BMW 5 Series 540i M Sport Review
06 Mar 2017|43,668 views
What We Like
A very established and complete package
Technology-heavy and advanced
Handles and drives well
What We Dislike
Lacking an exhaust soundtrack that would otherwise induce drama and excitement
The saying 'things get better with age' must be true because it has been some 45 years since the first 5 Series was born and the current seventh generation G30 5 Series that you see here still remains to be an absolute hoot to drive.
Despite going head on with strong and steady competition such as the Audi A6, the Lexus GS, the Jaguar XF and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series still manages to lead the way in terms of its driving dynamism and technological forefront.
The eight-speed gearbox is creamy smooth and precise
It's all automotive, not locomotive
More often than not, certain power-heavy cars tend to feel more like locomotive than they should automotive. Not quite so with the 540i. Fitted with a 3.0-litre in-line six-pot powerplant that will send 340 horses and 450Nm of twisting force to the rear wheels from the word go, there is a sense of linearity in which the Bavarian executive sedan delivers the goods.
It could be the way we choose to pilot the Bimmer or the sense of gentlemanly behaviour the car influences you to conduct when behind the wheel. Regardless, it's crystal clear that such a creamy distribution of power and torque has to do with the precise eight-speed gearbox. Cogs are swopped with a perfectly modulated transfer while preparing for the surge of the next suitable gear.
Despite going head on with strong and steady competition such as the Audi A6, the Lexus GS, the Jaguar XF and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series still manages to lead the way in terms of its driving dynamism and technological forefront.
It's all automotive, not locomotive
More often than not, certain power-heavy cars tend to feel more like locomotive than they should automotive. Not quite so with the 540i. Fitted with a 3.0-litre in-line six-pot powerplant that will send 340 horses and 450Nm of twisting force to the rear wheels from the word go, there is a sense of linearity in which the Bavarian executive sedan delivers the goods.
It could be the way we choose to pilot the Bimmer or the sense of gentlemanly behaviour the car influences you to conduct when behind the wheel. Regardless, it's crystal clear that such a creamy distribution of power and torque has to do with the precise eight-speed gearbox. Cogs are swopped with a perfectly modulated transfer while preparing for the surge of the next suitable gear.
While it's true that fast doesn't equate to fun, it's plain to see that the car that's capable of a lightning quick 5.1-second century sprint can be quite enjoyable, too. Around corners, the 5 Series will cover the tarmac with startling accuracy and aplomb. That's nothing short of remarkable considering the car measures over 4.9 metres tip to tip.
The 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder engine is a fun-loving unit
There's so much feel from the communicative steering that every turn meets your requirements as well as expectations while the chassis is so well-sorted that the sizeable car shrinks as your confidence grows. Force it out of a bend too early and the nannies will kick in to remind you that road discipline needs to be in order.
Strangely, however, the car lacks a certain drama that was previously offered in the F10 5 Series 535i, which we suspect could be due to the lack of an aural pleasure that will otherwise induce excitement.
There's so much feel from the communicative steering that every turn meets your requirements as well as expectations while the chassis is so well-sorted that the sizeable car shrinks as your confidence grows. Force it out of a bend too early and the nannies will kick in to remind you that road discipline needs to be in order.
Strangely, however, the car lacks a certain drama that was previously offered in the F10 5 Series 535i, which we suspect could be due to the lack of an aural pleasure that will otherwise induce excitement.
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Tech, tech, drive and check
Tech nerd magnetism characteristics edge the latest 5 Series closer to the G11 7 Series in terms of technology, which should easily excite your inner tech thinker.
It shares similar features such as the Gesture Control capabilities, which allows commanding infotainment by pointing your fingers or by swiping with a hand motion near the centre console, the Active Kidney Grille, which opens and closes to optimise engine cooling and aerodynamic purposes as well as the Remote Parking function via the key fob.
Annoyed with the nannies? You can choose to deactivate them via the iDrive system
Also, equipped in our test car as options are nannies such as the Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning as well as Steering and Lane Control Assistant - a safety feature that ensures you don't serve off your lane by vibrating and putting a slight pressure on the steering wheel against your opposite direction.
The 5 Series also offers an Adaptive mode next to the familiar Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport drive settings. The said new mode is programmed to automatically adapt to the characteristics of your driving style.
Can I tell the difference in and out?
Unquestionably. Fitted with the M Sport package as standard for the 540i, the Bimmer now sports head lights that integrate nicely with the larger kidney grille.
