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Mechanical Desktop essentially overlays many contemporary solid modelling techniques onto the AutoCAD platform.
2D AutoCAD entities can be incorporated into profile sketches for sketched features to be generated.
The Desktop Browser gives access to features for editing, reordering and so on.
Model space is used for parts and assemblies with alternative toolsets appearing when switching to associative drawing layouts analogous to paper space.
The range of tools is immense, combining the full AutoCAD, Mechanical and Desktop functionality.
This compilation of techniques is both a strength, offering extensive additional capabilities to AutoCAD users, and a weakness due to the inevitable complexity and multitude of ways that a similar looking result can be achieved.
A part can be inserted into an assembly as an external reference for example but would not visible in the browser or be editable.
By attaching a part it becomes a true part of the assembly and in Release 5 can even be edited in place, making the external file effectively the active document.
Enhancements in Release 5 fall into four categories; modelling features, surface capabilities, productivity and internet connectivity tools.
Of everyday benefit are the improved range of termination conditions for extrusions, sweeps, lofts, and revolved parts.