2021 BMW 540i M Sport - Is Your Boss an Enthusiast? (POV Drive)

The 5 Series has always been an enthusiast's sedan, so is this new executive saloon still as fun and capable as the originals? Find out if your boss is an enthusiast in this drive of the LCI 540i M Sport.
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#RespectTheDrive #BMW #540i

[@TedwardDrives]

My boss at my corporate job drove the pre-LCI version of this and I was curious if he was an enthusiast...Now I know. Thanks to the Patreon Supporters for making this content possible AND Motorized Coffee for offering my viewers 10% off your next order of freshly roasted Beans www.motorizedcoffee.com/discount/Tedward

[@saman-iw9tx]

I drive the bmw m5 competition lci 2021

[@saman-iw9tx]

Do a video on avalon touring

[@aaronfreeman3890]

Great vid as always. jw but do you think the b58 is a good a power plant to hold and modify over the coming years, when compared to the n54 motors from the e92's? Those motors were just as available in those cars back then and people still make insane numbers off them in 2021, like adam lz just did in a recent video. I think bmw would have learned not to overbuild their motors this time around so the mid motors cars aren’t able to compete with the likes of the S58, but i could be wrong (Also that 48v mild hybrid in it actually does nothing to make it drive smoother and makes the car SLOWER to 60 than the previous gen 540i by about 0.3 secs, which really drives home your point about bmw losing their way in some of their newer non-m cars imo)

[@sierrarose9800]

@@aaronfreeman3890 n54>b58

[@NS416]

@@aaronfreeman3890 BMW Engines have always been strong, I am sure they know what they are doing when they build engine like the N54, B58 ect.

[@mydsmber05]

The 540i specifically is one of the only BMW’s that does not have fake noise pumped in (even the 530i has it) what you’re hearing (or not) is what the B58 actually sounds like.

[@thecommenter4933]

I really appreciate how connected your reviews are to your typical car buyers and that everything isn't evaluated only through the lens of a true car enthusiast. The typical buyer of a car like this where I live in Seattle is a software engineering manager at Amazon, Google, or Microsoft. They commute 40+ minutes each way per day and come from an old Honda or a 2017ish lease, which in car years feels like an eternity ago (compare the 2016 K900 to the 2020). They'll sit in this thing and it will feel magical, and suddenly those horrible pull requests or the about-to-be-missed deadlines they got asked about will disappear. Everything will, to them, feel "sporty". They'll have more power than they'll ever be able to safely use. But they'll also have an incredibly comfortable, quiet ride paired with awesome tech to help them beat the slog to get onto I-90 from Mercer. When they finally get to the onramp, they'll hit the gas an be amazed at the kick. They'll turn on the cruise control and listen to a podcast. On the weekend or during a road trip, they'll enjoy wafting down the road and have a smile on their face when they take on/offramp. All those things are what this car does amazingly well. That's what people want. And that's what BMW is giving people.

[@titibobo2000]

In Europe, this guy would probably choose 530d.

[@Billybobthor]

You are absolutely right!

[@jimj2683]

In Europe a software engineer makes peanuts. Around 50-70K only.

[@reverbandchill3425]

Well said.

[@TLOU238]

@@titibobo2000 I live in Europe and chose the 540i.

[@shadowchrome_]

americans calling 340hp adequate: *cries in UK spec 520d with 190hp*

[@KingzM3typeR]

Lool for real

[@hasan_440i]

Me crying in f30 316i 136hp

[@shadowchrome_]

Ahsha Asd lmao join the club im getting E90 318d as first car soon, its slow asf yes but i dont need anything faster and insurance is cheap

[@hasan_440i]

@@shadowchrome_ yes welcome to the club man I always loved the e90 looks and it's a great car enjoy and be safe

[@shadowchrome_]

Ahsha Asd thanks man i cant wait, enjoy yours too be safe as well :))

[@jacobmarshall3456]

That backup memory function literally just blew my mind. Next time you are in a busy parking lot look at how many people don't know how to back out of a tight spot. When pulling into a spot you swing the car until you are fully in, however when most people back out they go straight until the nose is clear of the cars next to them, then they begin to turn. Problem is most tight parking lots do not give you enough room to do this and you end up in a tough situation. This feature is really impressive and I'm surprised this is the first time I am seeing it.

