Starts at $65,800
Rank
2025 5 Series Selector
FAST FACTS
"The 540i is a venerable nameplate with a whole new look and feel. Happily, the turbocharged inline-6 under the hood is stronger and more fuel-efficient than ever, but the tautly styled and suspended sport sedan of yesteryear has been supplanted by a bigger, softer machine that's not easy on the eyes. Still, the 540i's powertrain is second to none, and its relaxed new driving character is easier to swallow if you think of it as a 740i that's been downsized for enthusiast drivers. The 540i may not be a great sport sedan in the traditional sense, but it's an awesome midsize 7 Series."—Ranked #2 out of 6 Midsize Performance Sedans
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. There's only one standalone version of the 2025 BMW 540i, and here it is, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
We can't say enough good things about BMW's B58 turbocharged inline-6 engine, which works magic as usual in the 540i xDrive. The combination of swift acceleration and frugal fuel economy is perhaps unmatched anywhere in the automotive world.
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008, personally driving most new cars on the market every year since. He also served as the project manager for Edmunds' expert vehicle rankings from their inception in 2018, building the product out from the back end to the front end. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has tested, compared and critiqued a ridiculous number of cars in his career.
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