[8GranCouper]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Absolutely amazing numbers in performance and fuel economy. Insane trap speed to go beyond 110 mph in a base 6-cylinder.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...i-xdrive-test/

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by 8GranCouper

Absolutely amazing numbers in performance and fuel economy. Insane trap speed to go beyond 110 mph in a base 6-cylinder.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...i-xdrive-test/

It helps if you don't look at it as a "Base 6 cylinder". While it is a 3.0L 6, it's far from Base. Keep in mind that there is a twin scroll turbo in there as well + The mild hybrid which assists in Boost and Launch modes with an additional 13 HP (I believe), and the engine alone is developing 375 HP. That's the same as my 5.0L Jaguar V-8 (Non-turbo) in my 2013 Range Rover Sport. With a heck of a lot better fuel economy to boot.

[8GranCouper]

Originally Posted by AiredaleDad

It helps if you don't look at it as a "Base 6 cylinder". While it is a 3.0L 6, it's far from Base. Keep in mind that there is a twin scroll turbo in there as well + The mild hybrid which assists in Boost and Launch modes with an additional 13 HP (I believe), and the engine alone is developing 375 HP. That's the same as my 5.0L Jaguar V-8 (Non-turbo) in my 2013 Range Rover Sport. With a heck of a lot better fuel economy to boot.

That's fair but I call it the base engine because the actual upgrade is the S58. The B58 is just BMW's workhorse 6-cylinder yet it's already comparable to the performance of TTV8's from a decade ago. Like the 0-60 is only .1 seconds slower to 60 and .4 seconds slower to the quarter mile than the G30 M550i.

Quite frankly I wouldn't be surprised if the new B58 measurement on a dyno is comparable to the new Stellantis high-output inline 6 that they claim makes some 530 HP. Except this one can net you fuel economy comparable to a Camry unlike the Stellantis gas guzzler.

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by 8GranCouper

That's fair but I call it the base engine because the actual upgrade is the S58. The B58 is just BMW's workhorse 6-cylinder yet it's already comparable to the performance of TTV8's from a decade ago. Like the 0-60 is only .1 seconds slower to 60 and .4 seconds slower to the quarter mile than the G30 M550i.

Quite frankly I wouldn't be surprised if the new B58 measurement on a dyno is comparable to the new Stellantis high-output inline 6 that they claim makes some 530 HP. Except this one can net you fuel economy comparable to a Camry unlike the Stellantis gas guzzler.

True. I always felt BMW Underrated their engines for some reason. I wouldn't be surprised if their claimed 375 HP is more like 450. The B58 is also found in so many different HP ratings in so many different vehicles as well. I just wish they made an option or a kit for the exhaust pipes to come out the back like the previous versions and the M5. Maybe MSport will come out with one.

[MongoTom]

I’m looking forward to a longer review. The 550e we have ordered is nearly option identical to this car. The numbers delivered are as good or better than the 2006 base Corvette we’re replacing. Love that highway mileage number!

[BMW5151]

Performance (speed) seems great. But when you read the article, be sure to look at the comments comparing the car to a new MB E450 they had on hand. Seems that the E is the better "sport sedan." Obviously the 540ix did not have the 2VV option (adjustable dampers and rear steering) as it is normally not available in US models. MB does offer those features on the E450, but MB now sits very low on surveys from both JD Power and Consumer Reports for reliability, software issues, etc. Regardless, I happily have a 550e on order, only because I was able to special order 2VV.

[BMW5151]

Originally Posted by MongoTom

I’m looking forward to a longer review. The 550e we have ordered is nearly option identical to this car. The numbers delivered are as good or better than the 2006 base Corvette we’re replacing. Love that highway mileage number!

Some overseas reviews of the 550e are quite encouraging. Remember, in most other parts of the world you can get the handling features that are really a challenge to obtain in the US. The cars in these tests are undoubtedly equipped at the very least with the rear steering and adaptive dampers, and I perhaps also the active anti-roll bars. All of which were formerly available in the G30 in the US.

https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-re...series-hybrid/

https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/...rt/first-drive

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by 8GranCouper

Absolutely amazing numbers in performance and fuel economy. Insane trap speed to go beyond 110 mph in a base 6-cylinder.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...i-xdrive-test/

Wow, 4.0 seconds. I always smile at BMW's conservatism in reporting their numbers. I guess over delivering and understating a bit, always ensures that people are pleasantly surprised. I'm also really pleased with the gas mileage numbers they got.

