2017 BMW 5 Series 540i RWD 8-Speed A/T

Model Highlights

Two new engines are available for the BMW 5-Series in 2017. The 530i replaces the 528i and is powered by 2.0L 4-cylinder engine aided by a turbocharger. Horsepower is rated at 248, allowing the 530i to sprint to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. The 540i is powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine also aided by a turbocharger, making 335 hp, and allowing that car to hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Both cars utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission to send power to the rear wheels, though all-wheel drive is optional across the range. All 5-series models are 4-door, but Gran Turismo models add a rear hatch, broadly expanding the cargo flexibility. With the rear seats folded, up to 63 cubic feet are available. Gran Turismos, like other 5-series models, are available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The 535i Gran Turismo is equipped similarly to the 530i sedan, while the 550i's equipment resembles the 540i sedan, but is powered by a turbo-charged 4.4L V8. Standard equipment on all 5-series include LED headlights and 16-way power adjustable front seats, as well as a sound absorbing headliner, a 10.25-inch screen located in the dashboard, a 205 Watt 12-speaker stereo, dual-zone climate control, dynamic cruise control and 18-inch wheels. Of course, the options list is where things really get fun. If those 16-way adjustable seats just aren't quite good enough, 20-way adjustable Multi Contour seats are available, trimmed in Napa leather and equipped with ventilation. The optional seats also feature eight different massage functions using 20 different air chambers incorporated into the back of the seat cushion. Each of the eight massage programs has three different intensity levels. A multi-color heads up display is also available for 2017, projecting things such as navigation instructions, audio tracks or even warnings up on the windshield, where they would be more visible to the driver. This year's display is 75 percent larger than the one it replaces. There are two optional stereos available for the BMW 5-series. A 600-watt Harman/Kardon sound system features 16 speakers and nine channels, while true audiophiles will want to spring for the Bowers and Wilkins stereo. It features diamond tweeters 1400 watts and a 10-channel amplifier. The unit has speakers that subtly glow, as well as a microphone to measure ambient sound to tune sound quality just so. It is one of the nicest stereos ever used in a car. Besides standard safety features such as airbags, ABS and stability control, the BMW 5-series has some innovative passive and active safety systems available. An evasion aid system operates at speeds of up to 100 mph. If the car detects a quick lane change, it will tighten up the steering and countersteering, allowing the driver to need fewer turns required to correct a skid. The car will also use information from the vehicle's sensors to detect how much unobstructed space is around the car. Those same sensors are used for the automatic parallel parking system.