[Montaver]

Had a base 5 as a loaner recently, very impressive overall (although some visible cost cutting on the interior, plastic door handles etc). Main thing coming from my M340 was it felt huge, the length in particular made it feel more like a 7 than a 5. Perhaps that’s something you get used to with ownership, but feels very different to a 3/4. Super refined and comfortable though dynamically it drives like a very big car.

[mckman]

Cherry picking from the article.

It is relatively easy to generate impressive acceleration numbers from an EV. BMW used to be the ultimate driving machine which in addition to acceleration, included great handling and braking. We don't get the full performance package anymore and shouldn't be happy about it.

[ASAP]

either the engine is more underrated or the results don't make sense...

the x3 m40i is the same weight as given here... and has the higher 382 hp version and only traps 107 mph barely... no idea where the extra 4 mph is from... unless the extra 28 lb ft of tq gives it that much more speed which makes no sense at all

[Sxs1687]

Very nice!! SoooooOoooOo, what's going on with the M560e? Still happening?! I thought I saw some specs for it online and production starting in Q3-4 2024.

[spuntyb]

that mileage figure is pretty impressive tbh

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by AiredaleDad

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.

The B58 usually dynos about 25-30hp higher than quoted figures, so if we transfer that to the new car, it should be right around 400 hp, which sounds about right.

[Adler11th]

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.

Consumers get spoiled in US, other markets see 1.6 l engines and love em

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Had a base 5 as a loaner recently, very impressive overall (although some visible cost cutting on the interior, plastic door handles etc). Main thing coming from my M340 was it felt huge, the length in particular made it feel more like a 7 than a 5. Perhaps that’s something you get used to with ownership, but feels very different to a 3/4. Super refined and comfortable though dynamically it drives like a very big car.

Yes, it is too large for me--especially on European roads. The G31 already takes up the whole lane.

The new car also has a compromised COG, as it is using a tallish platform designed to accomodate a full EV.


I don't put much stock in C&D anyways. They have gone downhill over the past 8-10 years. The UK mags tend to do much better when evaluating the drive.

[8GranCouper]

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.

I think the most dangerous competitor to the new 540i is actually just across the showroom floor - the X5 which has the same engine standard. This engine in the LCI X5 would make it about as fast and fuel efficient as a G30 540i which already set a high bar.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by 8GranCouper

I think the most dangerous competitor to the new 540i is actually just across the showroom floor - the X5 which has the same engine standard. This engine in the LCI X5 would make it about as fast and fuel efficient as a G30 540i which already set a high bar.

Or the M340i. Better looking. Less expensive.

[8GranCouper]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

Or the M340i. Better looking. Less expensive.

That's a good alternative too but might be too stiff and small for the average 5 Series buyer.

[440i6MT]

I'm curious how much BMW corporate pay those running this site.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by 8GranCouper

That's a good alternative too but might be too stiff and small for the average 5 Series buyer.

1.8” more rear legroom and same cargo capacity. Front legroom is the same.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Sxs1687

Very nice!! SoooooOoooOo, what's going on with the M560e? Still happening?! I thought I saw some specs for it online and production starting in Q3-4 2024.

Not happening. Pretty sure that got scrapped a while ago.

[Sxs1687]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Not happening. Pretty sure that got scrapped a while ago.

[NGT2]

I’ve driven a i5 M60 and I’ve looked at and sat in an E350, but didn’t drive it.

Take the emblems off and I’d rather have the E450, I think. That makes me pretty annoyed with BMW.

But I’m not the target, I guess, because I wouldn’t trade my M550 for either of them. Probably wouldn’t trade my old 2018 540 for either of them, either, if I still had it.

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by 8GranCouper

That's a good alternative too but might be too stiff and small for the average 5 Series buyer.

The G20 is basically the same size as an E39, doesn’t feel like a small car really. Suspension wise a sport trim is very soft, m340 with adaptive is taught but not harsh at all. I have to think you must just really want a 5 series to pick it over the X5 now. The X5 is still the best G series interior that hasn’t been cost cut to hell yet has all the modern tech, drive trains etc.

[BMW5151]

Originally Posted by Sxs1687

Very nice!! SoooooOoooOo, what's going on with the M560e? Still happening?! I thought I saw some specs for it online and production starting in Q3-4 2024.

Where did you see this? Every source I have seen (message boards and some actual BMW NA managers) say the M560e is a dead issue. Shame, as that would have been my preference over the 550e, and appropriate follow up to my about to depart M550i. If I could confirm, I'd cancel the 550e and wait.

[BMW5151]

Originally Posted by JK479

Ah- in the US?

Yes, in the US, land of forbidden options for BMWs!

[DavidXJ]

Such a pity this variant isn't being offered in the UK. Then again, it's a proper inline 6--so that's now heresy.

[JMD]

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/

Good numbers all around!

[jwong77]

It’s B58 with a ZF 8 speed, best in the business, enough said.