Used 2020 BMW 5 Series 540i for sale 

Like a 16-year-old boy walking into adultery, BMW has added a pinch of maturity to the 5-series. Previously charted as a sporty and young-at-heart sedan, the 2020 BMW 530i is now a quiet and comfortable cruiser. Gliding down the freeway are two trim levels for the 2020 530i and two for 2020 540i. Both can possess wither RWD or the xDrive AWD. A couple of plug-in hybrid trims and an M-edition also make it to the march, although these have been reviewed separately.

Key features of the sedan include electronically controlled throttle which keeps the engine and tires hold hands and walk with grace. An active kidney grille provides aesthetic identity to the BMW while providing fresh gust of air to the mill under the hood. A Servotronic power steering assist helps the driver take control of the wheels without the worry of understeer along the highway. Other features such as brake energy regeneration and Expanded Check Control vehicle monitor system keeps the package interesting. 

Speaking of packages, the BMW 5-series comes with several options that add a lot of flair to this sedan. Some of the most notable ones include:

Not that you would want to go for the M550i, anyway. BMW offers you the option to get most of the equipment with the M Sport Package. Great for the times when you decide to head towards the local racetrack. The 5-series is safe enough for most novice drivers, but the added benefit of the Driver's Assistance Plus ensures cements that to a 'T'. For those only looking for a comfortable cruise, Luxury Seating offers the best-in-class commiseration without a huge premium.

What would we recommend?

Choosing the best of the lot, we recommend you to get the 2020 BMW 530i xDrive with All-wheel drive (AWD) capability. It not only gives the best of BMW under its body but also hosts features to fall in love with German engineering. And just so you don’t feel like a miser following the American brigade, get the M-Packages installed. An additional amount of $5000 adds features such as 19-inch wheels, SensaTec Dashboard, M Sport suspension, and an aerodynamic kit. 

Beneath the hood of the 540i sits a 3.0L inline-6 engine that makes use of BMW's remarkable TwinPower technology. The twin-scroll turbocharger is able to spool up quickly and provide most of the power at your disposal way before the redline. That power is plentiful as well, with over 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque sent to either rear or all wheels, depending on whether you took the xDrive or not. The throttle response is very tame compared to the prvious iteration, nailing home the fact that the 5-series is a comfortable tourer first and a track machine second.

The real star of the show here is the M-derived Sport Automatic transmission that makes good use of the engine output. It has eight gears kept in a tight ratio, so you never feel the shifts bother you too much when encountering the morning traffic flow at the freeway. For those so inclined for a more personal touch, the transmission has a manual mode that lets you use the paddle shifts at the steering wheel. The Launch Control is a neat little addition for showing off the girth of the engine at the traffic lights, if not much else.

For all its prowess, the BMW 5-series is not the most powerful luxury sedan you can go for at this price range. That title goes to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class with its unique Biturbo V6 engine, which makes over 360 hp. The Audi A6 produces more torque thanks to Audi's revolutionary TFSI technology. The Volvo S90 ends up at the bottom of the power ladder with its modest 2.0L inline-4.

How fast is the new 5 series?

Primarily not a ‘check this..’ sedan which you can flaunt with your motor-head buddies on a weekend, it is a composed automobile that is just thrilling enough to let you feel the excitement without things getting too fast. If you were expecting a blistering acceleration as with its more track-focused M cousins, be prepared to be disappointed. Even the top-of-the-hill M550i is not that much more exciting on the pedal.

Accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds and covering a quarter-mile run in 13.8 seconds, the BMW 5-series shows a lot of potential in becoming a true sports sedan. Though the car has been completely redesigned from its more performance-driven predecessors, it still has some remnants remaining within. You'll be wanting more as you overtake most other cars out on the highway with ease.

The BMW 5-series has the best 0-60 mph time in its class but its turbos still experience some lag in delivering optimum power figures, which enables the Merc to get ahead in a drag race. Surprisingly, the Volvo S90 is not that far behind despite its small engine. This is mostly because of the efficient use of both a supercharger and a turbocharger to make the car go faster. The Audi A6 has a good Quattro AWD system to benefit from the traction but its gearbox gets in the way of delivering that power to the wheels more effectively.

How well does the 5-series handle?

