Has anyone test drived 535i?

 

Yeah, a couple of times. The dealer in Palm Springs tossed the keys at me and said "have fun" so I got some good seat time. It is typical BMW nice and does everything well. The new TT engine is smooth and I could feel no lag. It is really the benchmark for the mid size luxury sport sedan - a really wonderful piece.
My problem with the BMW 5 series is the price. In order to duplicate the HP and features in the RL with a 5er it takes north of $60k. Heck, an anemic 528i with only the premium package is over $48K and for that price you'll get smoked by Jeeps and Suburbans. I like a lot of goodies in my cars, but when you peruse a BMW dealer it is difficult to find really "loaded" models until you get into the 550i or M5.
I was at a local BMW dealer yesterday and was looking at a 535 on the lot that caught my eye (bronze/black) Premium/Sport/Nav: $60K. Guess what? No heated seats! They are optional for $500. It would really bug me to pay $60k for a car and not have that option - even if I never used it. I think that every time I got into the car I'd look at the blank panel where the seat heater switches went and be bitter that I got nickel and dimed.

 

That's the premium the German luxury cars have. The have the heritage and pedigree from decades on the market. The Japanese Luxury cars have been only out since the late 80s and are based off more humble lines; Toyota, Honda, Nissan. These automakers have to add more features and performance for a better price to pull buyers. Lexus is starting to break out of the pack as a value alternative and more towards a bonafide Luxury line where they can charge a premium for that "L" on the hood.

 

I test drove the 535i twin turbo. As anyone will tell you the 5351 handled very well. The acceleration was very strong and if I remember the car was very smooth. However, I was not impressed with the interior( it IS a drivers car) As been said, value for the dollar, was not there for me. I will say it again, I do not know of any better value in the high end market then the RL. I believe the 535i would have cost 60K equip as good as our 43K RL. I would recommend that you test one for yourself. The BMW might just be your ticket.

 

Yeah and I call that the idiot tax. If someone is dumb enough to buy something based on the "prestige" or "heritage" then they deserve to get gouged.

 

You do not want to own the twin turbo after warranty, IMO.