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Modern style meets high mpgs in BMW 535d xDrive (pictures)

BMW gives its 5 Series a diesel engine and all-wheel-drive, creating a car with excellent fuel economy, power, and handling.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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BMW's 5 Series was updated with a new platform in 2010, but the company continues to add features and engine choices.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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As the 535d xDrive, new for the 2014 model year, the car gets a diesel engine and all-wheel drive.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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The 535d xDrive  shows class BMW styling, such as the Hofmeister kink in the side graphic.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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For its diesel engine, BMW includes an emissions cleaning system that uses a fluid called AdBlue.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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Under the hood is an inline 3-liter six-cylinder diesel engine, with a twin-scroll turbocharger.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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The model shows the optional LED headlights.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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BMW keeps its cabin styling simple in this M Sport Line model 535d xDrive.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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Metal trim shows organic curves across the dashboard and door.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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BMW tunes its electric power steering for heft, requiring deliberate input to turn the wheel.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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Paddles behind the wheel activate manual shifts for the eight-speed sport automatic transmission.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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The drive selector sits on the console, next to BMW's latest iDrive controller dial.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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BMW stack the items on its main menu instead of using an icon-based interface.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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A new feature for iDrive, users can trace letters on a touchpad set into the controller dial.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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Navigation maps show excellent and refined detail, with explicit directions on the right.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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The navigation system downloads street views.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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BMW Online includes a number of external data sources downloaded through the car's native connection.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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Integrated Yelp search shows nearby businesses with cumulative ratings.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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With the BMW Connected app running on a connected smartphone, the display shows a Twitter feed.

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2015 BMW 535d xDrive
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An abundance of music sources includes onboard storage, USB drives, iOS devices, HD radio, and a number of music streaming apps.

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