2025 BMW 5 Series: Diesel sedan returns, priced for Australia

BMW Australia has detailed the pricing and specification of its 540d xDrive inline-six diesel sedan ahead of its local arrival in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The 2025 BMW 540d xDrive is priced from $134,900 before on-road costs, slotting between the turbo-petrol 520i ($114,900 before on-roads) and the electric i5 eDrive40 ($155,900 before on-roads).

The 540d xDrive is powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine which incorporates a 48V mild-hybrid system, combining to produce of 223kW of power and 670Nm of torque.

The 48V mild-hybrid system comprises a motor generator that performs multiple functions, including as a starter motor, and is able to deliver up to 13kW and 200Nm of boost to the engine. It can also recuperate kinetic energy to the 48V battery pack under braking.

This mild-hybrid inline-six turbo-diesel powertrain is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with drive delivered to all four wheels.

BMW claims the 540d xDrive is capable of doing the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds.

In Europe, it has a claimed WLTP fuel consumption figure of 5.8-6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.

Standard specification for the 540d xDrive largely mirrors what the i5 eDrive40 has, though without the equipment relating electric vehicles (EVs).

2025 BMW 540d xDrive highlights:

• 20-inch M alloy wheels
• Tyre repair kit
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Adaptive LED headlights
• BMW Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille surrounds
• Rear axle steering
• Adaptive suspension
• Alarm system
• Panoramic glass roof (non-opening)
• Power tailgate
• Comfort Access (keyless entry and start)
• M Sport Package
• M Sport brakes, dark blue metallic
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BMW Operating System 8.5
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Head-up display
• Gesture control
• DAB+ digital radio
• 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system
• Dual-zone climate control
• Wireless charger
• Carbon fibre and high-gloss silver threads interior trim w/ dark silver M accents
• Travel & Comfort system
• Interior camera
• Interior ambient lighting
• Through-loading system
• M leather steering wheel
• Sport seats
• BMW Individual leather ‘Merino’ upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Driving Assistant Professional
• Parking Assistant Professional
• Intelligent Emergency Call
• TeleServices
• BMW ConnectedDrive Services
• Connected Package Professional
• Personal eSim

The $5700 Comfort Package adds:

• Heated steering wheel
• Roller sunblinds
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear outboard seats
• CraftedClarity glass applications
• Four-zone climate control

The $4200 M Sport Plus Package adds:

• 21-inch BMW Individual 954 Bicolour Jet Black wheels
• M Sport Pro
  • M Lights Shadow Line
  • M red brake calipers (Dark Blue also available)
  • M seat belts
• M Carbon Exterior Package
  • M carbon exterior mirror caps
  • M carbon rear spoiler

There are three BMW Individual leather ‘Merino’ seat upholstery colours to choose from (Black/Atlas Grey, Copper Brown/Atlas Grey, Silverstone/Atlas Grey), six interior trim options, as well as three alloy wheel choices ranging from 20- to 21-inches.

Before the 540d xDrive arrives in the fourth quarter of this year, BMW will launch the electric i5 M60 xDrive Touring in the third quarter. For now this will be the only wagon member in the local 5 Series lineup.

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