2013 BMW 535 Gran Turismo OVERVIEW

In 2010, BMW entered a niche market with the 535i Gran Turismo, a stylistic mash-up that offers wagon-like cargo space and car-like looks. The 2013 model year carries over from 2012 with a single addition: a start-stop ignition that conserves fuel when the car would be idling at a stop.

The 535 GT comes in a pair of trim levels: i and i xDrive. Superficially, the two appear virtually identical: they both feature high-end amenities like 18-inch wheels, HID headlights, panoramic sunroofs and power seats. Their main difference is that fact that the 535i Gran Turismo comes with rear-wheel drive, while the 535i xDrive is an all-wheel drive vehicle.

BMW offers eight optional packages. The Cold Weather Package adds: heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel and headlight washers. The Driver Assistance Package gives you blind spot detection, and side-, top- and rear-view cameras. The Driver Assistance Plus, meanwhile, adds speed limit information and lane departure warning to the Driver Assistance Package.

The Dynamic Handling Package features dynamic damper control and adaptive drive. The Luxury Seating Package installs multi-contour seats, and active and ventilated front seats. The Luxury Rear Seating Package has ventilated comfort seats in the rear, and a four-zone climate-control system.

The Premium Package adds soft-close doors, keyless entry and one year of SiriusXM radio. Finally, the M Sport Package features 19-inch light-alloy wheels (or optional 20-inch wheels), seven exclusive exterior colors, an aerodynamic kit, an anthracite headliner, Shadowline exterior trim, an M steering wheel and an increase to the top-speed limiter.