BMW 540i Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: BMW 540i range
Prices: £39,530 - £42,650 - on the road
Insurance Group: 18
Performance: 0-60mph 6s / Max Speed 155mph
Fuel Consumption: (combined) 25.9mpg
Safety: Twin front, side & window airbags / ABS / DSC
Dimensions: Length/Width/Height 4841/2035/1468mm

PRETTY AND POWERFUL

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BMW has designed a car that not only looks great, but also has the power to back it up. Equipped with a powerful 306bhp V8 engine with BMW's Valvetronic system which eliminates the need for a conventional throttle system which results in cleaner and more efficient running engine, this technology along with the first fully variable inlet manifold, variable timing on all four camshafts and a High Precision Fuel Injection system and you have one of the most advanced and full developed engines available on the market today.

The powerful V8 engine is powerful enough to propel the 540i to 60mph in an impressive 6.1 seconds and tops out at an electronically limited max speed of 155mph; the engine is also capable to produce an impressive 390Nm of torque. Not only does the Valvetronic system provides ample power it also enables the 540i to maintain an excellent fuel economy. Averaging 26.9mpg on a combined circuit of city and highway driving which makes it one of the most economical vehicles in this class.

Along with the improvements made to the engine, BMW has also made some enhancements to the exterior of the 540i. There are now wider air intakes, deeper bumpers, larger wheels and flared sides. There is also the option of adding an optional rear spoiler mounted on the trunk which gives the car a sportier look. If you desire an even sportier look there is also the M Sport package that includes a sports suspension, electric sports seats, aluminum inserts and an M Sports steering wheel that many drivers enjoy.

The interior of the 540i sports a minimalistic design coming with many of the options that BMW is known for. BMW has also included their iDrive system which makes for a much more pleasant driving experience once the driver has become acquainted with everything the system has to offer.

BMW has mellowed the once dramatic shape of the 5 Series by encasing the headlights and turn signals in clear glass, the kidney shaped grill now sits flush against the bumper, the air duct located in the rear has been modified and there are now LEDs powering the horizontal brake lights. The interior door panels and window buttons have been redesigned and are now lighted when it gets dark. BMW has also added eight programmable favorites buttons located on the dashboard so that drivers are no longer forced to rely only on the iDrive system.

The 540i is a well sized car with sufficient space up front, but may make taller passengers feel a bit cramped while riding in the backseat. Equipped with a rather large trunk measuring 520 liters drivers may increase the space simply by folding down the rear seats to provide an extra 1,100 liters of storage space. Drivers may also want to upgrade to the automatic tailgate system that allows for the trunk to be opened at the press of a button. BMW has also included their innovative Brake Force Display which increases the brightness of the brake lights in conjunction with the amount of force that is being applied by the driver.