540ix configurator is up in the USA.

PsychDoc · 11-29-2023, 02:02 PM

Anyone know of any "hands on" reviews of the 540xi? Interested to see how reviewers feel about that iconic in-line 6 compared to the electric cars and the 530.

Also, does anyone know if the interior ambient lighting in the 540 is better or different from the 530? I read somewhere that the 540 ambient lighting is, in fact, different and better than that found in the 530.

PsychDoc · 11-29-2023, 06:23 PM

I'll share my take on the G60 (ICE variants). I was going to order the new M-B E-Class but there seem to be some significant delays that may delay delivery for up to a year. It also has weird packages that contain items I have no interest in and which drive up the price pretty wildly. The G60, OTOH, is very fairly priced and the Executive package has everything I'd possibly want in a vehicle. I've owned two previous 5's and been extremely happy with them. I've owned them each for over six years and they've been incredibly reliable with no significant maintenance issues. The reliability of the M-B is a bit more of a question mark. I much prefer the external design of the new E-Class but I think the interior is a bit over the top... kind of "Tokyo at night." BMW handles the interior much better in my view. It's still exciting and fun but it seems to be much more well integrated and, for lack of a better word, 'adult.'

The exterior of the G60 is something that will take some getting used to, particularly the front view. I really like the rear and the tail light design but I think BMW really should have offered some more interesting paint color choices. The interior color options are also underwhelming both with the upholstery choices and the dashboard wood options. M-B has far nicer available choices here. But as a complete package taking into account ride, seat comfort, handling, price and reliability I think the G60 pulls ahead so that's where I'm putting my money. The fact that I'll probably receive the vehicle in early March is another huge plus as the availability of the MB is one huge question mark at this point.

As with most things, this is all very subjective, of course, but those are some of my thoughts.

JMD · 11-30-2023, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrsarchy

I think this vehicle has the worse wheels options ever for a BMW. What a disaster this car is.

Agree! The 938M (Staggered) would be the wheel of my choice for this new chassis!!

RJH52 · 11-30-2023, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMD

Agree! The 938M (Staggered) would be the wheel of my choice for this new chassis!!

Those are what I chose. Although I wish it was a true 5 spoke wheel.

11-29-2023, 02:02 PM	#45
PsychDoc Lieutenant 1832 Rep 492 Posts Drives: 2024 540ix Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Anyone know of any "hands on" reviews of the 540xi? Interested to see how reviewers feel about that iconic in-line 6 compared to the electric cars and the 530. Also, does anyone know if the interior ambient lighting in the 540 is better or different from the 530? I read somewhere that the 540 ambient lighting is, in fact, different and better than that found in the 530.
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11-29-2023, 06:23 PM	#46
PsychDoc Lieutenant 1832 Rep 492 Posts Drives: 2024 540ix Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I'll share my take on the G60 (ICE variants). I was going to order the new M-B E-Class but there seem to be some significant delays that may delay delivery for up to a year. It also has weird packages that contain items I have no interest in and which drive up the price pretty wildly. The G60, OTOH, is very fairly priced and the Executive package has everything I'd possibly want in a vehicle. I've owned two previous 5's and been extremely happy with them. I've owned them each for over six years and they've been incredibly reliable with no significant maintenance issues. The reliability of the M-B is a bit more of a question mark. I much prefer the external design of the new E-Class but I think the interior is a bit over the top... kind of "Tokyo at night." BMW handles the interior much better in my view. It's still exciting and fun but it seems to be much more well integrated and, for lack of a better word, 'adult.' The exterior of the G60 is something that will take some getting used to, particularly the front view. I really like the rear and the tail light design but I think BMW really should have offered some more interesting paint color choices. The interior color options are also underwhelming both with the upholstery choices and the dashboard wood options. M-B has far nicer available choices here. But as a complete package taking into account ride, seat comfort, handling, price and reliability I think the G60 pulls ahead so that's where I'm putting my money. The fact that I'll probably receive the vehicle in early March is another huge plus as the availability of the MB is one huge question mark at this point. As with most things, this is all very subjective, of course, but those are some of my thoughts.
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