2017 BMW 5 Series 540i Review – Video

 

Size-wise, the new 5 pretty much stays the course. Its dimensions are all within an inch of the previous car’s, except for overall length, which grows by 1.2 inches. Unlike the current 7-series, the 5-series does not use carbon-fiber reinforcements in its structure, but BMW says weight-saving measures such as an aluminum trunklid, roof, and doors pared up to 137 pounds.

The BMW 540i—a badge that once meant the presence of a 4.0-liter V-8—is now home to BMW’s classic inline-six powerplant, bolstered by a turbocharger. The B58 six here makes 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft, just nosing ahead of the 340i’s 320 horses and 330 lb-ft and representing a notable bump of 35 horsepower and 32 lb-ft over the 535i’s turbo six. The factory-estimated zero-to-60-mph time for the new 540i is 4.9 seconds, with all-wheel drive here knocking 0.2 second off that figure.