[@IKhanNot]

It might be cool but if you can reverse park, back out of a spot, parallel park or have an idea of where your wheels and bumpers are you shouldn't be driving. My car has a backup camera and parking sensors. I have the park sensors turned off and I never use the backup camera.

[@tavorlevy5715]

@@IKhanNot wow ur so cool bro

[@ukaszb5694]

You have to be very careful and check if the surrounding cars didn't move ;) Especially if that was a tight fit.

[@JR-ut2ne]

I can tell you that the feature is also very useful in Day to day usage. Our 5 series is parked in the garage and it's a pretty tight squeeze between our other car and the neighbors car. This feature makes reversing out of the garage so incredibly easy :)

[@gregs8685]

I had a 540i as a service loaner and was pretty impressed, I think it’s the sweet spot in the range. The M5 and M550 are overkill for most places in the US.

[@juansavinon2799]

You nailed it.

[@16blank45]

For most places...that is where the sentence should have ended. You hit the nail on the head.

[@endlessdrive8421]

I love this kind of review, it's like casually hanging out with a knowledgeable friend and getting honest and genuine feedback on a car. Definitely looking to more reviews!

[@lukaslippmann]

The purple shield on the wiring harness signals that this is part of the 48 Volt mild hybrid system. That means that you don't have a conventional starter motor and a separate generator anymore. Instead you now have a starter-generator which can give you a small boost of electric power if it's needed.

[@natemeanor4247]

kinda cool but you can’t turn off the start/stop feature which is annoying

[@seiph80]

@@natemeanor4247 try it in Sport mode, I believe there it won't happen

[@IKhanNot]

Great review. The G30 5 Series is the perfect size and I love the subtle styling. It will age just as well as the old E39.

[@waverunner7063]

Most BMWs age well, even those designed by Chris Bangle.

[@livinglegacy8429]

@@waverunner7063 do ou like this better or pre lci?

[@danielkordab3510]

Man I'm so glad I stumbled over your content, I'm loving it!

[@TedwardDrives]

Thanks Daniel!

[@lwmneke]

Tedward has been dropping heat lately!

[@porschelover04]

Convinced my dad to buy an F82 over this. This is a great car, but the smiles on his face when he pulls that S55 to redline tells me it was the right choice

[@bmwsincekid]

B58 best engine!!

[@porschelover04]

@@bmwsincekid I know, my M240i has the B58 😂 but the lighter body and stick-shift really help that engine come alive

[@ty.exit140]

@Franz Fanon M4

[@ty.exit140]

@Franz Fanon Nice!

[@livinglegacy8429]

im lookin at an F36 but that interior is sooo basic

[@davidhayakawa5022]

After watching a ton of online videos trying to pick between the BMW 4 grand coupe, Audi A6 and the 540i, your review was the final confirmation of my decision to go with the 540i (non M). I'm the older guy you talked about who after a crazy day at work wants to settle into an exciting yet relaxing car for the drive home. If I try to "carve a canyon" I will do it at a lower speed "for a few turns with a unflappable chasis and then cruise again. Good job!

[@TedwardDrives]

Glad it helped and congrats on the new car!!

[@brainp471]

I have this car and absolutely love it. I think its the absolute best of everything. Good gas mileage, super fun to drive in sport plus mode, super mellow in comfort mode, All the tech, mine has the massaging seats, super fun to drive and I got the Bavsound audio upgrade with a full subwoofer. currently going for around 35-40k. Highly recommend and the B58 is plenty tunable. Ditch the run flats and get proper sport tires and winter tires.

[@Charlottecars]

I thought 2020+ couldn’t be tuned due to locked DME. Sure you can unlock it but not the most convenient and simple option.

[@LiamDrives]

That mocha leather is amazing.

[@seiph80]

I'm ordering that leather.

[@billm47645]

I have the 2021 m340 with this motor. I took it on its first road trip a few weeks ago. I was going down steep hills that you could easily go 80-90 down if not careful. Car held 60 MPH and even started decelerating. That little 11 HP Gen/starter makes for good one pedal driving. That being said, apparently they decided to mute the exhaust of the 2020 due to most likely Euro regulation and/or being too close to the M3.

[@NS416]

7:00 very important point. I grew up, and still am around very high end M cars. Nostalgia sometimes ruin's stuff, and I also think a lot of people who don't own BMW's just like to hate on them.

[@MeKo]

Love the new quality on the videos. I also had this as a loaner from Sudbury and loved it more than the M340.

