[Video] The 2021 BMW 540i Performs on Autobahn

The 2021 BMW 540i is a good choice for anyone searching for a 6-cylinder 5 Series. Indeed, depending on where you live, it could be your only choice. This engine architecture is also available in diesel models in Europe. But this engine architecture is a little different in other parts of the world. The 5 Series range does not include a single diesel engine on this side of the Atlantic, which could be for the better. 

This 5 Series will lead the customers interested. With enough power, the 530i is really a versatile car when it comes to driving situations. The missing two cylinders are drawbacks that some Bavarian brand fans will find it difficult to overlook. With the ’30i’ badge on the boot, you could bet six cylinders were working together to push the car forward back in the day. Today, not so much. 

To have the luxurious 540i that has a straight-six configuration under the hood requires a high premium. Despite the fact that it is not an M car or an M Performance model, it is also quite fast even today’s standards. Due to changes made to keep it within limits set by environmental protection legislation, the revised version in the EU for 2021 also lost some capacity. Noe EU is generating 333 HP instead of 340 HP. Despite this, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time has remained constant at 4.9 seconds.

But things don’t really slow down much even over the benchmark. The 540i doesn’t need much time to achieve its electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). This is seen in the video above. There’s no doubt that this car can achieve crazy speeds in a short span of time. The question is, is it worth the extra cash over the 530i? Will you put those extra cylinders to good use?