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All-New BMW 540i Tested by Carfection: More Silent and Planted Than Expected

People often say that BMW doesn't make the cars it used to, and in some cases, they are right. But that's because the expectations of a businessman are completely different to those of somebody looking to buy a second-hand E36 and turn it into a drift machine.
All-New BMW 540i Tested by Carfection: More Silent and Planted Than Expected 5 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot
All-New BMW 540i Tested by Carfection: More Silent and Planted Than ExpectedAll-New BMW 540i Tested by Carfection: More Silent and Planted Than ExpectedAll-New BMW 540i Tested by Carfection: More Silent and Planted Than ExpectedAll-New BMW 540i Tested by Carfection: More Silent and Planted Than Expected
We mention these things because the first review we've seen of the all-new 5 Series says some pretty discouraging factoids. For example, the car is supposedly very planted, and it's difficult to get it unstuck. For most automakers, that would be a compliment. But considering the 540i has the same engine as the M140i and the Portuguese roads offer perfect conditions, you'd expect a softly sprung drift machine.

Another issue is the sensation of speed or the lack of it. Because of all the soundproofing and the advanced suspension, you can't really enjoy it like a BMW is supposed to. But what did you expect when all but one of the G30 models are auto-only?

But that doesn't mean you won't fall completely in love with the car. Maybe it's the perfect holiday weather, but that white 540i with the M Sport package looks like the perfect BMW. Mind you, there's an alternative to this engine if you want more thrills and speed, and that's the M550i with all-wheel-drive and a thumping V8.

Alex Goy's review seems to suggest that the new 5er is exactly what people want it to be: a car that's good at everything. It's also packed with fancy new toys, like a very expensive remote control/smart key and gesture controls. Sure, it's a gimmick, but it's one that no other manufacturer offers right now... except Volkswagen.

The 7 Series has those too, so what makes them different? Well, we've heard that the dashboard is several degrees further angled towards the driver in the 5er. So there, a status symbol can be measured in degrees.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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