2011 BMW 535i: Bigger, heavier, smoother, with great mpg

Written by Steven Macoy
Tuesday, 07 September 2010 14:31

Daring to tamper with perfection, BMW made its 5 Series midsize sedan bigger and heavier for 2011, and shaved some of the rough edges off its predecessor model’s unconventionally bold lines. But BMW isn’t in the habit of turning its extraordinary cars into routine people-movers.

This is not to say BMW hasn’t missed the mark on occasion. A few years ago, we were disappointed by the Z3 sport coupe’s successor, the Z4. But nothing like that has happened with the larger 3, 5 and 7 Series sedans. Even the diesel-powered version of the popular 3 Series is a delight to drive.

What may be most astonishing about the new 5 Series is its fuel economy. Powered by a twin-turbo inline Six producing 300 horsepower, its EPA rating is 20 mpg in the city, 29 highway. Some reviewers say they’ve surpassed 30 mpg. For a performance-oriented sedan this big and heavy, those are exceptional numbers, diminished only by BMW’s insistence that drivers use premium gasoline.

The exterior styling of the previous 5 Series was controversial, at least among BMW aficionados. While BMW has not shied away from such controversy in the past — witness its infamous iDrive system controlling various internal functions such as climate control and audio, which some drivers are still grumbling about years after it was introduced — BMW designers toned down its mildly radical styling.

Naturally, handling, ride and interior comfort were impeccable. The 5 Series is exceptionally roomy and assembled in Germany to exacting standards. The 5 Series may have gained some weight, but it hasn’t lost a step.

Our biggest objection to the 5 Series’ controls was the transmission shifter. Consumer Reports magazine concisely, and correctly, calls it “counterintuitive.” But like the iDrive, it works just fine once you’re used to it. Until you are, you run a very real risk of going forward when you intend to go backward, and vice versa. You do develop the safe driving habit of starting gingerly after shifting out of park.

Speaking of safety, the new 5 Series wasted no time earning a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Our 5 Series started at $49,600. Loaded with options, including a lane-departure warning system, active blind-spot detection, dynamic handling package, sport package and navigation system, it carried a princely sticker price of $65,425 even though the 8-speed (yes, 8-speed) Steptronic transmission is a no-charge option.

Also available with a 6-speed manual shifter, the 5 Series currently comes with rear-wheel drive only. All-wheel-drive versions should be in the showrooms later this model year, but the sport wagon has been phased out.

The 5 Series is available with a normally aspirated inline Six, starting at $44,550; and with a 400-horsepower V-8: price of admission, $59,700. But this is not out of line with the competition, which includes Jaguar’s XF, Mercedes-Benz’ E-Class, Audi’s A6 and the Japanese premium lines.

Price: $65,425

Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline 6, 300 horsepower, 300 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic

Drive: Rear-wheel

Weight: 4,056 lb.

Suspension: Double-wishbone front, multi-link rear

Wheels: 19x8.5-in. front, 19x9-in. rear, alloy

Tires: 245/40R19 front, 275/35R19 rear, run-flat performance

Seating capacity: 5

Luggage capacity: 14 cu. ft.

Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons

Fuel economy: 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway

Fuel type: Premium unleaded

Steven Macoy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is a longtime car enthusiast and full-time editor who lives in Bethel, Conn.