BMW 540i

Petrolgrand tourerGENERATION G30, 2018

340 hp, 5,1 s 0-100 : among the 32 grand tourers 2016–2020, the 540i ranks 21th of 32 in 0–100 km/h, 2nd of 32 in Top speed, 9th of 32 in Power-to-weight. Here is what the Caralogy simulations say.

Power
340 hp
450 Nm
0 → 100 km/h
5.1 s
VMax 250 km/h
Cons.
7.4 L
/100 km
Tank
68 L

Full specifications

Manufacturer data. Consumption and range estimated from the WLTP cycle; performance simulated by the Caralogy physics engine.

Powertrain

Architecture
6 cyl.
Displacement
2,998 cm³
Power
340 hp
Couple
450 Nm
Gearbox
Convertisseur de couple 8 rapports Automatique
Transmission
Propulsion

Consumption

Cons. WLTP
7.4 L/100 km
Tank
68 L

Performance

0 → 100 km/h
5,1 s
VMax
250 km/h

Dimensions and environment

Length
4,936 mm
Wheelbase
2,975 mm
Width
1,868 mm
Height
1,479 mm
Boot
530 L
Kerb weight
1,595 kg
Cd
0.25
CO₂ WLTP
168 g/km

Caralogy Methodology

Performance (0-100, top speed) simulated by the Caralogy physics engine (SCx, Crr, real torque curves). Motorway consumption values estimated from the manufacturer WLTP cycle.

See full methodology

Manufacturer data · WLTP-estimated consumption · Caralogy-simulated performance

Among the 32 grand tourers, the 540i ranks (mid-table) in acceleration. Caralogy simulates its real-world performance: motorway simulation, performance simulation and consumption simulation.

Tailored to this vehicle?

Caralogy Verdict
Suitable for

Demanding drivers: 2nd of 32 in Top speed (250 km/h), 9th of 32 in Power-to-weight (213 hp/t). 2nd of 32 in Top speed (250 km/h), 9th of 32 in Power-to-weight (213 hp/t).

Less suitable for

Frequent urban trips with stop-and-go. At 7,4 L/100 km on the combined cycle, consumption rises in the city without electric assistance. An HEV or PHEV would be more economical for this use profile.

Alternatives to consider

If the priority is 0–100 km/h, the BMW M5 Competition (1st with 3.3 s) takes the lead. If the priority is Top speed, the BMW 540d xDrive (1st with 250 km/h) takes the lead.

Acceleration: 5.1 s 0-100 (21th of 32 in 0–100 km/h)

In pure acceleration, the 540i ranks 21th of 32 in 0–100 km/h, 1.8 s off the reference BMW M5 Competition (3.3 s).

Top speed: 250 km/h (2nd of 32 in Top speed)

Top speed of 250 km/h. The segment reference reaches 250 km/h.

Where the 540i stands against grand tourers

Comparison across 32 grand tourers marketed between 2016–2020.
0–100 km/h21e / 32
5,1 s
Min 5,4 s · BMW 640i Gran TurismoMax 3,3 s · BMW M5 Competition
Top speed2e / 32
250 km/h
Min 250 km/h · BMW 640d xDrive Gran TurismoMax 250 km/h · BMW 540d xDrive
Power-to-weight9e / 32
213 hp/t
Min 165 hp/t · BMW 640d xDrive Gran TurismoMax 335 hp/t · BMW M5 Competition

Direct rivals (same segment, same energy)

Cross-energy alternatives

Same needs, different powertrain.

The full BMW 5 Series G30 range

Generation G30 launched in 2017. Available versions sorted by energy.

Other versions of the G30

Popular duels involving the 540i

Continue with the BMW 540i

The same car, from other angles.

BMW 540i: what you need to know

Well-argued answers to the most asked questions about this model, based on Caralogy data and simulations.

Where does the 540i rank in its segment?

Among the 32 grand tourers 2016–2020, the 540i ranks 21th of 32 in 0–100 km/h (5.1 s, behind the BMW M5 Competition), 2nd of 32 in Top speed (250 km/h, behind the BMW 540d xDrive), 9th of 32 in Power-to-weight (213 hp/t, behind the BMW M5 Competition).

How much does the 540i cost to run?

Running costs depend on your profile (mileage, charging type, city/highway mix). Use the Caralogy consumption simulator for a personalised estimate.

Why not a BMW M5 Competition instead?

The BMW M5 Competition leads in 0–100 km/h (3.3 s vs 5.1 s). The choice depends on your priorities: check the 540i vs BMW M5 Competition duel for a detailed comparison.

How does Caralogy calculate its figures?

Caralogy does not reproduce manufacturer figures: we recalculate every number through physics simulation, starting from SCx, mass and the power curve. This is why our figures at 130 km/h differ from WLTP. Full methodology on the dedicated page.