Test: BMW 540i Luxury Line

If that were the case, the new BMW 5 Series, or rather the 540i as we saw it in the tests, could be the clear winner, in addition to technology, electronics, i.e. assistance and comfort systems, are also becoming more and more important. The fact that instead of a base 66K, the test 540i cost just under 100K suggests that it is convincing in this area, at least on paper - but not completely.

For example, if you consider it with a remote parking and parking system (you will also have to pay extra for a large touchscreen key), you will surprise and amaze your friends and passers-by that you can get the 540i from a tight parking space. Get behind the wheel. However, it should be borne in mind that this BMW can only do this straight ahead or backward, while some competitors can also park this way (using a smartphone app) on the side or in a parking space perpendicular to the carriageway, without you having to first put the car right in front of her. The remote parking feature is of course very useful in crowded garages where the driver can push his BMW against the wall with the driver's door, but it could be more advanced.

It's the same with the Driving Assistant Plus system. This includes Active Cruise Control and Steering Assist. Active cruise control works great, only on cars that "push" from the adjacent lane before the 540i, it usually reacts too late or recognizes too late. This is followed by a sharp braking, a little sharper than would have been necessary if I had recognized them earlier.

The same goes for steering assistance: the car easily maintains lane direction if the driver lets go of the steering wheel (the system only allows hands-free steering for about five seconds at motorway speeds and 20 to 30 seconds at lower speeds, such as congestion). but there are too many bends between the border lines. Again, some participants know how to drive better and with less twisty traffic in the middle of the lane, but they also respond better to many lines on the road (for example, at intersections). On the other hand, the BMW system is also good when there are no lines (for example, if there is only a curb and no line along the road). And also there is no automatic lane change.

The list of assistance systems is far from complete: at the moment we do not have one that prevents an uncontrolled exit onto a priority road, and LED lights, for example, are excellent. They are not at the level of true matrix LED headlights (in BMW it is impossible to imagine), but, nevertheless, the combination of switching on and off individual headlights, beam height control and directional mobility ensures that the road is well lit even when driving in the opposite direction. car, and not blind its driver. Of course, such a 540i can stop in an emergency, even if an unwary pedestrian jumps out in front of the car (if only there is enough room for him physically).

The superb 800 x 400 pixel resolution projection screen (BMW has been leading here for a long time) ensures that the driver's attention remains on the road, and the new generation of the iDrive infotainment system is just as impressive. The new structure of the base screen displays more information (unfortunately they forgot about the ability to personalize what information should be displayed in the base view), and because the screen is touch sensitive and supports finger scrolling, even those who can't put up will be happy with the round control system installed next to the gear lever. It has an early touch area (touchpad) that makes it easier to enter destinations when navigating or searching the phone book. Big. Speaking of phones, the BMW system allows you to use some apps from your smartphone (such as Spotify or TuneIn radio) and, surprisingly, the test 540i didn’t master Apple CarPlay – at least not completely, although it did know how to use some apps with mobile phone. What’s more, we didn’t even find this option in the list of additional equipment in the price list, although there is a new five Apple CarPlay. For some fun, control some of the car's functions with gestures.

The overall rating of the car's electronic systems (with an excellent Harman Kardon audio system - if that's not enough, you can turn to the even better brand Bowers & Wilkins) is so high that it could attract a lot of people to buy, but it's not. the highest in its class.

When it comes to mechanics, the 540i is even better. Under the "downsizig" hood you'll find an inline six-cylinder engine. And since it's the 540i designation, that means a three-liter engine (and, yes, the 530i has a two-liter - BMW logic, by the way). The Sveda is equipped with a turbocharger that is generally sufficient for a maximum output of 340 horsepower and a very healthy 450 Nm of torque. In practice, the driver doesn't even think about the numbers, but the 540i easily satisfies all the driver's requirements, whether it's quiet, smooth cruising or full throttle on the highway. And while the driver is calm when pressing the gas, the engine is not only practically inaudible (in this case, this is not a phrase, the engine is really not audible in the city), but also economically. On our standard 100km lap, which is also a third of the motorway and where we drive restrictively and moderately but not intentionally economically, consumption stopped at just 7,3 liters (which is not much higher than the standard NEDC consumption of 6,5, 540 liters). Anyone who would like to point out that such a 10,5i is not designed for fuel economy should take immediate comfort: test mileage was given, that we drove all the kilometers in the city or on the highway and that highway speeds were always “German healthy”. '., in tests, the consumption stopped at just 100 liters per XNUMX km of run. Yes, a sporty BMW can be extremely economical (also because it can use navigation to advise the driver when to put the accelerator pedal down to hit the nearest low limit with minimal wastage of energy). Here BMW engineers deserve only praise. Transmission? The sporty Steptronic has eight gears, can drive economically and overall, as befits a great gearbox, is completely unobtrusive and always does exactly what the driver expects it to do at the time.

