?2017 BMW 540i Sedan?
New Bimmer sport sedan Code-named G30, steps up across the board

The new BMW 5-Series lineup will consist of four basic models: the 530i, 540i, 530e; and 550i xDrive. The 2017 530i and 540i are available now and both are available in either RWD or xDrive All-Wheel Drive configurations. The 530e iPerformance hybrid model is also available in either drive configuration, while the 550i comes in xDrive only. Both of the latter models will come to market in spring. The new 5 Series features an electromechanical power steering system with variable steering ratio and speed-sensitive power assistance., the BMW 5 Series may now also be optionally equipped with a revised ? now electromechanical ? Integral Active Steering system, with steering rear wheels for extra agility, stability and comfort. We’ll deal here with the BMW 540i Sedan.

Contrary to popular belief, the 5-Series was the first numbered BMW Series ? not the 1 or 3-Series. The 2017 BMW 5-Series lineup of sporty performance sedans launches the seventh generation of the iconic 5-Series vehicles and is code-named G30, replacing the earlier F10 code designation. Though launched in Europe in 1972, the BMW 5-Series sedan didn?t reach the U.S. until 1975.

Power for the BMW 540i is produced by a ? 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve inline six-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: Twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve lift control, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. The 3.0-liter motor delivers 335 horses from 5,500-6,500 rpm, along with 332 pound feet of torque from 5,500-6,500 rpm

Energy from the longitudinally mounted front engine is transferred to the rear wheels by an 8HP50 eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and Navigation-assisted shift strategy.

This latest iteration 5-Series sedan is only slightly larger than its predecessor and continues as a quintessential midsize sport sedan. It is 1.2 inches longer than the outgoing model, 0.3 inches wider and 0.6 inches taller. The wheelbase measures 117.1 inches ? a plus of 0.2 inches.

Up front, the iconic BMW twin kidney grille is flanked by twin circular headlights with the headlight housings now connecting seamlessly with the grille, emphasizing the car?s width. LED Adaptive headlights are standard whlie Adaptive Full LED Headlights alter the light graphic may be specified as an option. With Adaptive Full LED Headlights, the LED daytime running light tubes are hexagonal and extend to meet the grille elements, emphasizing the front end?s wide, low-to-the-road appearance.

In profile, the cabin is set back, leading the eye over a gracefully flowing roofline to the rear end, while a short front overhang underscores the car?s sporty appearance, creating an elongated silhouette, while a short front overhang underscores the car?s sporty appearance. The cabin or greenhouse is set back leading the eye over a gracefully flowing roofline to the rear end,

Two traditional BMW design elements, which are normally separate from one another, are brought together. The swage line turns up as it heads aft, moving from shadow to light and sweeping the Hofmeister kink up in its path rather than
continuing into the rear. This upward motion displays a forward-surging character, and the expressive, swooping surface showcases an undeniable athleticism.

The rear visually presents a lower center of gravity, and the low-slung, expressive and width-accentuating design of the rear end suggests the car?s dynamic, direct handling potential. The rear lights reach around into the sides of the car, creating a visual connection between its flanks and rear end. Cutting-edge LED bars enable a thinner interpretation of BMW?s hallmark ?L? shape that contribute to underlining the width of the new sedan. Another prominent element of the rear end are the exhaust tailpipes, which now appear symmetrically on both sides of all model variants. Dependent upon the engine and equipment package specified, the tailpipes are circular for four-cylinder engines or trapezoidal on six-cylinder versions and vehicles with the M Sport package.

I was recently afforded afforded seat time in a 2017 BMW 540i RWD sedan finished outside in Mediterranean Blue metallic and inside in Ivory Nappa leather with a Brown Dash. The base sticker read $56,450. While optional fare elevated the final tally to $82,610.

SUMMARY: Acceleration is more than adequate with both engines, though the six-cylinder is obviously quicker without having to work as hard. The 8-speed automatic transmission works smoothly and efficiently in either the automatic or manual mode.

The Driving Dynamics Control allows choosing a sporty, comfortable or efficient setting with selectable modes: Comfort, Sport, ECO PRO and optionally Adaptive is equipped with Dynamic Damper Control.

Braking is both smooth and positive and handling is instantly responsive, even more so with the Integral Active Steering feature., and despite all of the techno gadgetry, The BMW 5 Series sedan in any of its forms, retains ?The Ultimate Driving Machine? title.

Despite being slightly larger than its predecessors, the 2017 BMW 5-Series sedans also top the scale at 137 pounds less, thanks to the aluminum Hood, roof, doors and trunk lid.

The new five seat, four-door sedan benefits from a host of state-of-the-art technological innovations. It is capable of operating in a partially autonomous mode, It can search out parking spaces, and can park itself remotely with the driver out of the car using the key fob, and it can come to a complete emergency stop to avoid a collision.

In the final analysis, the 2017 BMW 540i sedan is a winner, and it seem to have moved up to the level of earlier 7 Series models. When fully equipped and outfitted, this latest 5 Series is certainly not inexpensive, but advanced technology doesn?t come cheaply. While not all gear is necessary, it is all desirable, which means that the price may be trimmed to meet more restricted budgets, but not without sacrifice. For instance, the latest iDrive 6.0 system and improved Driver Assistance Systems provide lots of upgraded features that many drivers won’t want to be without, such as Gesture Control, Intelligent Voice Control, Touch screen and iDrive 6.0 touchpad Controller.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 BMW 540i Sedan

Base Price: ??????????? ?????????$56,450.
Price as Tested: ? ? ? ? ? ? ?$82,610.

Engine Type and Size: ???????????3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, Twin-Power, Twin-scroll turbocharged, inline 6-cylinder with Double VANOS and Valvetronic and high precision Gasoline Direct Injection.

Horsepower (bhp):??????????? ????335?@ 5,500-6,500 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.):??????????? ??332?@ 1,380-5,000?rpm

Transmission:??????????? ????????8HP50 Steptronic 8-speed Sport automatic with Sport and manual shift modes, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and Launch Control.

Drive Train:??????????? Longitudinally mounted front engine / Rear Wheel Drive.

Suspension:??????????? ?????????Front and rear self ?leveling suspension
Front-Double wishbone with electronic Dynamic Damper Control System.
Rear ? Five Link with electronic Dynamic Damper?Control System.

Brakes:??????????? ??????????? ?Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs, , with DSC,?ABS, DTC, CBC, DBC, Dry Braking function, and?Fading Compensation.

Tires:??????????? Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40 R19 98Y front / 275/35 R19 100Y Rear mounted on 10-dual-spoke alloy wheels.

Wheelbase:??????????? ?????????117.1??????????? inches
Length Overall:??????????? ????194.6??????????? inches
Width:??????????? ??????????? ??73.5??????????? inches
Height:??????????? ??????????? ?58.2??????????? inches
Curb Weight:??????????? ???????3,847??????????? lbs.
Turning Circle:??????????? ?????39.5??????????? ft.
Fuel Capacity:??????????? ????? 18.0??????????? gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates:??????????? 20??????????? mpg city / 30 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient:??????????? ?? 0.27
0 – 60 mph??????????? 5.4??????????? seconds / Top Speed electronically limited to 130 mph ? 155 mph optional w/ M Sport Package.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.