2015 BMW 535i Gran Turismo

The 2015 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with standard stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and six airbags (front, front-side, full-length side-curtain).

Relevant options include a night-vision display with pedestrian detection, a self-parking system, side- and top-view cameras and adaptive cruise control with an Active Driving Assistant that can detect a forward-collision threat and stop the car.

In government crash tests, the 5 Series Gran Turismo received a perfect five stars overall, with four stars for front impacts and five stars for side impacts.

Behind the Wheel

Sliding into the Gran Turismo's driver's seat, the first impression is one of unexpected elevation. The GT has more of a crossover-style ride height, so instead of a seat that you plop down into, you're already at hip level when you sit down. Although the standard 10-way power front seats are excellent in their own right, the 20-way multicontour seats (standard on 550i) belong in any conversation about the best automotive seats in the world.

The gauges will be familiar to BMW fans, employing classic white-on-black numerals that change to orange-on-black at night. Interior materials are top-notch, and the graceful dashboard design is basically the same one you'll find in the 7 Series. The widescreen iDrive display looks great, and the latest iDrive controller can even interpret your fingertip scribbles via its touchpad surface.

One way that the 5 Series Gran Turismo outdoes its 5 Series sedan siblings is in back-seat comfort. The bottom cushions provide extra thigh support, and the seatbacks recline for added comfort. The seat also slides fore and aft.

Under the hood, acceleration is strong and smooth with the 535i's inline 6-cylinder, but the star is the 550i's twin-turbo V8. The level of power is absurd for an upright people mover such as the 5 Series GT, making this Bimmer a match for all but the very fastest production cars. The V8 is unbelievably refined too, with so little noise and vibration that it could pass for an electric motor at times.

On the road, the 5 Series Gran Turismo drives exactly like what it is: a tall 7 Series. We prefer the 7's lower center of gravity, but we do appreciate the GT's commanding view of the road ahead. That's not to say that the Gran Turismo doesn't handle well; in fact, this is one of the best-handling family vehicles on the market, exhibiting remarkable cornering composure for something so big and heavy. But the GT really hits its stride on the highway, as its composure at speed makes it feel more like a high-class European train than an automobile. We'll warn you, though, that the optional 20-in wheels noticeably worsen the ride quality, so we'd stick with the standard 18-in wheels or the optional 19s at the most.