[@blakesking6615]

One of the best lightly used BMWs you can buy is a 5 series. The 540 and 535 are both quick, but ultra comfy. 3 series interiors are seriously lacking in comparison

[@PhilipWeberAB]

Coming from a 340i to a 540i I can totally agree. Then again, my 340i felt more fun on the road. Still, I can’t go back to a 3 series now. Now I’m trying decide between a 550i or an m5.

[@blakesking6615]

@@PhilipWeberAB That’s no question. m5 all the way they are crazy fast

[@PauliusR123]

I don't think a lot of those people who expect a current gen 5 series to be as agile, and raw as an e39 would buy this car new. I personally wouldn't buy one but I believe it does an excellent job on what its intending to do.

[@fatalostriches8618]

Tedward with more BMW videos let's go!!

[@Lamborghini-Murcielago]

Great video, I just ordered one and learned allot by watching this.

[@keananatswyfly]

Such an awesome video! Thank you For the content, I’m in the market for one now and this video might have sealed the deal for me! 👍

[@kenlaw04]

Just bought one, I love it and they drive great. Coming from a F30, this was a great upgrade. Very different.

[@seiph80]

I'm hoping to buy one in a year or two!

[@sakuraFC3S]

I just test drove one and I agree 100% with everything you said! I was hopping to “feel” the road more and Turing felt scary due to the fact that you go a lot faster than it feels. Nice car, but definitely not a canyon carver.

[@elmiraesmaeili1187]

I have got mine this year too and can second all you said, especially the very last part

[@28604]

this is like the perfect commuter car. relaxing but not quite on a phantom level. you can still have a little fun on the highway if you're bored.

[@TedwardDrives]

💯

[@zmolarity4671]

Can’t wait for the summer videos!

[@anoniem9518]

Those roads.... omg. Nice review, nice car!

[@RichardinNC1]

I had a loaded 2018 M550i. Mediterranean Blue and Mocha Nappa. A totally enjoyable car in many aspects although isolation was a priority, even with your foot in it. And yes, it was easy to over drive into corners. Especially in a decreasing radius uphill, I lost the front mid corner. It pushed out a foot into the other lane before I knew what happened and had it corrected. Now I own an X3M a more visceral driving experience. I do think BMW tries very hard to match the market segment, whether an executive sedan, base SUV, or sports coupe, and still provides a good driving experience whatever the market.

[@RichardinNC1]

@Franz Fanon earlier V8s were a concern but I've heard the latest ones are much better. On the other hand, the B58 in the 540 is rock solid so far and its plenty of pep for most.

[@lkdriver22]

Very nice with the ourside shots of the car!

[@Domepeezy]

Great review

[@D1man1525]

Dude u got it right on the money from 7:20-7:56. That’s exactly how I feel when people say BMW has lost their way.

[@scotthilly5653]

I disagree though, because there are companies that do better. Alfa Romeo, Porsche, even Mazda - all have suspension and steering figured out. BMW does not. Nothing is as good as it used to be, but that doesn’t give it an excuse when other brands are still getting better.

[@D1man1525]

@@scotthilly5653 steering wise I agree but with suspension absolutely not. Porsche is the benchmark when it comes to chasis and suspension tuning, however a base Panamera and Cayenne isn’t much better than a 540i or X5 meaning that they feel about the same and that includes other brands. Now when you talk about the performance trims then definitely BMW is more than in the game

[@xandergreenwood158]

Fresh camera angles lets gooo

[@Tai74411]

That car is nice and I'm early this time. Id actually get one some day if I could.

[@davidshamiri1448]

love that backup assistance, first time seeing it

[@TedwardDrives]

It’s really convenient. Also makes a good party trick when you have some friends along with ya

[@KeokiDude]

Good car review, thanks.

[@infidel900rr]

Nice closing comments on the value of a luxury sedan.

[@WHERESSS]

doesn't have to be a tin can to have steering feel. steering feedback is one of, if not the most important characteristics of a driver's car. 2 brands that are well insulated and refined and still have great steering feedback are Cadillac with their Alpha V (err ...Blackwing) stuff and Porsche. The GM Alpha stuff with the ZF racks and magride dampers feel more BMW than any current BMW. I still really like the 540i. With some catted DPs and a canned tune, they are an awesome daily for someone who has something really fast and engaging for the summer weekends.

