Recently the cars were shown and driven at Voss BMW and BMW of Dayton (Evans Motorworks), and both dealers invited their customers in. Events like this usually are restricted to dealers and their employees, according to BMW.
“We have 40 preregistered and we expect a lot of walk-ins,” said Joel Macloud, general manager at BMW of Dayton (Evans Motorworks). “We love events like this, and we’re pretty active with our customers, hosting something special nearly every quarter, but this is cool, especially having the Mercedes E350 along for comparison driving,” he added.
The cars available for test drives included the 535i and 550i, as well as the new crossover 535i Gran Turismo and the 550i Gran Turismo. In addition, there was a Mercedes E350, which is comparable to the BMW 5 Series.
The Gran Turismo versions, which are totally new to BMW, feature a swept-back roofline and a dual-purpose truck/hatchback door.
“This Gran Turismo features the leg room of the 7 Series cars, the headroom and cabin of the X5, and the drivability of the 5 Series machine,” explained Voss sales associate Aaron Kerstanski. “You can have the TwinPower Turbo 6 in the 535i, or go for the 400-horsepower of the TwinPower Turbo V-8 in the 550i, but in either case, you still get the fold-down rear seats, a variety of configurations for carrying things, a standard trunk if you want, or the hatchback opening, plus the handling of a car.”
I test drove the 535i Gran Turismo, and without a doubt, it handles much more like a car than a crossover. I might have been guilty of ignoring the posted speed on some back roads and twisty turns in Greene County, but a turn marked 25 mph was taken at nearly twice that speed without so much as a whimper. Actually, the GT dug down deep as we got through the turn, giving me a feeling of total control and confidence.
Acceleration is outstanding, 0-60 in 6.2 seconds, while estimated mileage for the 300-hp twin turbo inline 6 is 19 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway.
The dash also combines the simplicity of an analog tachometer and speedometer, while offering a black panel display technology for the audio and navigations system and various other cabin controls.
Edwin Hernandez of Beavercreek was at BMW of Dayton test-driving the 535i.
“Both my wife and I drive 328s and we’re looking for a bigger car, and this just might be it. It has tons of power, rides like a sedan, yet handles like a sports car. The suspension is excellent — great feel for the driver, yet it’s not a rough ride. You really do have to pay attention though, because this car is fast — real fast.
“The dash is a little techy, and for some, they might be scared, but I’m techy, and I love it,” he added.
Longtime BMW owner Larry Miller drove the 535i at Voss and was impressed, which is no easy feat for the man who has owned 15 BMW’s.
“I currently drive a 2001 530i Sport, and BMW almost lost me as a customer during the last round of models. I waited with eager anticipation, hoping they would get back to basics, and the 2011 535i I drove today helped relieve some anxiety,” Miller said.
The positives for Miller included: “It runs like a scalded dog; iDrive is now usable; the cockpit now looks like a BMW; the ride is smooth, even when pushed; you point it at a corner and it rotates and goes; fit and finish are superb.”
Miller also had some criticisms, “It weighs 500 pounds too much. This BMW owner is not impressed with the unloved electronic technology built in; flaky brake pedal feel, and small steering wheel grip.” Miller does have a verdict, “I’m in love again. This is a serious candidate to replace my 530i.”
John Rigano of Beavercreek was at BMW of Dayton, and drove the Mercedes E350 first, then the 535i GT.
“The Mercedes has a lot of body roll, the steering is pretty soft and it just doesn’t have much power. The BMW is much more responsive and it’s very quick,” he said. “I don’t care much for the GT styling, so I’m heading over to get in a 535i sedan. That’s the car I really like.”
Nancy Beers of Bellbrook was at Voss BMW, and wanted to drive an X5.
“My husband and son both drive BMW, but I bought a Lexus RX330 because I didn’t like the X5 a few years back — the seats were uncomfortable, the ride was rough. I guess BMW listened, because I just drove an X5 and I’m really impressed. I want a four-wheel-drive car, but I just heard a new X3 is coming out in the fall, so I’ll wait to test that too, but I really like what BMW has done with all of these cars.”
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