540i BMW 0-60: Impressive Acceleration for a Luxury Sedan

The BMW 5 Series has been an icon of sports sedan design and performance for decades. First introduced in 1972, the 5 Series blends athletic handling, refined power, and everyday luxury into a seamless package. The BMW 540i in particular strikes a perfect balance between sports car acceleration and family hauler practicality.

So how fast can a BMW 540i go from 0 to 60 mph?

The 540i can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds – an exhilarating time for a midsize luxury sedan.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the 540i’s powertrain, weight, transmission, and how its 0-60 time stacks up against key rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Read on to learn just how quick the latest BMW 540i really is.

BMW 540i Powertrain and Engine Specs

The responsive acceleration and speed of the 540i comes thanks to its powerful 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine. This direct-injection motor churns out a stout 335 hp at 5,500-6,500 rpm along with an impressive 332 lb-ft of torque between 1,380-5,200 rpm.

With BMW’s sophisticated Valvetronic variable valve timing, the 540i’s engine can deliver a broad, flat torque curve that provides accessible power across the rev range – not just at high rpm. This high-tech straight six provides silky smooth, quiet operation without the vibration challenges of a V6 layout.

The 540i’s engine is mated to an 8-speed sport automatic transmission that enables quick, smooth gear changes to keep the power on tap. This transmission helps the 540i optimize its powerband for rapid acceleration times.

540i Curb Weight and Chassis

The 540i strikes a balance between power and manageable curb weight to enable its quick acceleration. At 3,977 pounds curb weight, the 540i is lighter than V8-powered 550i models, giving it better weight-to-power ratio for performance.

The 540i uses an aluminum-intensive chassis and suspension design to remove weight without compromising the solidity sports sedan buyers expect. Lightweight materials include an aluminum hood and doors.

Up front, the 540i has double wishbone front suspension with aluminum components to reduce unsprung weight. The rear uses a proven multi-link suspension design for precise wheel control. Adaptive dampers are available to tailor the ride and handling.

0-60 MPH Acceleration Time

So how do all of those powertrain and chassis attributes translate into real world acceleration?

The BMW 540i sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds with the Sport Automatic transmission. That’s seriously quick for a mid-size 4-door luxury car.

In fact, that 0-60 mph time beats key rivals:

• Mercedes-Benz E300 – 6.2 seconds
• Audi A6 45 TFSI – 5.6 seconds

The 540i’s acceleration benefits from having a lower curb weight than the Mercedes E-Class, even though both cars use turbocharged 6-cylinder engines. The Audi A6 has a slightly more powerful turbo V6, but the 540i still wins the acceleration race.

So when you need to make a quick merge or pass, the 540i delivers thrilling speed thanks to its turbo power and responsive 8-speed gearbox. BMW’s traction control and stability management systems make it easy to put the power down efficiently as well.

How 540i Compares to Other 5 Series Models

The 540i slots in between the lower-powered 530i and higher-performance 550i in the 5 Series model range when it comes to acceleration:

• 530i – 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds
• 540i – 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds
• 550i – 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds
• M550i – 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds

The 540i beats the 530i by 0.4 seconds in the sprint to 60 mph, showcasing the power advantage of the 540’s turbocharged straight six versus the 530’s turbo four-cylinder.

Against the V8-powered 550i, the lighter 540i nearly keeps pace, trailing by just 0.4 seconds despite having two fewer cylinders. And the 540i maintains its efficiency and drivability advantages over the thirsty V8.

For true sports sedan performance, the M550i model drops the 0-60 time down to just 3.9 seconds thanks to its 4.4-liter TwinPower turbo V8 producing over 450 hp. But that comes at the expense of higher cost and worse fuel economy compared to the more balanced 540i.

Turbo 6 Cylinder Offers Best Balance

In the 5 Series lineup, the 540i with its turbo inline-6 strikes a brilliant balance between acceleration, efficiency, and everyday comfort.

With its 335 hp turbocharged engine and lightweight chassis, the 540i can outpace rivals from Audi and Mercedes in the 0-60 mph sprint. The 540i hits 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds – quick enough to pin passengers to their seats.

Yet the 540i maintains excellent fuel economy for its class at 26 mpg highway thanks to the refined 6-cylinder turbo engine. And it provides a quieter, smoother ride than the V8-powered 550i.

For drivers who want exhilarating acceleration along with four-door practicality and reasonable running costs, the BMW 540i is a top choice. Its turbocharged straight six delivers right-now power while still returning over 25 mpg.

The 540i proves a true sports sedan doesn’t require a massive engine – just one with advanced technology like BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve lift. Combine that with crisp-shifting automatic transmissions to keep the power on boil.

Takeaways on 540i 0-60 Time

So in summary, here are the key takeaways on the BMW 540i’s 0-60 mph acceleration:

• Powered by a 3.0L TwinPower Turbo straight 6 making 335 hp and 332 lb-ft torque
• Weighs around 3,977 lbs for a great power-to-weight ratio
• Sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds
• Beats key luxury sedan rivals from Mercedes and Audi
• Turbo inline 6 provides best blend of power and efficiency

For drivers who crave pulse-quickening performance in a practical package, the BMW 540i delivers sports car acceleration and handling with room for the family. Its turbocharged straight six provides a compelling balance of thrust and fuel efficiency.

In a class of high-performance luxury sedans, the latest BMW 5 Series stands out with its athletic reflexes. The 540i model provides exhilarating acceleration for merging, passing, or just having fun on a twisty back road.

So if you are shopping for a rapid luxury sedan that can still return over 25 mpg, be sure to take the BMW 540i for a test drive. Once you experience its seamless thrust, you’ll better understand why its 5.5 second 0-60 mph time makes it a standout in the class.