[dradernh]

As I work to determine whether an M440i xDrive Gran Coupe or a 540i xDrive will best meet my needs, this pair of questions continually vex me:

1 – when I'm still just waking up and am in bumper-to-bumper traffic with only two sips of coffee in me, should I use my car's superior power to beat the housewife next to me in her bathrobe and her 5.9 second minivan with two kids strapped in back and only 3¾ minutes before she has to drop them off (more importantly in this context, of course, do I wish to impede her progress as she works to make this a country in which we live); and,

2 - I forget...I've totally lost my train of thought.

Re: #2 above – how many more RWHP does Carbahn offer for a contemporary 540i? Does anyone know, because at present I'm rocking 9.5# per RWHP and would like to enjoy a 5 Series that is at least in that ballpark without having to deal with the reality of a used M550i.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by dradernh

As I work to determine whether an M440i xDrive Gran Coupe or a 540i xDrive will best meet my needs, this pair of questions continually vex me:

1 – when I'm still just waking up and am in bumper-to-bumper traffic with only two sips of coffee in me, should I use my car's superior power to beat the housewife next to me in her bathrobe and her 5.9 second minivan with two kids strapped in back and only 3¾ minutes before she has to drop them off (more importantly in this context, of course, do I wish to impede her progress as she works to make this a country in which we live); and,

2 - I forget...I've totally lost my train of thought.

Re: #2 above – how many more RWHP does Carbahn offer for a contemporary 540i? Does anyone know, because at present I'm rocking 9.5# per RWHP and would like to enjoy a 5 Series that is at least in that ballpark without having to deal with the reality of a used M550i.

A 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds for a minivan was quite generously optimistic of you! Does this factor in a 30-degree declined roadway?

[Scrapula]

Here is what Car & Driver said of the i5 after it lost to the Ionic 5N for EV of the year.

Highs: Blazingly quick in M60 guise with plenty of performance in the eDrive40 too, a quiet and composed cruiser, nearly intuitive infotainment interface.

Lows: Artificial steering feel hampers the fun factor, over reliance on touch controls, stiffly padded seats, the $85k M60 represents a big up charge over the $68k eDrive50.

Verdict: An EV so thoroughly normal and competent, you almost forget it’s even an EV.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

A 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds for a minivan was quite generously optimistic of you! Does this factor in a 30-degree declined roadway?

Let me help, if I can: what matters – above all else – is how many bath-robed housewives on their way to their drop-offs have flat smoked cool kids who had no idea what was taking place.

tldr; no need to get hung up on the numbers.

hth

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by Scrapula

Here is what Car & Driver said of the i5 after it lost to the Ionic 5N for EV of the year.

Highs: Blazingly quick in M60 guise with plenty of performance in the eDrive40 too, a quiet and composed cruiser, nearly intuitive infotainment interface.

Lows: Artificial steering feel hampers the fun factor, over reliance on touch controls, stiffly padded seats, the $85k M60 represents a big up charge over the $68k eDrive50.

Verdict: An EV so thoroughly normal and competent, you almost forget it’s even an EV.

Drawing enough distinctions between the 5 and 5N, while still keeping the comparison relevant must have been difficult to do. At 70k the interior of the Hyundai while passable, looks pretty plasticky. If they thought the BMW seats were stiff, they probably spent little time in the Ionic 5N. A coworker had one, and I felt like I'd have needed a chiropractor after a distance trip.

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

Drawing enough distinctions between the 5 and 5N, while still keeping the comparison relevant must have been difficult to do. At 70k the interior of the Hyundai while passable, looks pretty plasticky. If they thought the BMW seats were stiff, they probably spent little time in the Ionic 5N. A coworker had one, and I felt like I'd have needed a chiropractor after a distance trip.

A friend of mine had a Hyundai Sonata. I have arthritis in my back and it was killing me after 30 minutes.
I think they were having too much fun with simulated gear shifts to notice the cheapness inside.

[BimmerGuyFL78]

Originally Posted by Scrapula

Here is what Car & Driver said of the i5 after it lost to the Ionic 5N for EV of the year.

Highs: Blazingly quick in M60 guise with plenty of performance in the eDrive40 too, a quiet and composed cruiser, nearly intuitive infotainment interface.