Tech nerd magnetism characteristics edge the latest 5 Series closer to the G11 7 Series in terms of technology, which should easily excite your inner tech thinker.
It shares similar features such as the Gesture Control capabilities, which allows commanding infotainment by pointing your fingers or by swiping with a hand motion near the centre console, the Active Kidney Grille, which opens and closes to optimise engine cooling and aerodynamic purposes as well as the Remote Parking function via the key fob.
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Also, equipped in our test car as options are nannies such as the Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning as well as Steering and Lane Control Assistant - a safety feature that ensures you don't serve off your lane by vibrating and putting a slight pressure on the steering wheel against your opposite direction.
The 5 Series also offers an Adaptive mode next to the familiar Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport drive settings. The said new mode is programmed to automatically adapt to the characteristics of your driving style.
Can I tell the difference in and out?
Unquestionably. Fitted with the M Sport package as standard for the 540i, the Bimmer now sports head lights that integrate nicely with the larger kidney grille.
Obvious creases that run across the sheet metal give the car a more distinctive presence on the road, although some may argue that the current design could be a tad busier than before.
As with the exterior, the interior sports an evolutionary rather than revolutionary in its design. As you would imagine and expect, build quality is second to none and space continues to be generous for five on board, thanks to its increased 2,975mm wheelbase. Its 530-litre boot space remains competitive in its segment.
Unlike before, trapezoidal tailpipes are now standard throughout the different variants of the 5er
Work your money makers, speed-loving merry makers!
You aren't just buying a car here. After spending some quality time with the 5 Series, you'll start to believe that it's an entire experience you're purchasing.
From the cabin and chassis to the engine and everywhere else, the Bimmer reinforces your buying choice by reminding you just how desirable it is amongst its competition.
After all, the 5 Series is proof that things do get better with age.
As with the exterior, the interior sports an evolutionary rather than revolutionary in its design. As you would imagine and expect, build quality is second to none and space continues to be generous for five on board, thanks to its increased 2,975mm wheelbase. Its 530-litre boot space remains competitive in its segment.
Work your money makers, speed-loving merry makers!
You aren't just buying a car here. After spending some quality time with the 5 Series, you'll start to believe that it's an entire experience you're purchasing.
From the cabin and chassis to the engine and everywhere else, the Bimmer reinforces your buying choice by reminding you just how desirable it is amongst its competition.
After all, the 5 Series is proof that things do get better with age.
What We Like
A very established and complete package
Technology-heavy and advanced
Handles and drives well
What We Dislike
Lacking an exhaust soundtrack that would otherwise induce drama and excitement
The saying 'things get better with age' must be true because it has been some 45 years since the first 5 Series was born and the current seventh generation G30 5 Series that you see here still remains to be an absolute hoot to drive.
Despite going head on with strong and steady competition such as the Audi A6, the Lexus GS, the Jaguar XF and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series still manages to lead the way in terms of its driving dynamism and technological forefront.
It's all automotive, not locomotive
More often than not, certain power-heavy cars tend to feel more like locomotive than they should automotive. Not quite so with the 540i. Fitted with a 3.0-litre in-line six-pot powerplant that will send 340 horses and 450Nm of twisting force to the rear wheels from the word go, there is a sense of linearity in which the Bavarian executive sedan delivers the goods.
It could be the way we choose to pilot the Bimmer or the sense of gentlemanly behaviour the car influences you to conduct when behind the wheel. Regardless, it's crystal clear that such a creamy distribution of power and torque has to do with the precise eight-speed gearbox. Cogs are swopped with a perfectly modulated transfer while preparing for the surge of the next suitable gear.
Despite going head on with strong and steady competition such as the Audi A6, the Lexus GS, the Jaguar XF and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series still manages to lead the way in terms of its driving dynamism and technological forefront.
It's all automotive, not locomotive
More often than not, certain power-heavy cars tend to feel more like locomotive than they should automotive. Not quite so with the 540i. Fitted with a 3.0-litre in-line six-pot powerplant that will send 340 horses and 450Nm of twisting force to the rear wheels from the word go, there is a sense of linearity in which the Bavarian executive sedan delivers the goods.
It could be the way we choose to pilot the Bimmer or the sense of gentlemanly behaviour the car influences you to conduct when behind the wheel. Regardless, it's crystal clear that such a creamy distribution of power and torque has to do with the precise eight-speed gearbox. Cogs are swopped with a perfectly modulated transfer while preparing for the surge of the next suitable gear.
