BMW 540d xDrive Touring: Family’s Top Choice

BMW’s 5 Series range now offers a model for every preference: plug-in hybrid, gasoline, diesel, or electric; sedan or Touring; and the high-performance M5 coming soon. Quietly, BMW has added a standout option to its already extensive lineup: the 540d, perhaps the ideal choice for families looking for an efficient yet powerful luxury vehicle.

Versatile Diesel Power

Few automakers diversify their offerings as well as BMW. For the new 5 Series, BMW continues to support a range of powertrains, keeping the efficient diesel very much in the mix. Among them, the 540d xDrive Touring stands out, providing a substantial engine option that goes beyond what the smaller four-cylinders offer. Unlike the practical, yet more basic, 520d with its 145 kW (197 PS), the 540d’s six-cylinder delivers 223 kW (303 PS), offering a huge leap in refinement and power.

The 3.0-liter common-rail diesel engine purrs quietly, so much so that drivers might forget they’re in a diesel at all. Gone are the days of rear-wheel drive or manual gearboxes; this new 540d comes equipped with an all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic that pairs seamlessly with BMW’s adaptive suspension, providing a balanced ride that feels controlled but never harsh.

For those who value added maneuverability, the optional rear-wheel steering is available, but it’s not essential—this 5.06-meter wagon navigates well without it. The system is helpful when parking, but the modest steering angle won’t make the car feel exactly nimble. Likewise, BMW’s air suspension and anti-roll technology are enjoyable perks rather than necessities here, as the Touring’s underlying balance already provides a smooth, composed drive.

Strong, Efficient Performance

The 540d’s engine is a well-matched choice for the Touring. Though it doesn’t quite deliver the exhilarating punch of previous-generation diesel titans like the 550d or the X5/X7 M50d, it still packs a solid 670 Nm of torque. This balance ensures ample power for everyday driving. In fact, this diesel quietly rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h on the autobahn.

Enhancing this output is a mild hybrid system that discreetly adds 13 kW (18 PS) for extra boost when accelerating. The compact E-motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission contributes to the modest fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km, helping keep long-distance driving economical and smooth.

Generous Space and Comfort

True to the 5 Series Touring’s reputation, the 540d offers a spacious, thoughtfully designed interior with high-quality materials and refined touches throughout. It provides ample room for front and rear passengers alike, with a maximum cargo capacity of 1,700 liters. The infotainment screens and My Mode options are familiar, but while the driver’s screens are well-placed, a front passenger display is notably absent—something that future model updates will hopefully address, especially in the face of competition from Asian markets.

As BMW leans into the EV era, there’s still hope that powerful diesel engines like the 540d remain an option for those who appreciate the unique blend of torque, efficiency, and range that only a diesel can offer. For now, this diesel-powered Touring remains a compelling choice for the performance-conscious family driver.