The same goes for the chassis. This is classic, with steel springs, and on the test 540i also with electronically controlled shock absorbers. Usually we write that such a car will urgently need (on the one hand, for a very comfortable, and on the other hand, for a sporty ride) air suspension (which some competitors have), but this 540i also turned out great with a classic one - although it (from the point of view view of comfort) dressed extra, 19-inch wheels and tires. On short, sharp bumps you can see that this is not the most comfortable BMW, but at the same time it turns out that the Bavarian engineers have achieved (including with the help of electronically controlled stabilizers controlled by electric motors) an almost perfect compromise between comfort and sportiness - nothing else from the Bavarian brand we didn't even expect it. If you want a little more comfort, stay with 18-inch wheels, if you want more sportiness, you can pay extra for a sports chassis (and four-wheel steering), and for most drivers this setup will be ideal.

Of course, the fact that this BMW 540i has “Luxury” written on it doesn't mean it can't be used for hooligan inserts. Both the engine and the transmission, as befits a BMW, despite the absence of a real differential lock, of course in favor of steering with the accelerator pedal. The rear tires aren't happy with it, which they say is a lot of smoke, but driving pleasure is guaranteed.

Even if you like to be fast, but not so exhibitionistic, this 540i will not disappoint you. The steering is precise, weighted and offers a lot of information from under the front wheels, the accelerator pedal response is linear, and the car is perfectly lively in a sporty setting – also because it weighs around 100kg due to the extensive use of aluminum and other lightweight materials. lighter than its predecessor. It's a shame he can't remember where the driver left him when he turned off the engine, so he always has to reach for the button next to the gear lever. Competent.

Interestingly, here BMW's developers (and the same goes for quite a few infotainment features) haven't taken even half a step towards those who feel right at home with a smartphone in hand. Fives has few personalization options.

But they also decided to keep buttons and switches for some functions, especially in the air conditioning settings. While this is understandable to some, at least some of them could be brought into the infotainment system and provide a much larger, preferably vertical screen. But we do not criticize the top five for this, because there are at least as many people who love the solutions used as those who would prefer an even more "digital" car. It's more of a philosophical question in which BMW has decided to stick with the more classic side, just like (until recently) when electrifying its models. But with the latter, it is already clear that they will have to quickly switch from a focus on plug-in hybrids to more all-electric models.

No wonder the feeling inside is so wonderful. Great seats, ample space in both the front and rear (otherwise uncomfortable due to the fact that the back of the front seats is hard and can sting your knees), a large enough trunk, excellent workmanship and materials. The ergonomics are almost perfect, there is enough space for small things (including wireless charging of a mobile phone), visibility from the outside is good ... In fact, it is almost impossible to blame the interior for any noticeable shortcomings. And when you add the optional parked vehicle air conditioning option to the excellent air conditioning system, the package (especially in winter) becomes perfect.

But in the end, one thing is clear: the new five, even like the test 540i, is a technically superior car with a host of advanced infotainment and assistance solutions. While there are little things here and there that you feel could be made more refined, on the other hand there are at least as many little things that you wouldn't think of but are very welcome (say on the center screen c when you press a button, a diagram of what that button does to adjust the seat appears). And so we can easily write: the new five is a top product in which the Bavarians have left room for improvement. You know, when a contest shows something new, you have to have an ace up your sleeve.

text: Dusan Lukic

photo: Sasha Kapetanovich

BMW 540i Luxury Line (2017)

