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.
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.
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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| 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. (Photo: BMW) |
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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| 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. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |