The mid-level model in BMW’s 5 Series, the 535 offers a plush motoring experience for five along with an admirable balance of power and efficiency in a midsize luxury sedan. While it's true that today's 5 Series emphasizes comfort over sport, the 535 can be equipped to satisfy all but the most performance-conscious drivers.
What's New For 2015
LED fog lamps and a sport steering wheel are now standard. Last year's Modern design line is no more.
Choosing Your BMW 535
The 535 is equipped with a turbocharged 3-liter six-cylinder that delivers 300 horsepower to the rear wheels. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, although most buyers will be more at home with the available eight-speed automatic. Selectable driving modes allow you to adjust steering, throttle and transmission response. BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system is optional.
The 535 starts out with 18-inch wheels, 10-way power leather seats with driver memory, wood interior trim, a sunroof, navigation, Bluetooth phone and audio, and a 10-speaker sound system with CD and HD radio. There are two available trim lines: Luxury and M Sport. The Luxury line features 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, additional chrome accents outside and special interior trim choices. The M Sport gets a sport-tuned suspension, an aerodynamic body kit, double-spoke 19-inch wheels and specific M Sport trim throughout.
Moving on to option packages, the Premium adds a hands-free power trunk lid, keyless ignition and satellite radio. The Luxury Seating package gets you multicontour front seats with ventilation and massage, while the Cold Weather package provides heated seats all around, a heated steering wheel and headlamp washers.
Full LED adaptive headlamps with automatic high beam control come in the Lighting Package. The Dynamic Handling package firms up the suspension with adaptive dampers and stabilizer bars. The Driver Assistance package bundles together a rearview camera, a head-up display, and front and rear parking sensors. A Plus version of the same throws in blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, a surround-view camera system, active collision mitigation and (optional) adaptive cruise control.
There’s also a vast selection of individual options, including an automated parallel parking system, infrared night vision, four-zone climate control and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The Luxury Seating Package with its exceptionally comfortable seats is a wise investment if you plan on making long trips. We also like the Dynamic Handling Package, which provides tauter handling without the M Sport's aggressive styling touches, which aren't for everyone.