Car Research

When BMW calls the 5 Series "The Ultimate Driving Machine", it is not just paying lip service. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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The new 535xi has the classic BMW look with sporty cues such as a hawkish headlight/grille combo. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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The sweeping roofline doesn't impact rear headroom and the 5's seats offer up a good combination of support and comfort. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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A trunk lid that flips so effortlessly out of the way takes a stronger pull and quicker release to close effectively. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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Controls and switchgear are the usual BMW mishmash, which makes it really tough to find what you want to do and is even tougher to do it once you know how. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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The BMW iDrive universal control is much improved but still requires far too much attention for basic functions like adjusting vent position or change radio bands. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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The new twin-turbo 3.5 inline-six is a marvel, with its 300/300 outputs. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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A coupe-like roofline flows effortlessly into the rear deck. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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On ignition, the front seats snug up tight to occupants' ribcages. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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A glaring weakness is the lack of interior conveniences to which North Americans have become accustomed. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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The suspension keeps the body rock steady on switchbacks, yet soaks up potholes and pavement ripples without sending jarring pulses into the cabin. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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(Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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(Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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A head-up display presents speed, cruise and lane-departure symbols in front of the driver for quick reference. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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A hidden key allows owners to lock the trunk when turning over the remote to valets. (Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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(Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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(Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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(Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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(Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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(Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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(Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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(Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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(Joe Duarte/AUTONET)
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