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German executive sedans are niche vehicles in Australia, but the BMW 5 Series continues to be one of the best.
This is the modern-generation G60-series executive sedan, which arrived locally about two years ago and resembles Edgy, angular exterior styling. But since then, little has changed; this is still the most diverse family of 5 Series to date.
But, of course the all-electric i5 models and the beastly M5 performance flagship are key talking points; some of the limelight from these more traditional 5 Series cars have been stolen.
The result is just one non-performance, non-electrified petrol variant – the 520i – and its more premium alternative, the all-wheel drive, diesel 540d xDrive you see on test here. It still competes with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, but it’s now also battling the compelling G80 from Hyundai’s still-young Genesis luxury brand.
If 540d is the right way to justify BMW tax it’s lumped with, should I leave Germany alone?
How much does the BMW 5 Series cost?
The 540d xDrive is the most expensive mainstream 5 Series variant on sale at $136,900 before it goes on-roads. This is also $2000 more expensive than it was this time last year, according to .
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
| — | — |
| 2025 BMW 520i M Sport | $116,900 |
| 2025 BMW 540d xDrive | $136,900 |
The rest of the 5 Series family includes the electric i5, which ranges in price from $155,900 to $219,900 before on-road costs. At the top is, of course, the M5, which costs $261,700 before on-roads in sedan form, and $265,700 before on-roads as a wagon.
A classic German rivals include the Mercedes-Benz E300 at $132,000 on-roads, and the Audi A6 45 TFSI S Line for $123,600 before on road trips.
You could also look to Asian brands, where you’d find rivals like the Genesis G80 3.5T Signature Sport for $127,200 before on-roads, and, at a stretch, the $200,000-odd Lexus LS500h F Sport.
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What is the BMW 5 Series like on the inside?
The 5 Series is luxurious inside, there’s no doubt but we can’t help but feel that its full potential hasn’T been realized.
Sure, when you enter the car and doors are greeted by a sublime new-BMW smell, the seats and wheel feel plush, and there’s some beautiful design elements around the dashboard and door. That’s just a bit over-sized screen,” man, but that is one of the things you can say about .
A bit abrasive, in an otherwise sleek interior, it may be curved but is quite ’tiling’. More worryingly, it almost entirely departs from real buttons; each cabin control is either locked away inside the screen or placed in clunky haptic interfaces.
The 5 Series is still a very classy, and its build quality plays an important role in that feeling of the classic. Whether this was the right choice or it’s German equivalent to its interiors alone, I would be clutching keys of BMW without hesitation.
When you’ve learned enough about the screen – ‘learned’, we mean at least getting across where the climate controls are and how to open Apple CarPlay – you will feel very comfortable behind the steering wheel. The spot-on Ergonomics are a real lounge-like cruiser, and the high central armrest makes this ‘the true lounge style of s’.
When there is a central control panel in front of this armrest, you don’t have to go forward and play at some other more mainstream roles. Many of the most common items, such as seat heating, are still glued to the ribbon at the bottom of Infotainment display,” said That said.
This is a circular selector that can be used instead of the screen-toting option for reaching, but it’s at best clunky. Everything here is touch-sensitive, and we’d like to be more tactful in general – and BMW’s next-gen Neue Klasses will probably not have any button-friendly models.
glossy plastic everywhere, and is prone to smudges and scratches in high-touch areas too.’ There’s also shiny plastic around the corner of with a ‘high gloss on top? But, in a bizarre way, the most tragic piano-black act is on steering wheel The sparse haptic buttons are all finished in glossy plastic.
Such haptic controls, and these s are as fussy as ever. That’s a disgrace These surfaces will visually age the interior of the ‘540d’ much faster than it would otherwise be.
Aside from that, it feels right at all and is a great effect on the areas designed by humans were made to be “the parts of our cars” which feel somewhat special.
