1997 BMW 540i Reviews

It takes a lot of money to make an eco-friendly car look good, apparently, because Teslas are expensive, and no one's calling a Prius pretty. But there is another way; behold BMW's 530e iPerformance.

With the new 540i BMW knew it had to bring its A-game. And using the 7 Series as inspiration, that is exactly what it did.

The seventh-gen version of the evergreen 5 Series arrived here in March, offering a choice of four and six cylinder petrol and diesel models. The 530d is a diesel; the higher spec of two in the range.

The BMW 530e has landed in Australia three months after the launch of the new generation 5 Series sedan and takes its place alongside its hybrid siblings the 330e, X5 xDrive40e, and 740e.

While BMW's 7 Series acts as a techno-flagship for the brand, it's the Five Series where new technologies reach the mass market.

Andrew Chesterton road tests and reviews the new BMW 5 Series 520d, 530i, 530d and 540i sedans with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch in Victoria.

The 540i ($136,900) sits atop the 5 Series tree in Australia, at least for now, and is powered by 3.0-litre straight-six good for a healthy 250kW at 5,500rpm and 450Nm from 1,380rpm.

but most of them want little more involvement than to sit in a comfortable chair and turn the steering wheel.BMW's 540i is a vastly different style of luxury car. It begs you to drive it, not just steer it, and provides a rewarding experience. While the current 5-Series has been around for several years, it was only this year that it gained the quad-cam 32-valve, 4.0-litre V8 from the 7-Series.Nobody builds engines like BMW, and there is no better V8 on the market for stunning delivery of power and torque. The engine in the 540i produces 210kW - more power than even the "hot" V8s from Holden Special Vehicles and Tickford. It also provides 400Nm of torque, ideal for pulling a car that weighs just over 1700kg.Smooth is an understatement for the five-speed automatic transmission which adapts automatically for driving in icy conditions, climbing hills and towing. Acceleration times prove the point. Less than eight seconds for the dash to 100kmh and less than 16 seconds for a standing 400m. Top speed is electronically limited to 250kmh.Handling and roadholding are typical BMW - ideal for the driver who wants a car that performs rather than one that soaks up every little bump and keeps you blissfully ignorant of what's happening on the road.The 540i comes standard with a driver's airbag, anti-lock brakes, ventilated discs and traction control system. Luxury appointments include leather upholstery, air-conditioning, on-board computer, remote-control anti-theft system, cruise control, electric front seats, sunroof, 10-speaker sound system, and walnut trim on the glovebox, instrument panel and centre console.Apart from the badge, it is difficult to pick the 540i except for its wider kidney grille, new bonnet, light-alloy wheels and fog lamps.Recommended retail price is $133,260 which puts it in the same bracket as the Infiniti Q45 and Lexus LS400, although it is smaller than these. If you're looking for a car in this price range to isolate you from what's happening, then you'll probably go for the Lexus LS400.But, if you are a driving enthusiast - and want the luxury as well - then the 540i is for you.BMW 540iENGINE: Quad-cam 32-valve, 4.0-litre V8, five-speed automatic transmissi rear-wheel drive. Sensational engine, almost seamless transmission change points.POWER: 210kW at 5800rpm, 400Nm at 4500rpm. Carries 8.1kg per kW. Less than eight seconds to accelerate to 100kmh; overtaking is effortless.SUSPENSION: Front - MacPherson struts and stabiliser bar; rear - independent by multi-links with coil springs and stabiliser bar. Superb handling and road holding.BRAKES: Ventilated discs with anti-lock system. The car's performance demands this level of stopping power.WHEELS: Alloy 7.0J x 15-inch.FUEL CONSUMPTION: 16.0 average on test, premium unleaded. If you can afford this car, you won't care.PRICE: $133,260.