While it's true that fast doesn't equate to fun, it's plain to see that the car that's capable of a lightning quick 5.1-second century sprint can be quite enjoyable, too. Around corners, the 5 Series will cover the tarmac with startling accuracy and aplomb. That's nothing short of remarkable considering the car measures over 4.9 metres tip to tip.
There's so much feel from the communicative steering that every turn meets your requirements as well as expectations while the chassis is so well-sorted that the sizeable car shrinks as your confidence grows. Force it out of a bend too early and the nannies will kick in to remind you that road discipline needs to be in order.
Strangely, however, the car lacks a certain drama that was previously offered in the F10 5 Series 535i, which we suspect could be due to the lack of an aural pleasure that will otherwise induce excitement.
There's so much feel from the communicative steering that every turn meets your requirements as well as expectations while the chassis is so well-sorted that the sizeable car shrinks as your confidence grows. Force it out of a bend too early and the nannies will kick in to remind you that road discipline needs to be in order.
Strangely, however, the car lacks a certain drama that was previously offered in the F10 5 Series 535i, which we suspect could be due to the lack of an aural pleasure that will otherwise induce excitement.
Tech, tech, drive and check
Tech nerd magnetism characteristics edge the latest 5 Series closer to the G11 7 Series in terms of technology, which should easily excite your inner tech thinker.
It shares similar features such as the Gesture Control capabilities, which allows commanding infotainment by pointing your fingers or by swiping with a hand motion near the centre console, the Active Kidney Grille, which opens and closes to optimise engine cooling and aerodynamic purposes as well as the Remote Parking function via the key fob.
Also, equipped in our test car as options are nannies such as the Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning as well as Steering and Lane Control Assistant - a safety feature that ensures you don't serve off your lane by vibrating and putting a slight pressure on the steering wheel against your opposite direction.
The 5 Series also offers an Adaptive mode next to the familiar Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport drive settings. The said new mode is programmed to automatically adapt to the characteristics of your driving style.
Can I tell the difference in and out?
Unquestionably. Fitted with the M Sport package as standard for the 540i, the Bimmer now sports head lights that integrate nicely with the larger kidney grille.
Tech nerd magnetism characteristics edge the latest 5 Series closer to the G11 7 Series in terms of technology, which should easily excite your inner tech thinker.
It shares similar features such as the Gesture Control capabilities, which allows commanding infotainment by pointing your fingers or by swiping with a hand motion near the centre console, the Active Kidney Grille, which opens and closes to optimise engine cooling and aerodynamic purposes as well as the Remote Parking function via the key fob.
Also, equipped in our test car as options are nannies such as the Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning as well as Steering and Lane Control Assistant - a safety feature that ensures you don't serve off your lane by vibrating and putting a slight pressure on the steering wheel against your opposite direction.
The 5 Series also offers an Adaptive mode next to the familiar Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport drive settings. The said new mode is programmed to automatically adapt to the characteristics of your driving style.
Can I tell the difference in and out?
Unquestionably. Fitted with the M Sport package as standard for the 540i, the Bimmer now sports head lights that integrate nicely with the larger kidney grille.
Obvious creases that run across the sheet metal give the car a more distinctive presence on the road, although some may argue that the current design could be a tad busier than before.
As with the exterior, the interior sports an evolutionary rather than revolutionary in its design. As you would imagine and expect, build quality is second to none and space continues to be generous for five on board, thanks to its increased 2,975mm wheelbase. Its 530-litre boot space remains competitive in its segment.
Work your money makers, speed-loving merry makers!
You aren't just buying a car here. After spending some quality time with the 5 Series, you'll start to believe that it's an entire experience you're purchasing.
From the cabin and chassis to the engine and everywhere else, the Bimmer reinforces your buying choice by reminding you just how desirable it is amongst its competition.
After all, the 5 Series is proof that things do get better with age.
As with the exterior, the interior sports an evolutionary rather than revolutionary in its design. As you would imagine and expect, build quality is second to none and space continues to be generous for five on board, thanks to its increased 2,975mm wheelbase. Its 530-litre boot space remains competitive in its segment.
Work your money makers, speed-loving merry makers!
You aren't just buying a car here. After spending some quality time with the 5 Series, you'll start to believe that it's an entire experience you're purchasing.
From the cabin and chassis to the engine and everywhere else, the Bimmer reinforces your buying choice by reminding you just how desirable it is amongst its competition.
After all, the 5 Series is proof that things do get better with age.
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