2021 BMW 540i xDrive
The 2021 BMW 540i xDrive is a sedan. It has a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 335 hp (250 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.3 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2021 BMW 540I XDRIVE
The 2021 BMW 540i xDrive is the six-cylinder, all-wheel-drive version of the seventh-generation 5 Series saloon (G30). It uses the B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, rated at 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive.
Facelifted for 2021
The G30 arrived for the 2017 model year, and 2021 brought its mid-life update. Changes included a larger kidney grille, slimmer headlights, redesigned tail lights and revised bumpers, while the interior gained a larger central touchscreen and updated driver assistance systems. The 540i sits between the four-cylinder 530i and the V8-powered M550i in the range, and the 2021 car is the first 540i xDrive with the updated styling.
What it is like
The G30 is a refined, quiet executive saloon with a long 2,975 mm wheelbase, so rear-seat space and boot capacity are generous. The inline-six is smooth and strong, giving brisk acceleration without the running costs of the V8. Optional adaptive suspension and M Sport packages were available for buyers who wanted a sharper drive.
Buying one today
The B58 is regarded as one of BMW’s more reliable recent engines. Commonly reported issues include coolant leaks from the expansion tank and plastic pipes, and occasional oil filter housing gasket leaks. Given the car’s advanced electronics, it is worth confirming that all assistance systems, cameras and the infotainment system function correctly and that software updates have been applied at the dealer.
Rivals
Rivals included the Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC, the Audi A6 55 TFSI quattro, the Genesis G80 3.5T AWD and the Volvo S90.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 540i xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2021 | Version / Trim | BMW 2021 540i xDrive |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Dravit Gray Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Portimao Blue Metallic, San Francisco Red Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Brooklyn Gray Metallic, Individual Colours available |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 3.0L 6-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 3,000 cc |
| Power | 335 hp / 250 kW | Torque | 450 Nm / 332 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.3 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 23 mpg city / 31 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,975 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,760 kg (3,880 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2021 SEDANS
Compared with other 2021 sedans in our database, its 335 hp is 8% more than the average 2021 sedan (309 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.7 seconds quicker than average.
| 2021 BMW 540i xDrive | Average 2021 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 335 hp | 309 hp (96 cars) | +8% |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 415 Nm (96 cars) | +8% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.3 s | 6.0 s (95 cars) | -11% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 139 mph (95 cars) | +11% |
| Kerb weight | 1,760 kg | 1,670 kg (104 cars) | +5% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 2,615 cc (86 cars) | +15% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2021 sedans with similar power to the 2021 BMW 540i xDrive.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW 540i xDrive | 335 hp | 5.3 s | 1,760 kg |
| 2021 Audi A6 quattro | 335 hp | 5.1 s | 1,785 kg |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD | 358 hp | 4.2 s | 1,752 kg |
| 2021 Toyota Avalon | 301 hp | 6.4 s | 1,680 kg |
| 2021 Hongqi H9 3.0T | 272 hp | 7.0 s | 2,040 kg |