2009 BMW 535iX
The 535i Continues To Impress
Last year, BMW upgraded its mid-range 5-Series sedan by installing twin turbos on its three-liter engine, and calling it the 535i. This power plant gave the inline-six a real kick in the pants with 300 horsepower—45 more than the old 530i. This engine is a real delight—it’s very smooth and very quick. According to the BMW folks, it will rocket you up to 60 in just 5.6 seconds. And believe it or not, it feels even faster. For 2009, the 535i is unchanged.
The six-cylinder turbo is teamed with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic at no extra charge. BMW’s sequential manual gearbox with paddle shifters is a third choice for $500 more. My test car came with the automatic, which has an electronic shifter, and the Steptronic manual-shift mode. But it had no paddle shifters, which was a shame, because the shift pattern works the direct opposite of most other cars, and can be confusing. However, when I got the shifts right, they were quick and positive.
My test car came with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This “intelligent” AWD uses input from the stability control sensors, and the accelerator, to maximize traction. When wheel spin is detected, the electronically controlled multi-disc clutch shifts power in a microsecond to the axle with the most grip. If you have to drive in snow, xDrive is a good feature to have.
The 535i looks the same as last year’s car, and I’m not a big fan of this design. It lacks the strong character of the previous 5-Series sedans, and is not as crisp as the current 3-Series. BMW made some minor upgrades to the interior last year, like larger door pockets, but the storage space up front is still minimal, and BMW continues to use flimsy cup holders that spring out of the dash. However on the positive side, the iDrive system that controls audio, navigation, air conditioning and telephone is now more manageable with programmable “favorites” buttons.
The 5-Series sedans sit four adults comfortably. Head and legroom, fore and aft, are more than adequate. Trunk space is also generous at 14 cu-ft. Standard equipment on the 535i includes the BMW’s emergency communication system, the iDrive controller, and an anti-skid system. The latest high-tech options, like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane
Departure Warning are available on the option list. Yet, one option, the IPOD and USB adapter ($400) made me do a double take. Shouldn’t that be standard?
But this minor quibble aside, the most important thing about any BMW is the driving experience. The 535i excels in this department. The taut steering provides the driver with a feeling of control. The nearly perfect balance, front to rear, makes it easy to change direction. And the quick reflexes of this car seem to anticipate what you want to do next. Furthermore, the 535i delivers a smooth and well-controlled ride. Who could ask for more?
The base price for the 2009 BMW 535i xDrive is $54, 225.
Snapshot Review:
Responsive Engine
Terrific Handling
Short on Expected Amenities
