2010 BMW 5-Series Wagon

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• Exterior
• Interior
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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

Auto writers admire the 535i xDrive Sports Wagon for its exquisite fit and finish, comfy seats and practical cargo hold. However, most find BMW's iDrive system anything but convenient.

• "Interior decor benefits from high-quality materials." -- Consumer Guide
• "Build quality and materials inside the 5 Series are still outstanding, although competitors offer more stylish and less austere environments." -- Edmunds
• "For the money, there are other cars on the market offering similar levels of luxury and, in some cases more interior space, although without all the complicated high-tech wizardry." -- Kelley Blue Book

Seating

Reviewers find the 5-Series' front and backseats comfortable for four adult-size passengers.

• "Power seats and power tilt and telescopic steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position." -- Consumer Guide
• "Supportive seating is provided in both the front and rear, and even adults won't mind sitting in the commodious backseat." -- Edmunds
• "The front seats are terrific - my test car included the 12-way sport seat with adjustable thigh support. The back seats aren't bad, either, with adequate shoulder and leg room for three adults. In contrast to the Mercedes E-Class wagon, a third row is not offered." -- New York Times
• "While not the roomiest car in its class, four adults of all sizes will fit comfortably; a fifth can squeeze in the back for shorter trips." -- Forbes

Interior Features

Like a true Bimmer, the 535i xDrive Sports Wagon comes packed with loads of modern convenience features. Still, critics focus on its all-too-complicated iDrive system.

• "The control layout itself is fairly simple and convenient, but the driver must interact with iDrive for anything other than simple audio and climate adjustments. That complicates most functions and diverts the driver's attention from the road." -- Consumer Guide
• "Inside, a system called iDrive corrals audio, climate, navigation and communication functions using a central LCD screen and console-mounted control dial. We've found iDrive cumbersome to use, although it is more sophisticated than the button-heavy layout in older 5 Series cars." -- Edmunds
• "It uses a single large knob on the center console to control most in-vehicle functions. Although separate buttons for audio and ventilation systems have been added over the years, iDrive remains a chore to use and does the opposite of what BMW originally intended - simplify control operation." -- Forbes

Cargo

The BMW 535i xDrive Sports Wagon provides 34 cubic-feet of cargo room. With the backseats folded, its cargo hold rivals much larger SUVs.

• "Cargo space in the wagon is an expansive 33.6 cubic feet with five passengers aboard, and over 58 cubic feet with the back seats folded, more than many mid-sized SUVs. The flat load area is fully-carpeted, almost four feet wide, and includes handy enclosed bins, bag holder, cargo tie-downs and a cargo net, a power point, and a rolling luggage area cover." -- Left Lane News
• "A section of the cargo floor lifts to expose a divided area to keep packages in place, while the cargo wall has pull-down grocery bag hooks, power plug and compartment for first-aid kit. A pull-out shade hides cargo, and a pull-up net slips into roof holders to provide a haven for your pet." -- Chicago Tribune