A notable feature is the ‘artistic-looking colour strip of dashboard and door cards, which actually contains customisable ambient lighting that looks like a million bucks at night. There are bonus points for the fancy speaker covers and nice colour palette all round; even the carbon inserts don’t look too out of place.
On the note of customisation, you can also choose from a few layouts of instrument clusters and change colours according to your taste. Many things to flick through on the infotainment system – almost an overwhelming number of – are hell of stuff that is mixed into what’s going in with the steering wheel controls it’ll take some time to understand everything fully.
Leather-clad wheel is nice to hold, and seats are comfortable with loads of adjustment. flashy as it looks, the optional off-white upholstery was already starting to get grubby in our relatively low-mileage tester.
Similarly to the course, it’s par for as for storage. The dashboard has a wireless charging pad, two cupholders and ‘a smallish centre console storage box with – split lid’. There is also the usual passenger-side glovebox and generous bottle holders in the doors of .
It seems that there is a very limited range of connectivity options, but two USB-C ports are hidden by the protruding centre console. For example, a 12V outlet inside the central box is also present in ’s case.
It is a very big second row, with legroom unlikely to be an issue for most passengers and the majority of passengers are not going through any problem in this regard. Despite the fact that there is only one point of apppointments, though There’s a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders and dual rear-facing air vents (although no isolated climate controls except spring for the $4385 Comfort Package) which has no isolation.
There are at least four USB-C ports, even if two are placed on the plastic panels that cover the front seatbacks of . While these are used for accessories ports on each seat and supply devices with optional tablet holders, they also provide special fittings to items like coat hangers.
But we do like that the back bench is still very comfortable, with relatively aggressive sculpting for the two outboard positions. That is the same for the narrow, raised and affected middle seat (along with hump on the driveline) can’t be said about the other.
A good boot size, but we wouldn’t say the boot is big. The Mercedes E-Class is 20 litres smaller than the Audi A6, at least on paper, and it’re very narrow between the rear wheel-acrhes.
There’s only a small squared-off cargo area in the middle, but it goes well towards front of that car as is its characteristic feature. Rear seats are also sloping to fit longer items, and should still be serviceable for a couple of suitcases or groceries.
The power bootlid, which is a plus and can be opened by ‘button on the driver’s door card to suit chauffeurs, but it’d been disappointing that tyre repair kit (not an actual spare wheel of any type) is added instead of.
| Dimensions | BMW 540d xDrive |
| — | — |
| Length | 5060mm |
| Width | 1900mm |
| Height | 1515mm |
| Wheelbase | 2995mm |
| Cargo capacity | 520L |
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What’s under the bonnet?
A 3. This is 0-litre inline-six-cylinder turbo-diesel, which when combined with a 48V mild-hybrid system produces up to 223kW of power and 670Nm of torque. The automatic transmission is eight-speed and sends drive to all four wheels.
| Specifications | BMW 540d xDrive |
| — | — |
| Engine | 3.0L I6 turbo-diesel mild-hybrid |
| Power | 223kW @ 4000rpm |
| Torque | 670Nm @ 1500-2500rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1980kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.2 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 6.5L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 5.5L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60L |
| Fuel requirement | Diesel |
| CO2 emissions | 172g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capacity | 2000kg |
Our week with the car was mainly highway commuter, but we were caught in a couple of bad traffic jams. There were also trips through Melbourne’s inner suburbs, as well as a return drive to high speed country roads and.
Even so, our recorded fuel economy figure was impressive and noticeably lower than BMW’s claim.
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How does the BMW 5 Series drive?
Quiet and comfortable is what German luxury limousines have historically been known for, and the 5er is no different.
So, in fact, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the 540d for anything other than a diesel; it is as refined and serenity inside the cabin. That’s a remarkable thing and it doesn’t make sense of road anger in this car.
I’ve never been so relaxed in traffic jams as I was in this 5 Series, since 45 minutes of full gridlock on a Melbourne freeway were made much easier by the cabin’s comfort and fantastic sound system. Perhaps the most touching of metrics, it’s just a little bit of an indication that how nice is the 540d to be in.
