2017 BMW 540i Autobahn Acceleration Test Shows Solid 0-155 MPH/250 KPH Sprint

The 540i is the quickest non-M or M Performance 5er you can buy and the video below allows us to see the Bimmer going from standstill to its 155 mph (make that 250 km/h) electronically limited top speed. Note that the maximum velocity is achieved in the sixth of the eight ratios the ZF-supplied automatice transmission delivers.

Under the hood, we have the new B48 engine, the 3.0-liter single-turbo twin-scroll unit that allows the 2017 M240i to challenge the M2's straight line performance.

In standard form, the straight-six churns out 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of twist. When channeled through the rear wheels, the output pushes the sedan to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds, while the xDrive incarnation of the Bimmer shaves 0.3 seconds off that time.

The Bavarian automaker used this year's edition of the Essen Motor Show, which is basically the Euro-flavored version of SEMA, to intoduce a power kit for the 540i. The package takes the output to 360 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, but BMW didn't mention the acceleration boost generated by the goodie.

While the car in this clip is fitted with a M Performance package that enhances its sporty visual aura, the 2017 BMW 540i reviews we've seen so far talk about the balanced nature of the four-door.

The new 5er offers a planted experience and, as much as we adore tail-out moments, we're glad the handling characteristings of the now-retired F10 were left behind - even with the M5, the oversteer moments could easily lead to trouble, as the suspension never felt up to the job, turning the super-sedan into a bit of a handful when the driver decided to abuse it through the corners.