Beach buggies – BMW’s venerable 5-series is preserved with the the 2021 BMW 540i xDrive
by Craig Hymovitz
When BMW adopted the larger, 7-series architecture for their 5-series stable, many enthusiasts wondered if that move would signal the beginning of the end for the legendary performance orientation 5-series.
The jury is still out on that question, but BMW has made a number of improvements and revisions to the 2021 BMW 540i xDrive Sedan we tested this week and we like the new features.
The biggest change comes to the powerplant in the form of a 48-volt hybrid system, which helps the 540i xDrive better compete with its luxury sedan competitors from around the globe.
Using a 3.0 liter twin turbo inline 6 cylinder DOHC engine, paired with the 48-volt hybrid system, the 540i provides 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque routed through a silky smooth shifting, 8-speed automatic transmission with adaptive modes for more personalization.
The resulting performance is a quick romp from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 4.6 seconds, and a quarter mile time of 13.3 seconds at 106 miles per hour, all while delivering a not so thirsty 23 mpg city, and 31 highway.
With the twin turbos whirring battery help, 8-speed gearbox and adaptive sport/sport+ modes, the xDrive felt more than capable on the back roads of PV and on a couple of our favorite stretches of South Bay blacktop. The entire package is powerful and robust and the feel from the driver’s seat is solid, urgent and confident.
Attacking some of the switchback roads on the hill, our tester leveraged BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, Dynamic Traction and Stability programs, active roll bars and suspension dampers to give the sedan excellent reflexes, and a tight, road hugger stance while maintaining its luxury car character. Our Alpine White test subject was also equipped with BMW’s M-sport package ($3,300), which gained us variable sport steering, 19-inch wheels, m-sport brakes, a lower ride height, and a host of internal and external cosmetic enhancements.
Inside, we enjoyed the cabin’s luxurious appointments, including leather seating with front heaters and coolers, a heads up display system, aluminum trim pieces, and an Anthracite headliner.
BMW has also integrated Apple’s CarPlay and Android compatibility into its user system, as well as offering a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, Harman Kardon sound system with Sirius XM radio, and an iDrive controller for accessing all the toys.
Safety features continue to advance with this year’s model yielding keyless entry, adaptive LED headlights, rear view camera, a full host of airbags, distance control, and active blind spot detection, in addition to the m-sport 4-wheel ventilated ABS braking ,and cornering brake control.
Our overall impression of the new 540i is that the new model continues the venerable lineage of the 5-series with new features and technology that actually improve the vehicle, ,regardless of whether it’s made some trade-offs on the high performance side.
Our tester started at $61,750, but topped out at $77,935 after our test vehicles packages and options.
Craig Hymovitz may be reached at Craig@EasyReaderNews.com ER