If not a touch louder than the previous-generation model, wind noise is imperceptible and road noise impressively quiet after you’re at work. Even on the optional 21-inch wheels, it’s easy to cruise down at 110km/h with no sound of the road below you. A better standard 20s would still be a good choice, but the standard 20, however, would remain preferable.
A car like this should be exactly the way it is, and that refined package only gets strengthened by the fantastic engine under the bonnet.
The diesel-six is buttery smooth and barely raises its voice when you put the throttle on the diesel. But if you do, it reacts with effortless gusto by pulling the two-tonne sedan along without any hesitation or struggle.
It’s probably the best engine for this app, especially when you look at the four-pot alternative that was bowed to the 520i. Furthermore, the all-wheel drive layout gives a true sense of security and sure-footedness in less than ideal conditions; cornering traction for which BMW’s executive cars are known.
The eight-speed auto has no problem sorting itself out of the car, and Throttle response is sharp; a tougher answer. You can control with the steering wheel paddles if you like, or hold the downshift paddle to access 10 seconds of full-power performance in ‘Boost’ mode – ideal for a quick overtake.
While the car is a diesel, it’s not boring to drive at all. Although the 540d is given an impassioned look by its muscular power delivery, the vehicle’s dynamics have not been compromised as it has become more comfortable and efficient.
A for one is the steering feel, which encourages confidence in a way any BMW should near-perfect weighting and predictable, direct response. While the weight naturally gravitates towards the lighter side of everyday driving, it’s still a good balance between surface feedback and ease of use.
It is also plush without floaty, while rough Victorian streets are not entirely ironed out, the suspension does well with managing them.
All the sportier modes of things re-appear, helping up the 5-er’s powerful chassis with much more serious steering feeling. The 540d has adaptive damping, and the firmer setting significantly reduces body roll during hard driving (and improves corner stability) with more aggressive handling.
The 540d is also said to be as sharp or, frankly, as brutal as a BMW M-car. The diesel torque and efficiency of its engine makes it a good executive commuter, impressing as ‘long distance hauler’ while still holding down its hair after more hard driving is asked to drive for it.
BMW’s best driving tech is the cherry on top. As long as you have the customisation inside, you can choose from multiple independent levels of power output, suspension firmness and steering weight to provide a high level of control and options for all tastes.
It is arguably the most impressive feature of this car’s best safety gear, but it may be that its -insider has been safe. This is the exceptions to adaptive cruise control and lane-centring systems where, in addition to matching traffic around it seamlessly, the car always applies more steering lock than you’d expect while keeping speed through tighter turns.
At the same time it is not a problem staying centred in its lane on the freeway, and no one has any safety warnings unexpectedly appearing. They do, so if it’s almost certainly because you really did something wrong (although we don’t think there is no dedicated button to adjust your adaptive cruising distance).
It’s simply a well-considered, nicely balanced package, placing it among the most enjoyable cars to live with in its segment.
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What do you get?
Two non-performance, combustion-powered 5 Series variants are currently available in Australia.
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2026 BMW 520i M Sport equipment highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre repair kit
- M Sport suspension
- Dark blue brake calipers
- Illuminated kidney grille
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Power-folding, auto-dimming side mirrors
- Head-up display
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- M Alcantara/Veganza upholstery
- Front sport seats
- Powered front seat adjustment
- Heated front seats
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display
- 14.9-inch curved infotainment display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- 6 x USB-C ports
- 4 x 12V outlets
- Wireless phone charger
- Dual-zone climate control
- Power tailgate
- Panoramic glass roof
- Interior ambient lighting
- ‘My Modes’ drive modes
- Remote engine start
- BMW connected services
540d xDrive adds:
- Mild-hybrid diesel engine
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive damping
- Leather ‘Merino’ upholstery
- 18-speaker Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system
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Options
Multiple options are also available for the 540d xDrive.
