A twist on the midsize BMW 5 Series, the 535 Gran Turismo wears a tall hatchback body that stops just short of crossover height. The result is a spacious touring car with more versatility and cargo space than any sedan can offer. Although it may look unconventional on the outside, the Gran Turismo is pure 5 Series underneath with proven mechanicals and a feature-rich interior.
What's New For 2015
A sport steering wheel and LED foglamps are now standard.
Choosing Your BMW 535 Gran Turismo
As the junior model in the 5 Series Gran Turismo family, the 535 is powered by a turbocharged 3-liter six-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, and you can opt for BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. The six-cylinder carries an automatic stop-start features to assist with fuel economy. A self-leveling rear air suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels complete the mechanical setup.
Every 535 Gran Turismo comes standard with a leather and wood interior, driver memory settings, navigation with integrated smartphone apps, a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, adaptive xenon headlamps, and front and rear parking sensors. The 12-speaker sound system includes HD radio and a CD player. The liftgate offers an integrated "trunk" lid than be opened independently of the glass area.
The Gran Turismo comes in two optional design lines: Luxury and M Sport (last year's Modern line is gone). The Luxury gets specific 19- or 20-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery and special interior trim. The M Sport line gets different wheels, an aerodynamic body kit, dark exterior trim and sportier interior appointments.
All models can get a series of option packages, starting with the Premium, which adds keyless ignition, a hands-free power tailgate, automatic soft-close doors and satellite radio. The Luxury seating package gets you 20-way ventilated front seats with massage functions. Heated seats all around are part of the Cold Weather Package, which also tacks on a heated steering wheel and headlamp washers. You get LED headlamps and automatic high beams with the Lighting package.
The Driver Assistance package bundles a rearview camera with a head-up display. A Plus version of the same throws in blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, a surround-view camera system, active collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control. Sporting types will appreciate the Dynamic Handling package, which equips the Gran Turismo with an adaptive suspension and active roll stabilization for greater confidence in the twisties.
There are some interesting individual options to consider, including four-wheel steering, an automated parking system, an ultra-premium 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and infrared night vision with pedestrian detection
Because the Gran Turismo has a higher center of gravity and more mass than the 5 Series sedan, it doesn't handle with quite the same precision. If that matters to you, the Dynamic Handling package is money well spent.