If you think about it, “Smooth” is an expression rather than a statement. The BMW 2020 sedan is your calling if you want your sedan to be smooth. Cruising on the road like a german brat chugging his beer along the way, the 540i is gentle on curves and precise on straight lines. The Servotronic power steering assist helps keep things sharp at high speeds and loose when just trying to back out of the driveway. With electronically mapped engine cooling, the 540i's powerhouse is kept at peak condition even with changing weather or driving modes.

The M-Package we mentioned adds the M-suspension and M-steering wheel, which when working together complements the engineering of the sedan and adds golden points to its driving dynamics. An instant hike in the performance is due to its tuned TwinPower engine which is planned for road glides and the final touches to the performance are courtesy of the M package. Yet, don't expect it to steal your heart away when out on the track.

How good are the brakes on the BMW 5-series?

BMW has not yet launched all the specs of 2020 BMW 540i but what we can judge by its previous versions is if it's a BMW, its precise. Weighing in at almost 4000 lbs, it is not a lightweight sedan by any means. In spite of that, the brakes on the 5-series do an astoundingly good job of keeping things under control. Credit also goes to the well-balanced chassis that has 52/48 percent of Front/Rear weight distribution. This makes it easier for the adaptive braking system to determine which wheel requires more braking force.

The brakes have a sure-footed feel, able to help you control the car in any situation. It can be a feathered deceleration or a sudden, hard stop and you would not be disappointed with the 540i in either case. The M-sport brakes give the car an edge when encountering tight turns at speeds. With features like Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Drying, and Stop-and-Go assist, you can pretty much relax in the knowledge that the brakes will be ready as soon as required.

The exact size of the discs remain a mystery, although we can tell that they are certainly bigger than 14 inches in the front and 12 inches in the back. Without the M-Sport package, the BMW 540i delivers a pretty standard performance during a panic stop. Still, turns out that it is better than a Mercedes E-Class. Not good enough to surpass the Audi A6 or an S90 sedan, though. Both these cars benefit from a superior AWD system that grants them much better traction than the BMW, in turn increasing the braking performance.

Owning a sedan like the BMW 5-series means that you don't really care much about the mileage that you get from the car. Nevertheless, this Bimmer works its end to not inflate your credit card with gas bills for the month. With an overall fuel economy of 25 mpg, it is up there with most entry-level sports cars. And with a large 18-gallon fuel tank, you can cover a lot of miles before stopping at a gas station needing a refill.

The larger gas tanks on the Audi and Merc are enough to grant them additional range. Since the 540i surpasses them with only a small margin, that makes a lot of difference. This is also the same reason why the Volvo S90 ends up at the bottom of the barrel.

Civilized in its drive, the interiors of the 2020 BMW 540i are conventional in many ways but intuitive in others. Irrespective of how dull the cabin space was for its predecessors, the new 2020 version of the sedan hosts tremendous features designed for both comfort and ease. Fitted with 16 way adjustable seats, expandable up to 20 ways if you add a couple hundred more dollars, the 5-series offers the most comfortable seating position for all passengers.

5 passengers easily squeeze in the cabin and can sit with comfort. Enough legroom and headroom keep the cockpit breathy and airy. Add in a few features like air fragrance and circulation and this car can go up against any Audi or Merc in this price range. The ride is smooth and compliant thanks to an adaptive damping suspension, while acoustic covers on the windows keep the road noise out.

What features to expect once you step inside the BMW 5 series?

• Power sunshade
• Key Fob trunk/hatch/door release
• Power windows
• 5 12V DC power outlets
• Sunroof/convertible roof FOB controls
• Distance pacing cruise control
• Automatic temperature control
• Remote window controls
• Emergency communication system

How good is the Infotainment system?

Infotainment systems add much to the comfort of a sedan. The touchscreen is slick to use and very responsive to user inputs. Sunlight readability is great as well and you won't have much trouble browsing through the menus. A 10.25-inch central touchscreen runs the latest BMW iDrive system that is swift for every input. Voice recognition is no match for a Merc at this price range, but it is good enough to keep the 5-series up to speed with most luxury sedans.

The BMW 540i comes fitted with infotainment features such as:

• SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite with seek-scan
• Multi-source rear audio controls
• Speed sensitive volume
• Twin 2nd row LCD monitors
• 16 premium speakers
• 600W amplifier
• Audio theft deterrent
• Head-up display

How much Cargo can you carry?

