COSTA MESA, Calif. -

NADAguides.com picked its Car of the Month for August this week by going with a luxury model, the 2011 BMW 535i.

Site analysts explained the BMW 535i was chosen as the NADAguides Car of the Month for August based on exceptional overall design inside and out, smooth power, controlled and comfortable drive, responsive handling and intuitive ahead-of-the-curve technology and safety features.

Additionally, NADAguides analysts note that even with such ample under-the-hood power, the BMW 535i offers pretty impressive fuel efficiency.

NADAguides.com noticed the BMW 535i when consumer interest jumped nearly 32 percent from the first to second quarter.

So far this year, the BMW 535i consumer interest has steadily increased month-over-month with the biggest increase on NADAguides.com coming in February, as compared to January — a nearly 45 percent increase in consumer interest traffic.  

The 2011 BMW 535i RWD offers a starting MSRP of $50,100 while the 535i xDrive AWD starts at $52,400.

“It’s easy to get comfortable behind the wheel of the BMW 535i,” stated Troy Snyder, director of product development at NADAguides.com.

“In just a short amount of time our drive team was able to master the media, climate and seating controls to reach ultimate comfort levels and drive this vehicle at the level it deserves,” Snyder continued.

“The 2011 BMW 535i is impressive, aggressive and with executive level styling. We are proud to call it the NADAguides Car of the Month for August 2011,” Snyder went on to say.

In reaction to the announcement, Tom Plucinsky, product and technology communications manager for BMW of North America, said, “The new BMW 5 Series sedan marks the epitome of modern design and driving pleasure in the world of premium midsize sedans.

“Through its athletic and executive looks, driving dynamics typical of BMW and innovative comfort and safety features, the sixth generation of BMW’s executive express accurately reflects the standards upheld by the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars,” Plucinsky highlighted.

“Two in-line 6 models, the 528i and 535i, and one V-8 model, the 400 hp 550i, are available,” he added.