2023 BMW 540i Review: Luxury & Performance Uncompromised

For decades, the BMW 5 Series has been the quintessential midsize luxury sports sedan, blending performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology into a sophisticated package. The latest 540i model continues this tradition, but does it live up to the lofty expectations set by its predecessors? Can the 2023 BMW 540i still deliver an uncompromising driving experience while pampering its occupants with premium luxury?

The short answer is yes – the 2023 BMW 540i excels at being a true luxury sport sedan thanks to its potent yet refined turbocharged engine, athletic handling, upscale interior craftsmanship, and generous array of tech features. However, there are a few areas where it doesn’t lead the segment.

This in-depth review will examine the 540i’s exterior and interior design, performance capabilities, safety and infotainment technologies, pricing, and how it stacks up against key competitors.

Exterior Design: Sleek, Sporty Elegance

When it comes to exterior styling, the 540i follows BMW’s latest design language of clean, muscular lines blended with a few signature brand flourishes. The kidney grille is appropriately sized – not comically oversized like the new 4 Series – and flows seamlessly into athletic sculpted fenders and taut surfaces.

LED headlights and taillights come standard, while the optional Laser Light system offers extra illumination without blinding oncoming traffic. The 540i’s stance is slightly lower and wider than the previous generation, giving it a more planted, aggressive demeanor. Standard 18″ alloy wheels (19″ on higher trims) fill the swollen fenders nicely.

At 195.8 inches long, the 5 Series has a generous footprint allowing for a spacious cabin. But thanks to its sleek roofline, short overhangs, and fastback silhouette, the 540i maintains a svelte, aerodynamic profile free of any ungainly bulges.

Dimensionally, the BMW 540i is in line with most midsize luxury sedan competitors in overall length and width.

Exterior Dimensions:

• Length: 195.8 in
• Width: 73.5 in
• Height: 57.8 in
• Wheelbase: 117.1 in

Overall, the 540i’s exterior styling is a masterclass in restraint, foregoing the overt aggression of BMW’s M-line models in favor of elegantly sculpted, sporting elegance. Luxury and performance are subtly imparted rather than shouted from the rooftops.

Interior Refinement and Comfort

While the BMW 540i’s exterior exudes road-going confidence, its posh cabin is purpose-built for pampering in true luxury car fashion. High-grade materials are draped over every surface, from the supple Dakota leather upholstery to the choice wood trim, aluminum accents and soft-touch surfaces abound.

The standard 16-way power front seats provide all-day comfort thanks to their highly adjustable nature and available heating/ventilation. Massage functions help rejuvenate weary bodies after a long drive. With the optional multi-contour seats, you can fine-tune upper body and thigh supports for a perfect long-haul driving position.

Rear seat occupants are treated to stretch-out legroom and headroom that leads the segment. In fact, the 540i nearly matches the short-wheelbase 7 Series for overall cabin space. The flat rear floor allows even the middle position to be usable for adults. A rear sunshade and USB ports keep those in back comfortable and connected.

Luggage capacity measures a usable 16.6 cu ft in the 540i’s trunk. While not best-in-class, it’s more than sufficient for a road trip with room to spare. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats allow larger items to pass through when needed. Those seeking even more utility should consider the 5 Series wagon variant.

Throughout the 5 Series cabin, an appreciable sense of quietness pervades even at freeway speeds. Wind noise is virtually non-existent and road rumble is only a distant murmur thanks to diligent sound deadening. It’s a fitting environment for long drives wrapping you in sumptuous comfort.

Dynamic Performance to Keep You Engaged

Peel back the BMW 540i’s unassuming yet elegant exterior, and beneath lies a performance driving machine just waiting to be unleashed. At the heart of the 540i is a silken 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-6 producing 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. BMW’s iconic inline-6 is a paragon of refinement, spinning with buttery smoothness and delivering abundant torque throughout the rev range.

With the low-end thrust of the turbo-6, the rear-wheel drive 540i rips from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Adding the traction of BMW’s xDrive AWD system drops that sprint to 4.6 seconds. That’s serious quickness matched by few in the luxury sedan segment, even in this performance-oriented class.

The 540i comes exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers quick, nearly imperceptible gear changes. Manual control via steering wheel paddle shifters offers some engagement for enthusiasts. Take it into Sport or Sport+ modes, and the transmission holds gears longer and responds crisply to throttle inputs.

For maximum thrills, a rear-biased xDrive AWD system teams with BMW’s standard rear axle steering to deliver point-and-shoot handling response. The steering is beautifully weighted and remarkably communicative. Quick turn-in is matched by composed body control over undulating pavement, allowing you to carve through corners with poise and confidence.

An optional M Sport suspension adds a more aggressive tune and thicker anti-roll bars to reduce body roll even further. Meanwhile, massive M Sport brakes haul down speeds with authority and fade-free consistency.

