2008 BMW 535xi

2008 BMW 535xi 2008 BMW 535xi
Rants and Raves

MIKE DUSHANE

What a difference the all-wheel drive system makes. This 5-series leans in corners more than the rear-wheel-drive 550i we had in at the same time. Both had the sport package, but BMW doesn't put sport suspensions on all-wheel-drive 5-series cars, so the package is only cosmetic on the 535xi. Since the xi rides higher than even a regular 550i, the difference between a 550i with the lowered sport suspension and a 535xi is pretty dramatic. Also dramatic is how fast this thing is. With an automatic keeping the boost up, it flies through the gears with shocking thrust. The Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic and the Audi A6 3.2 Quattro aren't even in the same league for acceleration, and the 535xi is so fast that it begs the question of whether the V-8 550i is worth the extra money. I'm looking forward to driving what promises to be the sleeper 5-series, the rear-wheel-drive 535i with the sport suspension.

ERIK JOHNSON

Consider me converted when it comes this new-for-2008 535xi. I'm still not a fan of the other 5-series models—I find the 528i to be too slow—but with the new twin-turbo inline-six under its hood, the 5 is a far more seductive choice. It's fast, it feels nimble, and the new interior is cleaner and more attractive.

On the downside, though, the 5-series' new joystick-style gear selector is ridiculous—why fix something that isn't broken? With a conventional lever, you can select a gear or put the car into Park without a glance or even a conscious thought. This new joystick, though, requires a glance and even a beat or two worth of consideration before you figure out where the gear you want is located. Stupid, stupid, stupid, and another case of BMW techno-overkill. No thanks.

Download this car's window sticker for pricing information.