2014 BMW 535i Gran Turismo

The 5 Series GT gets tweaked front- and rear-end styling, optional adaptive LED headlights, a revised iDrive system with a new touchpad-enabled controller, and three new trim-package "Lines" (Luxury, Modern and M Sport).  

We're suckers for a smooth German V8, so the 550i is a no-brainer. Drive one and see if you're not instantly addicted to that power. 

Find a BMW 5 Series for sale

The 2014 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is offered in two trim levels -- 535i and 550i.

The 535i ($61,125) comes standard with the 6-cylinder engine, 18-in alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlamps, fog lights, an electronic limited-slip differential, a self-leveling rear air suspension, auto start/stop, a power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with push-button ignition, leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats with lumbar support and driver memory, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, iPod/USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a 12-speaker audio system with dual subwoofers, and the hard-drive-based iDrive infotainment system with a 10.25-in widescreen display, 12 gigabytes of digital music storage, new touchpad functionality and a rearview camera. 

The 550i ($69,025) adds the V8 engine, different 18-in wheels, a sport steering wheel and 20-way Multi-contour front seats.

Options include wheels up to 20 inches in diameter, adaptive LED headlights, adaptive suspension dampers, massaging front seats, power-closing doors, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and a rear entertainment system with twin 9.2-in monitors.

There are also three optional "Lines" to choose from: Luxury, Modern and M Sport. All three add available Nappa leather upholstery, different 19- or 20-in wheel designs and unique styling elements inside and out. Also, the Luxury and Modern Lines include LED fog lights, while the M Sport Line throws in an M steering wheel, Shadowline exterior trim and an aerodynamic body kit.

As for cargo space, it seems there's not much in the trunk (technically 15.5 cu ft), but let's look closer at that cargo bay. The 5 Series GT's lift gate is divided into two pieces, and the lower piece can be lifted independently for access to the area directly behind the rear seatbacks -- that's where the 15.5-cu-ft measurement comes from. So unlike in conventional hatchbacks and crossovers, where trunk space is measured all the way up to the ceiling, the 5 Series GT's smaller measurement refers only to the trunk-like compartment underneath the lift gate's lower half. Translation: It's a useful amount of space. Moreover, if you open the entire lift gate and fold the rear seatbacks down, there's 63.6 cu ft available, a healthy number that puts the GT on par with smaller luxury crossovers such as the Cadillac SRX.