But perhaps the 540i’s greatest asset is its split personality. While it can play the role of sports sedan when desired, it excels even more as a supremely comfortable and refined daily driver or highway cruiser. In Comfort or Comfort+ mode, the 540i soaks up road imperfections with aplomb while delivering a relaxed, isolated driving experience free of harsh inputs or jarring motions.

The 540i’s rigid chassis and sophisticated suspension tuning allow it to strike an impressive balance between precise handling response and luxurious ride compliance. Few competitors in this class can match this level of dynamic versatility. Whether you’re carving canyon roads or simply commuting in stop-and-go traffic, the 540i tailors its character to suit the driving scenario.

When it comes to efficiency, the 2023 BMW 540i also impresses by delivering an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive. Adding xDrive all-wheel drive only drops those figures slightly to 23/31 mpg city/highway. Credit goes to BMW’s latest 48V mild-hybrid tech which can augment the engine during acceleration while enabling extended stop/start functionality.

Cutting-Edge Infotainment and Safety Tech

Like many BMW models, the 540i shines when it comes to loading the cabin with an abundance of user-friendly technology features. The latest iDrive 8 infotainment system takes center stage with a massive 14.9-inch central touchscreen complimented by a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. This crisp, high-res curved glass display has gorgeous graphics and an intuitive tile-based layout.

Redundant controls for iDrive lie in the center console including a rotary controller along with buttons and voice command functionality. However, the touchscreen is so responsive and easy to use, you may find the traditional iDrive controller unnecessary much of the time.

Standard features include navigation with cloud-based routing, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a booming 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless phone charging and SiriusXM satellite radio are bundled in the reasonably priced Premium Package.

On the safety tech front, every 540i includes Front Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info and a Rear View Camera as standard fare. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package brings advanced systems like Extended Traffic Jam Assist for limited hands-free driving on highways.

Other key features in this package include Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Emergency Stop Assistant and Evasion Aid. The latter can help steer the 540i around pedestrians or obstacles when needed. A semi-autonomous highway driving mode uses navigational data to provide active steering assistance and speed adjustments.

Reasonable Pricing With Many Options

Being an ultra-premium luxury sport sedan, the 2023 BMW 540i doesn’t come cheaply with a base MSRP of $62,700 for the rear-wheel drive model. Adding xDrive all-wheel drive bumps that figure to $64,700. While those may seem like eye-watering numbers, they are actually quite competitive for this segment which regularly sees transaction prices in the $70k-$80k range when popularly equipped.

The 540i comes very well-equipped from the start with standards like the iDrive 8 tech suite, leather upholstery, sunroof, passive entry/start, heated front sport seats and more. From there, BMW offers a healthy selection of option packages and stand-alone upgrades to further elevate the luxury experience.

A few extras we’d recommend include the Premium Package ($1,150) with wireless device charging, SiriusXM radio, remote engine start and heated rear seats. The Driving Assistance Pro Pack ($1,700) delivers an array of high-tech safety aids. And the M Sport Package ($4,350) dresses up the exterior while adding a firmer M Sport suspension along with upgraded brakes and wheels up to 20-inches in diameter.

Those seeking peak performance should take a serious look at the M550i xDrive which packs a 523-hp twin-turbo V8 engine under the hood. Starting at $77,900, it’s a compelling alternative to pricier German rivals like the Mercedes-AMG E53 which can easily crest $85k when equipped similarly.

The Verdict: A Well-Rounded Luxury Sport Sedan

After examining all the data and driving the 2023 BMW 540i extensively, it’s clear this sleek sedan masterfully blends performance driving thrills with premium luxury accommodations and user-friendly cutting-edge tech.

Automotive experts consistently praise the 540i for its refined turbocharged power delivery, eager handling prowess and exquisite ride/steering feel. When driven with enthusiasm, its highly rigid chassis and expertly-tuned suspension deliver engaging dynamics on par with dedicated sports cars.

Yet when driven sedately, the same 540i transforms into a buttery smooth luxury cruiser. The interior is a masterclass of elegant design married to impeccable material selection and build quality. Every touch point exudes a rich, premium feel.

Tech integration is likewise stellar with BMW’s slick iDrive 8 infotainment system and available digital gauge cluster delivering a cutting-edge user experience. Loading the 540i with the latest driver assistance systems can even enable eyes-off-the-road semi-autonomous highway cruising.

Balanced against the high points are a few minor shortcomings like somewhat tight rear headroom for taller occupants and trunk space that trails the segment leaders. The 540i’s starting price is also on the higher side though BMW does offer compelling value through option packaging and finance incentives.

But looking at the overall picture, the 2023 BMW 540i is an exceptionally well-rounded luxury sport sedan that should satisfy even the most discerning driving enthusiasts. Whether canyon-carving or highway cruising, it delivers the signature BMW driving experience wrapped in a sumptuous, technology-laden package. For many buyers, that makes the 540i an easy choice among its competitive set.