[@OskaRYZZ]

Woow, this channel is really nice i will subscribe

[@yes8032]

True luxury sedan 💪

[@baberkhan1472]

This location is so beautiful.

[@Jdplayz-bq4ys]

Just rented a brand new 5 series in Florida and it was great.

[@pascutia]

That double pull for the hood is great until the stupid thing breaks. It might have happened to me, won't confirm that :)). For me, I think I like the pre-lci version more just because the B58 didn't need further complications with the 48 volt system. It was more than fuel efficient enough before they added this system. Plus, reasonably sized grilles. Cool video!

[@pascutia]

@Franz Fanon Speaking from personal experience as that double pull mechanism broke on my last car :/

[@marcozuniga1186]

So sick if I was an executive type person I would get this

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

As a BMW owner myself the 540i is probably the best BMW sedan out there

[@nightpovcars7021]

I would buy this car! So good 🔥 thanks!!

[@dytakt]

God I adore this channel!

[@TedwardDrives]

Thank you!

[@Von__Rx]

love this!

[@offbrandcheetos4821]

Love your reviews, have you ever considered a saab review, aero, turbo x etc?

[@carguyns4348]

Good sounding car

[@williamlong2682]

With the 4 and 7 Series, I think the conservative aesthetic kinda has newfound appeal, and I’m glad they kept some hard buttons inside. And features like that backup helper actually seem surprisingly useful. But I wish even this 540i had a similar quality to something like the Honda Accord, where the exterior is clean and unsuspecting but under the skin that there’s thrilling, rewarding, lively personality to the chassis tuning. If it had that quality, it’d be my favorite in this segment in a heartbeat. But as you said, that just isn’t the case here, so I’d probably shop elsewhere in this segment personally. That’s just me, though.

[@Jasongy827]

I agree with you on the B50. Look, I love the e30 s14 engine, e28 straight 6, e46 m3 and the e39 m5. I only owned a m3 e46, I have driven most of the car listed even their v10 engines. Nostalgia will always be there, 100% for me same with Porsche enthusiasts always love their air cooled system. This is a new era, I still want to drive their 2018-2021 models. Just to see the difference (engine wise). I have to admit, I personally prefer Nissan skyline gtr and a Toyota Supra or a Honda nsx from the 90s. If it was any European car it would be BMW, and Alfa Romero.

[@TheJmebe]

'Driving' in 'Ultimate Driving Machine' has many forms. It doesn't just mean, balls-deep need-for-speed canyon-carving! I want smooth and fast from my 5 series thank you very much.

[@ukaszb5694]

Drove this and the new A6. Actually, the A6 was the 2020 version without the mild hybrid, but the gearbox was so sluggish it was irritating. Don know if they fixed it this year. Also, it lacked elbow support for my left hand while driving :) And the central console is all touchscreens. To be honest, A6 is the looker - outside and inside the design is stunning. But the BMW after the facelift is not far behind. And I'm the driver, so the choice is obvious :)

[@diegoalvarez6861]

I just finished watching your video ob the manual r8 and i fell in love with that car again and o just wanted to ask, how does it feel to hear that v10 un person?

[@SkinnySkinch]

The purple shield is an indicator that it's a mild hybrid 48V system.

[@kcd2120]

Maybe I’ll look for a recently used one of these when I change my 2014 Audi A7. I absolutely love my car but they’ve spoiled the new ones for me with touchscreens. This BMW has everything - traditional layout, AWD option, strong turbo 6 and a smooth daily drive.

[@D3humaniz3d]

"The car tries to relax you first before egging you on to be a psychopath" I've driven an 2020 Audi A6 with the 2.0 TDI Quattro with rear turning axle and active suspension, and that car feels exactly like you said - it promises a relaxing drive, and despite being quite fast and having insane handling characteristics for a car of that class, it just does not feel like the car wants you to do that. You can, but it simply does not feel right in that car. On the other hand, my daily (E90 330XD) with the M suspension does the opposite, in which it tries to coax you into driving like a psychopath and only reluctantly promises you can relax behind the wheel.

[@raider4394]

Man, I love my Hyundai Tucson but these BMWs are so fantastic

[@Niko_Mourat]

Love the content friend! I just ordered my 540i yesterday! I got mocha Napa but couldn’t decide on the trim between aluminum/ grey poplar wood. Do you like the aluminum?

