2011 BMW 535i Review

2011 BMW 5-series

Styling
The exterior design of the new 5-series has softened a little.When you look at it from the side, you could mistake it for a Lexus LS460. Even Infiniti has done a better job than BMW with exterior design if we were to look at the new Infiniti M. We recommend ordering it with the sport package which provides the better looking 19 inch wheels. Another design area which could use improvement is around the front fog light. Somehow it just does not blend well when looking at it from the side.

Value
The cost of all that aluminum and electronics are not cheap and this has driven the price of this car way up. It’s not that the competition from Detroit and Japan are being sold for that much less, it’s just that the new 5-series doesn’t offer a significant leap in any area to justify the higher price. If you are loyal to the BMW moniker, that’s different, but if you are looking for value, there’s plenty of competition at this level for less green.

2011 BMW 5-series

Who should buy it?
This is the perfect car for the well heeled family person with kids beyond the minivan stage. It’s a fantastic commuter and capable of taking clients out when needed. It’s not the Gen-Y 3-series or IS350 commuter. For the performance oriented, you will want to go with the 550i to attain 400HP and seats more directed towards track use….but that’s another review.

The Cost of Luxury Isn’t Cheap
BMW provides a fantastic mid-sized car that you can enjoy as well as sharing that joy with family or friends. It hauls around up to four other passengers in comfort and has go fast capabilities while giving the option of sedate and comfortable. BMW has updated their 5-series but took a safe design approach to reel in the older Gen-X and young boomers. Unfortunately, the price has gotten out of reach for a lot of people during a slow economic recovery. Only time (and sales numbers) will tell.