BMW 535i xDrive Sports Wagon


2009 BMW 5-Series wagon
Wagons are unpopular in the States, but the 5-Series wagon is worth a look if you like the sedan but need more utility.

BMW’s 5-Series is an excellent sports sedan that provides an impressive balance of performance, comfort, luxury, and practicality. Americans like the 5-Series line well enough to make it BMW’s second-best-selling vehicle here. But, I wonder how many of my fellow countrymen realize that BMW sells a 5-Series station wagon? It is completely anecdotal evidence, but on my daily drive through Chicago’s northern suburbs, current-generation BMW 5-Series sedans and X5 sport utilities seem to be everywhere, however I rarely see a 5 wagon.

In America, BMW only offers the wagon as a 535i xDrive model, meaning it has BMW’s fabulous twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine and the company’s full-time all-wheel drive system. On the road, the 300-horsepower inline six moves the “longroof” along just fine, and the wagon’s driving dynamics are little different than a comparably equipped sedan. The 535i wagon does give up the X5’s high seating position and off-road ability, both qualities SUV intenders typically value. If you’re torn between sport sedan and sport utility, a look at the 5-Series wagon may be time well spent.