The midsize BMW 5-Series gets a careful but thorough makeover this year, including additional technology and fresh exterior styling. As the six-cylinder model in the revised lineup, the 540 delivers swifter performance without any loss of efficiency.
What's New for 2017
Like the rest of the 5-Series lineup, the 540 has been totally redesigned.
Choosing Your BMW 540
Priced from $56,450, the 540 is slightly larger than its predecessor, but actually weighs less. The credit goes to more weight-saving materials like aluminum and magnesium. The new twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder makes 335 horsepower, 35 more than the unit it replaces. The rear-drive 540 hustles from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 4.9 seconds and returns an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. That's one mpg better than last year's less powerful model.
Every 540 comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and selectable driving modes (Comfort, Sport, and fuel-saving Eco Pro). BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system is available as a $2,300 option.
Other standard features include leather upholstery, wood interior trim, 16-way front sport seats with driver memory, adaptive cruise control, navigation, adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch wheels (19s are optional), and power-folding mirrors with auto-dimming feature. The 12-speaker sound system features HD radio and digital music storage.
The $1,950 Premium Package includes full LED headlights with automatic high beams, wireless device charging, a WiFi hotspot, satellite radio, keyless ignition, and a hands-free power trunk lid. Another popular choice is the $900 Cold Weather Package with heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated and massaging front seats are available in the $1,600 Luxury Seating Package.
The $500 Luxury Package adds an abundance of chrome trim to the exterior. The 540 can go in the opposite direction, too, with the $2,300 M Sport Package, which applies gloss black trim, an aerodynamic body kit, a sport steering wheel, and standard 19-inch wheels.
The Driver Assistance Plus ll Package equips the 540 with all the usual safety goodies for $4,900. The bundle includes active lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with automatic stop/start, collision mitigation with daytime pedestrian detection, and a surround-view camera system. Some features are available in smaller packages for buyers who just want basics like parking sensors and blind spot monitoring. An infrared night vision system remains a $2,300 standalone option.
Turning to performance, the $3,500 Dynamic Handling Package combines an adaptive suspension system with active roll stabilization. The result is greater control and comfort on bumpy road and less body lean in corners. The available M Sport brakes ($650) offer larger discs and high-performance pads.
Finally, BWM offers two surround-sound choices: a 600-watt Harman Kardon system ($675), or a top-end Bowers & Wilkins setup ($4,200) that puts out 1,400 watts.
The Premium and Cold Weather packages are rather essential in a car of this caliber. Our next priority would be the Driver Assistance Plus ll Package, which offers every important safety features in the BMW arsenal at a discounted price.