2009 BMW 535xi Wagon

The 2009 BMW 535xi Wagon incorporates all the features of the 5 Series sedans while offering the functionality and expanded cargo capacity of a wagon. With the rear seat up and in place, the 535xi Wagon offers 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to 14 cubic feet for the sedans. That expands to 58.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. A low-liftover tailgate with a separately opening rear window provides access to the fully finished cargo area, while such exterior features as roof rails, halogen headlights, halogen foglights, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing front windshield wipers, and a rear-window wiper all come standard and carry over from the previous year essentially unchanged. Inside, the 535xi Wagon comes equipped with such features as leatherette seats, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar support, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel. A fully automatic panoramic moonroof with a two-piece glass panel also comes standard. In addition, drivers and passengers can enjoy Bluetooth wireless technology, automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player and an MP3 input jack.

Also carrying over from the previous year unchanged, a turbocharged 3.0-liter, direct-injection six-cylinder engine, generating 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, provides power for the 535xi wagon. Owners can opt for either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed Steptronic automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, so drivers can shift manually. BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, as well as Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control, come standard. The 535xi Wagon manages fuel economy numbers of 16/23 mpg with the manual transmission and 16/24 with the automatic. The rear-wheel-drive Wagon rides on 17-inch wheels with all-season tires.

By R. Feeman