Lows: Artificial steering feel hampers the fun factor, over reliance on touch controls, stiffly padded seats, the $85k M60 represents a big up charge over the $68k eDrive50.

Verdict: An EV so thoroughly normal and competent, you almost forget it’s even an EV.

I can’t find the link to read the review of the i5 as a condendor for Car and Drivers EV of the year. Where can I find and read the review?

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by dradernh

As I work to determine whether an M440i xDrive Gran Coupe or a 540i xDrive will best meet my needs, this pair of questions continually vex me:

1 – when I'm still just waking up and am in bumper-to-bumper traffic with only two sips of coffee in me, should I use my car's superior power to beat the housewife next to me in her bathrobe and her 5.9 second minivan with two kids strapped in back and only 3¾ minutes before she has to drop them off (more importantly in this context, of course, do I wish to impede her progress as she works to make this a country in which we live); and,

2 - I forget...I've totally lost my train of thought.

Re: #2 above – how many more RWHP does Carbahn offer for a contemporary 540i? Does anyone know, because at present I'm rocking 9.5# per RWHP and would like to enjoy a 5 Series that is at least in that ballpark without having to deal with the reality of a used M550i.

If I am stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic I am enjoying my coffee and that B&W sound system, while allowing the car to drive itself. I just let the housewife get ahead and wave as she passes. Now once the traffic opens up , So do I open the throttle. Beware the jackass going 50 MPH in the fast lane. (In the EU you can get a ticket for slowing traffic for riding in the left lane without passing. You flash your lights and the guy in front GETS OVER! No cussing, flipping the bird or road rage.)

Seriously 5.9 for a minivan? Did they put a Hemi in that Grand Caravan?

I also spent some time deciding between the M340iX, M440iX and the 540iX. I opted for the 540 because it was more in line with what I am looking for in a grownup car. Lol. Now that I am in my mid 50's, I have bad knees, and my wife has a bad back and Sciatica, so crawling in and out of low slung cars on a daily basis, needs to be in my past. It's bad enough in my little Mercedes where the seats are on the floor, which is about 4 inches off the pavement. Yeah, it's fun to drive, but when you dread getting in and out.... I also am not an SUV guy. My wife is, and bless her for it. But I am a car guy. Now, I got it as MSported out from the factory as I could, because I am also not a plain, base model guy. But I will get a sports car for the weekends, and stick with my 5er for daily driving.

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by BimmerGuyFL78

I can’t find the link to read the review of the i5 as a condendor for Car and Drivers EV of the year. Where can I find and read the review?

They only wrote the article for the Ionic. Every other car is in a sidebar throughout the magazine. The BMW snippet is on page 40.

[Bimmerfun82]

Love the highway range. I’d keep it close to the base price. Still looks a bit ugly to me.

[hufington]

Heck of a performance. Wish it was good looking as well.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

Performance (speed) seems great. But when you read the article, be sure to look at the comments comparing the car to a new MB E450 they had on hand. Seems that the E is the better "sport sedan." Obviously the 540ix did not have the 2VV option (adjustable dampers and rear steering) as it is normally not available in US models. MB does offer those features on the E450, but MB now sits very low on surveys from both JD Power and Consumer Reports for reliability, software issues, etc. Regardless, I happily have a 550e on order, only because I was able to special order 2VV.

Ah- in the US?

[cfm56d7b]

There is another perspective to explore about the 2025 540i xDrive sedan: what else is out there offering the same combination of performance, comfort, price, and intangibles such as driver ergonomics? Over reliance on touch controls to be forgiven for now.

Unable to locate a worthy competitor.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

There is another perspective to explore about the 2025 540i xDrive sedan: what else is out there offering the same combination of performance, comfort, price, and intangibles such as driver ergonomics? Over reliance on touch controls to be forgiven for now.

Unable to locate a worthy competitor.

The article seems to disagree and say the Merc is better looking, better handling, more comfortable…

“Well, we were pretty smitten—until a 2024 Mercedes-Benz E450 rolled in like an attractive contestant…Both have a supple ride, though the Benz's optional adaptive dampers can go softer than our BMW's electronically controlled units, making them more suitable to Michigan roads. The 540i takes corners with ease, but there's an aloofness to the handling, largely due to the steering, which is light on both effort and feedback.”