Comfort Package ($4385) adds:
- Heated steering wheel
- Roller sunblinds
- Front comfort seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Quad-zone climate control
M Sport Plus Package ($3231) adds:
- M Lights Shadow Line
- M red brake calipers (or dark blue metallic)
- M seat belts
Also included in the test was an option of optional 21-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic wheels, which can be purchased at another $1692 for a further $1992. This can be done for free, with the ‘Silverstone II’ (off-white) upholstery.
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Is the BMW 5 Series safe?
Afive-star ANCAP safety rating is awarded to the BMW 5 Series, which was tested by sister organisation Euro NCAP in 2023.
| Category | BMW 5 Series |
| — | — |
| Adult occupant protection | 89 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 87 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 86 per cent |
| Safety assist | 81 per cent |
Standard safety equipment highlights:
- 7 airbags, incl:
- Front-centre
- Full-length side
- Side curtain
- Adaptive cruise control incl. stop/go
- Automatic speed limit assist
- Front and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keep assist
- Parking Assistant Professional
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Post-crash braking
- Safe exit warning
- Speed limiter
- Surround-view camera
- Tyre pressure monitor
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How much does the BMW 5 Series cost to run?
BMW Australia supports its model range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. A bizarre ‘condition-based’ programme is used to service the 540d, with prices covered by a prepaid ‘Service Inclusive’ plan.
| Servicing and Warranty | BMW 540d xDrive |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years |
| Service intervals | N/A |
| Capped-price servicing | 5-year, 80,000km prepaid plan |
| Total capped-price service cost | $3375 |
The German brand does not have service intervals for its models; instead, its vehicles are ‘condition-based maintenance’ requirements (i.e. the car will tell you when it is time for a service), and even alert if he has an associated dealer via connected services.
Services will likely be around every year, and the five-year 80,000km prepaid service plan means you won’t have to worry about paying each time you take your car in.
During five years, it is an average of $675 per year for the $3375 plan for 5 Series to be comparable’s sake.
But that’s much less than the $1389 per year required for the E-Class, and just shy of A6’ – its $597 annual fee. But all are more expensive than the G80, which is free to service for the first five years.
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childcareman.xyz’s Take on the BMW 540d xDrive
We came away from our week with the 540d thoroughly impressed.
You pay more than the equivalent Mercedes or Audi for it, yes, but you also get more. They may have similar interiors, but we’d happily spend the BMW premium to get its well-engineered mechanicals.
That’s what you don’t see that sets the 540d apart. For example, behind that EV-like grille (which has shutters automatically when you start the car) is a glorious six-cylinder turbo-diesel for an executive car with far better performance than the four pot turbo engines in the E-Class, A6, and even the 520ii.
This is also the wonderful steering and well-sorted adaptive damping, which work together to control the 5 Series body with great confidence. That means a fun car to drive, and one that will not tire you out of the wheel.
Only the Genesis G80 3 is its only real thorn on its side. This is a larger-displacement V6 petrol engine, which matches the 5er’s all-wheel drive setup with more buttons inside, has fewer climate control panel and, most importantly, significantly cheaper.
Not to say its interior isn’t screen-heavy, and it’s slightly smaller than the BMW – less space in the second row and boot. And if you think the six-pot G80 is said to use twice as much fuel as our tester used, let’s not forget that the diesel BMW is also very efficient.
The biggest downside to us is its interior tech in the 5 Series, according to our analysis. The screen is too much and there are no buttons; so basic adjustments are a chore, making simple changes. Sadly, the glossy plastic used for the few haptic buttons is not well-suited and can quickly look like yuck (as it does with its use of shiny plastic), too.
According to us the interior design is prettier than the Merc’s and Audi’, and a touch more characterful than Genesis’. This is a great ambient lighting with the distinctive speaker covers, which complements both the light and dark upholstery options well.
All up, the 540d is a brilliant car, provided you can fork out the extra outlay from your businessman’s salary.
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