Battery-electric vehicles are all the rage nowadays. But gas-powered cars are not dead. In fact, they are more refined than ever. Decades of investments and improvements led to the creation of mighty powerplants. One of those mechanical wonders is BMW's updated six-cylinder, known by fans as the B58. It's not just capable of producing impressive power figures, but it's also dependable. Another good piece of news? It's also efficient. Here's what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data says.
The 2023 BMW 540i xDrive should return a 25 mpg consumption figure, according to the EPA.
The 2024 BMW 540i xDrive improves it and is capable of 28 mpg. It needs 0.4 gallons per 100 miles less than the previous generation.
Interestingly enough, the EPA's preliminary data originally revealed a consumption of 33 mpg! That's not bad for a car that puts out 375 hp and can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.4 seconds. But do keep in mind that the pre-tax and -fee price is $68,650. That's $9,900 more than its predecessor. The 2017 BMW 540i xDrive debuted with an MSRP of $58,750.
On the other hand, the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) data reveals that the all-new BMW 540i xDrive consumes 7.7 liters per 100 kilometers (30.5 mpg). However, keep in mind that this efficiency verification method is more permissible.
Still, it reveals that the eighth generation of the 5 Series (G60) sporting the acclaimed six-cylinder is more efficient than the previous one. The 540i xDrive (G30) needed nearly 9.0 liters per 100 kilometers (26.1 mpg) to keep the driver on the road, per WLTP. It also put out 35 hp less than its successor.
The latest version of the well-known B58 is as good as it can be. It's a shame that BMW doesn't spend more time advertising it. The automaker is now focusing primarily on its plug-in hybrid and all-electric models. We still have at least two decades until gas-powered cars will become uncool.
Photo: BMW
Besides that, the struggles EV owners have to deal with are not very attractive when you're someone considering the acquisition of a luxurious sedan. If you're in middle management, own your business, or simply make bank at a good job, chances are you're not that interested in charging for cheap at home or getting used to apps that tell you where the nearest high-power charging station is.
The fact of the matter is that EVs still aren't for everyone. Cars like the BMW i5, Tesla Model S, or the Lucid Air are great and hold a significant promise: decarbonizing personal transport. But the charging infrastructure isn't where it should be, and the problem with staying hooked to a stall (assuming it's up and running) for at least 20 to 25 minutes is not everyone's cup of tea.
Then, there's the issue of a constantly evolving technology. Battery materials are becoming cheaper and cheaper, while laggards like Toyota keep promising amazing high-voltage energy storage units that can enable real-world ranges of over 620 miles.
The high-power charging infrastructure is also in constant development. Automakers explore alliances and build stations of their own. Things are certainly looking up for EVs. That's pointed out beautifully by recent public policy, the increasing number of EVs on the market, and the high gas prices that aren't under America's control.
However, until everything's ready, EVs remain a solid choice only for some new car buyers. Autos like BMW's 540i xDrive are the best option for everybody else.
The bottom line is that we have a ton of choices. It's up to us to pick what we like and deal with these new pricing policies.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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