NADAguides chose the 2011 BMW 535i for its August Car of the Month, "based on exceptional overall design inside and out, smooth power, controlled and comfortable drive, responsive handling and intuitive ahead-of-the-curve technology and safety features," the online automotive analysts said in making the announcement this afternoon.
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Tom Plucinsky, product and technology communications manager for BMW of North America LLC, said today this model reflects the high standards the German carmaker is known for. "The new BMW 5 Series Sedan marks the epitome of modern design and driving pleasure in the world of premium midsize sedans," Plucinsky said. "Through its athletic and executive looks, driving dynamics typical of BMW and innovative comfort and safety features, the sixth generation of BMW’s executive express accurately reflects the standards upheld by the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars."
Two in-line 6 models, the 528i and 535i, and one V-8 model, the 400 horsepower 550i, are available. NADAguides analysts also note in their report that the 535i offers impressive fuel efficiency as well as strong power under the hood.
The 535i RWD comes standard with a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, 300 horsepower, and achieves 28 mpg highway. BMW also offers the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which the German marque says "brings a rear wheel bias to ensure footing and grip without sacrificing the feel."
The 535i xDrive AWD offers 29 mpg highway. NADAguides’ analysts said the engine provides "plenty of continuous power, responsive and tight handling, a comfortable ride on all types of driving surfaces and typical of the 5 Series, the 535i still allows you to feel the road in a controlled and very comfortable manner."
Troy Snyder, director of product development at NADAguides, said this BMW is a great car.
"It’s easy to get comfortable behind the wheel of the BMW 535i," Snyder said. "In just a short amount of time our drive team was able to master the media, climate and seating controls to reach ultimate comfort levels and drive this vehicle at the level it deserves. The 2011 BMW 535i is impressive, aggressive and with executive-level styling."
NADAguides analysts put the 535i on their radar when consumer interest hiked up nearly 32% from the first quarter of 2011 to the second quarter. So far this year, 535i consumer interest has steadily increased month over month with the biggest increase on NADAguides.com coming in February, when Internet traffic went up 45% from a month earlier.
The 535i RWD starts at $50,100; the 535i xDrive AWD, at $52,400.
The interior offers quality, detail and an ergonomic design. Wood-grain accents and soft plush leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel make the car feel luxurious. NADAguides was impressed with the 18-way power multi-contour front seats that conform to the body and provide optimum support and comfort. They also liked the two-way power moonroof with remote.
The 535i comes with Active Blind Spot Detection, which uses radar sensors to monitor traffic surrounding the vehicle and alerts the driver if a vehicle is in a blind spot. It also offers the Parking Assistant, which searches for a parking space and parks the vehicle for the driver.
The BMW Unlimited Service program provides a four-year, 50,000 mile warranty. It includes the BMW Maintenance Program that covers all factory-recommended maintenance services during the four-year period. It also includes the BMW Assist Safety Plan that allows the vehicle to contact the dealership directly when it needs service or maintenance. Plus, a four-year, unlimited mileage roadside-assistance program.
Hawke Fracassa, the owner of two BMW 5-Series automobiles, covers the auto beat from Detroit for TN. Have you driven this car? Let us know about your experiences. Write to Hawke at hawkefracassa@aol.com.
Image source: NADAguides
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