Basic data

Sales:	BMW GROUP Slovenia
Base model price:	66.550 €
Test model cost:	99.151 €
Power:	250kW (340 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	5,1 with
Maximum speed:	250 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	7,3l / 100km
Guarantee:	General warranty 2 years, varnish warranty 3 years, anti-rust warranty 12 years.
Systematic review	Service interval by arrangement. km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Fuel:	9.468 €
Tires (1)	1.727 €
Loss of value (within 5 years):	37.134 €
Compulsory insurance:	3.625 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +	21.097 (
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up	€ 73.060 0,73 (km cost: XNUMX €)

Technical information

engine:	6-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbocharged petrol - longitudinally mounted at the front - bore and stroke 94,6 × 82,0 mm - displacement 2.998 cm3 - compression 11:1 - maximum power 250 kW (340 hp) at 5.500 6.500-15,0 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 83,4 m/s - specific power 113,4 kW / l (450 hp / l) - maximum torque 1.380 Nm at 5.200-2 rpm - 4 camshafts in the head (timing belt) - XNUMX valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - Exhaust turbocharger - radiator charge air.
Energy transfer:	engine drives the rear wheels - 8-speed automatic transmission - gear ratio I. 5,000 3,200; II. 2,134 hours; III. 1,720 hours; IV. 1,314 hours; v. 1,000; VI. 0,822; VII. 0,640; VIII. 2,929 – differential 8 – rims 19 J × 245 – tires 40/19 R 2,05 V, rolling circumference XNUMX m
Capacity:	top speed 250 km/h – 0-100 km/h acceleration 5,1 s – average fuel consumption (ECE) 6,9 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 159 g/km.
Transportation and suspension:	sedan - 4 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, coil springs, three-spoke transverse rails - rear multi-link axle, coil springs - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc brakes (forced cooling), ABS, rear electric parking brake wheels (switch between seats) - steering wheel with a gear rack, electric power steering, 2,9 turns between extreme points.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.670 kg - permissible total weight 2.270 kg - permissible trailer weight with brakes: 2.000 kg, without brake: 750 kg - permissible roof load: 100 kg.
External dimensions:	length 4.936 mm - width 1.868 mm, with mirrors 2.130 mm - height 1.479 mm - wheelbase distance 2.975 mm - front track 1.605 mm - rear 1.630 mm - driving radius 12,05 m
Inner dimensions:	longitudinal front 900-1.130 mm, rear 600-860 mm - front width 1.480 mm, rear 1.470 mm - head height front 950-1.020 mm, rear 920 mm - front seat length 520-570 mm, rear seat 510 mm - trunk 530 l - steering wheel diameter 370 mm - fuel tank 68 l.

Our measurements

T = 3 ° C / p = 1.028 mbar / rel. vl. = 77% / Tires: Pirelli Sottozero 3/245 R 40 V / Odometer status: 19 km
Acceleration 0-100km:	5,6s
402m from the city:	13,9 years ( 165 km / h)
test consumption:	10,1 l / 100km
Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme:	7,3 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h:	67,6m
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	39,5m
AM table:	40m
Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear	57dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear	61dB

Overall rating (377/420)

• This BMW 540i not only proves that BMW has successfully competed with the new five, but that there is almost no reason to resort to diesel fuel - but if you want even lower consumption, there is a plug-in hybrid. The sporty character is in any case serial.

• Exterior (14/15)

  BMW did not want to risk the shape of the new five, they would scare away their regular customers - but this
  
  
  still fresh enough.

• Interior (118/140)

  The seats are great, the materials are great, the equipment is huge (although you have to pay extra for most of it).

• Engine, transmission (61
  
  
  / 40)

  The powerful six-cylinder engine is surprisingly economical and above all extremely quiet. The gearbox is also impressive.

• Driving performance (65
  
  
  / 95)

  Such a top five can be a comfortable tourist limousine or a slightly bully sportsman. The decision remains with the driver

• Performance (34/35)

  The engine is sovereign at all times, but at the same time not too nervously cutting.

• Security (42/45)

  There are many electronic assistive systems available, and under certain circumstances, the vehicle can be self-driving.

• Economy (43/50)

  Consumption is low and the price remains acceptable until you start adding up the markups. Then he is gone. You just have to pay for quality.

We praise and reproach

position on the road

quiet interior

navigation

steering

seat

some support systems are missing

n Apple CarPlay system