Best in class is an understatement if you ask about the cargo space of 2020 BMW 5-series. A total cargo volume of 18.7 cubic feet keeps the 540i relevant for long drive trims and airport halts. The trunk is roomy but not uniformly distributed due to larger rear suspension components. This makes storing longer items a chore, unless you fold down the rear seats.

The tailgate can be remotely operated without much hassle. BMW even offers gesture control, although it is highly unlikely that you would feel the need to do it. No other sedan in this class offers this much space in the trunk. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Volvo S90 do have better space distribution but lack of space means some passengers have to leave behind some luggage during a family trip.

Upfront, the cabin is full of cubby storages and storage compartments for every passenger. There are no slide-open trays but a space in the center console is big enough to store most tablets and purses. Cupholders can hold beverages of any size. Any additional stationery can be stored either in the refrigerated glove box or the side pockets.

Nothing beats the idea of a plush looking sedan gliding on the motorway with all its glory. The 5-series is no exception. Even with its relatively outdated styling and curves, it has managed to fit with precision among its rivals. The big bold iconic active grille in black chrome introduces the admirer to this gorgeous sedan. Chrome on the edges of the grille adds the much-needed plush to the stance while introspecting its glory through creases on the bonnet. A character-defining crease emerges from the A-pillar and moves all the way to the B-Pillar.

Brilliantly made rear view wings and gorgeous DRLs also takes much to beauty on the front. Moving to the rear shows the LED rear lamps. One shouldn't assume that BMW has been lazy by not reworking the rear end of the car. Twin chrome exhausts and chrome lines on the skid plates keep the character of its predecessor in good spirits.

What are the most notable features on the outside?

• Galvanized steel/aluminum body material
• Black grille with chrome surround
• Turn signal indicator mirrors
• Auto-dimming power remote left side-view door mirror
• Body-colored front and rear bumpers
• Metallic paint
• Chrome tip exhaust
• Heated power-folding side-view door mirrors 
• Power open and close trunk

Safety comes first for the German automaker. BMW has put in a lot of effort to ensure that the 5-series remains a Top Safety Pick Plus contender for the IIHS. Its strong front beams and reinforced doors mean that the sedan can withstand most mid-speed impacts on the front and sides. The trunk is made strong with a clever crumple zone that deflects most of the impact on the rear dampers.

Some additional safety features include:

• Remote activated perimeter/approach lights
• Manual adjustable front head restraints
• Dual front impact airbags
• Electronic stability control
• Forward collision warning
• Four-wheel ABS brakes
• Driveline Traction control
• Run-flat rear tires
• Brake assist
• Front seatbelt pretensioners

BMW 5-Series vs. Audi A6

The Audi A6 can't compete with the BMW 5-series as far as luxury is concerned. However, it is a much better driver's car than the Bimmer. Thanks to the superior Quattro AWD technology, the A6 feels sharper around corners and keeps its steering engaging. That doesn't mean that it is any less safe, as it has received a lot of praise for impeccable safety systems and a sturdy build. Moreover, its base model starts much lower than the BMW, although both the cars have packages that drive the price up exponentially.

BMW 5-Series vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The E-Class was always meant to deliver the best of both worlds from Mercedes-Benz. It is not a pure speedster nor a dedicated luxury sedan, yet it manages to pull off what the BMW 540i can only dream of. Its more powerful engine options get it ahead of the game while advanced safety features like Car-to-X Communication make the E450 sound as it comes straight out of Minority Report. There are a few chinks in its armor that allow the BMW to shine brighter: its sub-standard fuel economy and cargo space.

BMW 5-Series vs. Volvo S90

Volvo sedans always have design features that set them apart from the rest of the crowd. This time, it seems the Swedes outdid themselves with the S90. Not only does it have both a supercharger and a turbocharger in the same 2.0 4-cylinder engine, but the inside benefits as well with Orrefors crystals and CleanZone air filtration system. It may not match the more renowned Bimmer at the track but makes for a much more relaxing grand tourer if you are not bothered with the numbers.

A perfect marriage of comfort and safety with sporty package option, the 2020 BMW 5-series sedan is a comfort machine built to last the beast of your expectations and still stay relevant for your daily commutes. Not too costly to own, the 5-series BMW is a good mix of dynamism and fantastic aesthetics. It delivers on you what you expect the most from a mid-sized sedan, and then some.