Day-by-Day Review: 2014 BMW 535d xDrive

Photo Gallery:
2014 BMW 535d xDrive

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

Click Image to Enlarge

Hot on the heels of Autos.ca’s comparison test of Diesel Luxury Sedans this week I’m behind the wheel of the second-place finisher.

At least I think it finished second behind the Mercedes-Benz E 250 BlueTec – two out of three Autos.ca journalists chose the BMW as their favourite.

This week is a little different for me, I picked up the 535d xDrive last week so I’ve already had a full week behind the wheel. But I hope this allows me to cover items in more detail. It has certainly allowed me to play with various features and settings for longer periods of time.

Click Image to Enlarge

The 535d (for Diesel) with xDrive (all-wheel drive) has a base price of $68,150 but my tester is equipped with some fairly choice extras that raise the price to a very hefty $83,295 after delivery charge. After taxes in most provinces that is over $95,000 for what is classified as a mid-sized luxury sedan – fairly steep by most standards.

The notable extras in my tester are the Technology package for $4,500 that adds: Active LED Headlights, active blind spot detection, active protection, lane departure and collision warning and a head-up display. The Premium package also adds the following goodies for $4,200: an automatic trunk, rear-view camera, electric rear sunshade, side sunshades, lumbar support, heated rear seats, surround view and Sirius XM Radio.

This vehicle is very well equipped and the combination of the dark graphite metallic paint and ivory nappa leather interior is stunning as well, but the technology and extra features here come at quite the expense – are they worth it?

Pricing: 2014 BMW 535d xDrive
Base price: $68,150
Options: Premium Package ($4,200), Technology Package ($4,500), ConnectedDrive Services ($850), Comfort Seats ($1,500), Driving Assistant ($1,900, – $1,500
Freight/PDI: $2,095
A/C Tax: $100
As-tested price: $83,295

Competitors:
Audi A6 TDI
Mercedes-Benz E 250 BlueTEC 4Matic Sedan

For more information on BMW and the 5-Series visit BMW Canada