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2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon (pictures)

The modestly spec'd BMW Sport Wagon doesn't attract attention to itself, but it's an excellent driver and matches efficiency with pretty good performance.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
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1 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

This is the 2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon.

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2 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

From some angles, it looks pretty much identical to the sedan.

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3 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

In M Sport trim, the wagon's front end picks up a few aggressive styling cues.

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4 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

All 328d Sports Wagons feature xDrive all-wheel drive.

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5 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

Rear-drive M Sport cars feature a sport suspension that's 20mm lower, but the xDrive Sports Wagon firms up while retaining its standard ride height.

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6 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The interior is standard fare 3 Series. Our example didn't come with many optional features.

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7 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0L turbo diesel engine.

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8 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The driver can select between four driving modes -- Sport, Sport+, Comfort, and Eco Pro -- which alter the characteristics of the car's performance.

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9 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The only gearbox that is available on the 328d Sports Wagon is an 8-speed automatic transmission. Fortunately, it's a pretty good auto-box.

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10 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

Power is stated at 180 horsepower. Torque is a much higher 280 pound-feet.

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11 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The xDrive all-wheel drive system defaults to a 40:60 rear-biased torque split.

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12 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

It's a bit longer and wider than a BMW X1 crossover, but is significantly closer to the ground.

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13 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

A motorized rear hatch is standard on the 328d Sports Wagon.

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14 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

Interestingly, while the X1 has significantly more cargo space with the rear seats upright, the 3 Series Sports Wagon has nearly the same amount of total cargo space when the seats are folded flat.

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15 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

A cargo management system is hidden in one of two underfloor storage spaces.

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16 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The cabin is driver centric and comes standard with a 6.5-inch iDrive infotainment system.

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17 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The iDrive interface has gotten so much easier to use over the years, but there are still times when I get frustrated with how it hides certain options.

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18 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The iDrive controller sits on the center console and is easy to reach and understand while driving.

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19 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

Without the optional Technology package, the iDrive system only really displays information about the current audio source or fuel economy info.

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20 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The M Sport package swaps in an M Sport steering wheel that is trimmed in leather, has a thicker rim, and a smaller diameter.

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21 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The amber on black instrumentation is simple and to the point.

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22 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

Push button start is standard, but smart keyless entry isn't, which is odd. Here is also where you can enable or disable the Auto Stop-Start fuel saver system.

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23 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

A wide variety of infotainment and driver aid technologies are available, but adding them all can push the price of the Sports Wagon uncomfortably high.

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24 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The M Sport package upgrades to 18-inch wheels, but this all-wheel drive model sticks with all-season tires, rather than stickier summer rubber.

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25 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The M Sport package also adds an adaptive suspension and variable assist electric power steering. The car's handling and steering effort goes from firm and sporty to smooth and easy with the flip of a switch.

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26 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

Though steerable Xenon headlamps are available as an option, fixed halogen beams are standard and equipped.

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27 of 27 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

The 2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon is a bit of a sleeper. It doesn't attract a lot of attention, but the torquey diesel and grippy suspension and chassis can be a joy to drive.

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