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.
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.
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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| The unique, comfortable and all-weather capable BMW 535i Gran Turismo xDrive is priced from around $69,900. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
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.
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