 535 GT is happy to play anything from ‘cushy cloud cruiser’ to ‘semi-sporty rocket-wagon’.

BMW’s trademark locked-down and direct steering feel is largely present here, directing capable and planted handling dynamics. The xDrive-equipped GT felt welded to virtually all road surfaces—including the snow-covered variety.

Of course, this does remain a big heavy car-- and it handles that way. Unlike BMW’s smaller models, the 535 GT doesn’t constantly beg drivers to rip it around bends at speed. It’s comfort first for this machine.

High-efficiency straight-six with dual-power turbocharger
Under the tester’s hood was BMW’s latest three-litre straight six engine with a new ‘Dual Power’ turbocharger system to generate 300 horsepower. The engine is exceptionally smooth, even from its first frigid breaths on cold mornings. It’s very quiet too—though it emits a pleasant and authoritative yelp when pushed towards redline.

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With direct injection, variable valve timing, aluminum construction and on-demand operation of both the water pump and alternator, engineers have effectively employed a slew of tweaks to maximize performance and minimize fuel consumption.

The 8-speed automatic transmission backs this up. Yes, 8. Use the manual mode, and perfectly rev-matched shifts occur quickly and with imperceptible smoothness. Left in drive, the transmission can keep the engine gliding things along below 1,500 RPM in gentle city driving.

Cruising at 110 km/h, expect to burn through about 9L / 100km of premium unleaded. Your writer found that figure very reasonable given the 535 GT’s size, xDrive AWD and available power output.

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Most should find acceleration performance to be above-adequate and liquid smooth, even with the vehicle loaded with gear and passengers. Those who disagree can opt for the available twin-turbo V8, with 400 horsepower.

Gripes?
As it tends to go with cars approaching six-digit pricing, the tester posed little to complain about.

Heavy handling aside, many will wish for a few less warning beepers upon vehicle start up. Firing up the 535GT can see drivers serenaded by 10 seconds worth of beeps and chimes alerting them that it’s cold outside, that they’ve just started the engine, and that they haven’t buckled up yet.

But, end of the day, when it comes to uniqueness, tremendous comfort, flexibility and long-distance peace and quiet, few machines compare. The unique, comfortable and all-weather capable BMW 535i Gran Turismo xDrive is priced from around $69,900.