2009 BMW 535i Sedan - Automobile Magazine
But from the driver's seat, it still represents the nexus of BMW's best attributes. Less claustrophobic, more comfortable, and more luxurious than the 1- and 3-series, it's still infinitely more engaging to drive than the bigger, cruising-oriented 7-series, not to mention the various X-crossovers. I was simply astounded by how well it tracked through corners -- better than some sports coupes -- while absorbing bumps as well as on would expect of a $60,000 luxury sedan. It's become popular to compare any decent-driving rear-wheel-drive sedan to the 5-series, but I can honestly say that with the possible exception of the Maserati Quattroporte, I've never been in a car this size that dances so well. In fact, compared with some of BMW's newer efforts, the 5-series cabin seems positively quaint, with a conventional shift lever and real analog gauges. But the mid-cycle face-lift that BMW applied starting in the 2008 model year really improved the look of this car in my eyes. And it's very good when a car that drives this nicely is not offensive to look at. Indeed, as Zenlea pointed out, the 535i handles -- and rides -- incredibly well for a 3700-pound biggish luxury sedan. Source: www.automobilemag.com