[@bushmaster9576]

I am an enthusiast and i would buy this car and i would like to travel the world in it and listen to my fav music and jusg relax and hit the backroads when needed im in love with the design and the refined more grown up bmw's at least the amature bmw fanboys will get turned off so we can enjoy it and our bad rep goes away

[@titibobo2000]

Exactly what I've been doing in my 2017 540iX, except traveling the world (I'd like that too). Cheers!

[@thelastm4]

I was watching another Tedward video until I saw this notification lol

[@milannekuhh9818]

Maybe try an X6 40i? I'm interested in what you think about it. We like it. Great video, the B58 is just one of the best in the market!

[@kiplingordon]

Just bought one actually, I love the car. Black sapphire metallic with tacora red interior.

[@sparkeyjones6261]

Where is it that you're driving? Some of the landscape looks so similar to where I grew up in Connecticut.

[@KSShel]

Man, I gotta wait for these to depreciate like hell so I could cop one. 😅👌

[@boldsword1]

I miss my poor man's m5, she was a beast

[@juzy8470]

It is a mild hybrid car, that’s why it “charges”

[@nimdanilox7783]

I like this car.

[@jc74435]

Do a video on the 330e, its great 👍

[@mortensenvick5711]

it's a great jalopy yeah

[@gagewalters9663]

Nice purple inside too, I like my e38 for the heated wheel lol

[@shootermcgavin2067]

Fun fact: a few modest mods and the 540 turns into a monster, as with all b58s.

[@MajorB58]

5series is nowdays much more oriented towards 7 series if you want feeling of enthusiastic sport vehicle you have to try M2 with manual ;) btw B58 is capable of brutal sound you have to to get either m performence exhaust or some custom akrapovic etc. Preferably with catless downpipe and remap. People tune this engine between 400-600 hp depends on how much want to spend

[@uofan1]

I'm still struggling with my next car choice. I'm seriously looking at a 540i, and an E Class. If I can afford it, also an M550i and E 53. But, realistically, how would you compare the 540i with an E450? Thank you.

[@StormAutoAdventures]

It would have been nice to see the screen on with the navigation system. I wish you guys weren't so anti navigation. Whether it's updated or not, I love the looks of it in a car. Especially on a nice sized screen like this.

[@StormAutoAdventures]

@Franz Fanon I care lol. It's one of my favorite features inside a car or truck.

[@StormAutoAdventures]

@Franz Fanon Sorry, I just saw your reply now. It's all good. I know some people don't like them. I have an Infiniti Q50 and I didn't like the two screens at first, but now I love them haha. Go figure lol

[@jaypatel7424]

Sup Ted finally! been waiting 🔥🔥🔥

[@TedwardDrives]

haha sorry I was an hour late!

[@joshuaiyama5503]

I love it

[@aj3k840]

In Germany we say: „Lecker!“ and that’s what this car is, very lecker. 😂

[@i_mixr]

Correction* sehr lecker!

[@niconicht4982]

Correction* Schmeckt

[@SimonGa23]

Saftig

[@AreOut]

Like a Dutch lekker?

[@rhards]

@@AreOut like a lick out man

[@alexandrewoods3763]

I have a 2017 540i m sport and it does amazing in the canyons. This car is quick,comfortable and fun to drive.

[@valley540i]

I agree just picked up a 2018 540i!!! It’s Quick fun car.. I plan on tuning it a bit in the future to get a little more power.🤘🏽

[@jump3erlt]

For me Giulia is the ultimate driver's car :) Do a review of that one please, if you already haven't.

[@mortensenvick5711]

la giulia no vale verga

[@xxzmk]

I think the 5 series is the 7 series nowadays but you don't want to be driven rather you want to drive. Its like a 90% sportiness of the 3 series and 90% of comfy and grownup ness from the 7 series in a package. If someone wants a M5 like experience with a simple and nice engine like a B58 should rather look for M340i or 340i generally. The lower amount of weight and shorter wheel base will help having more of a M car feeling.

[@corollavirus4age]

9:00 can you explain your experience with the nauseous smooth suspensions ? ive only driven and ridden around in shitboxes and the asphalt here is pretty much Lunar soil

[@nvl2691]

RIP

[@b286guy]

I would love one of these. Too expensive for me though 😭

[@Athawolfus]

So when you pull the shifter to the left it puts the vehicle in sport mode (not manual mode) and if you press a button next to the shifter it also goes into sport mode? I didn't get that part.

[@_mr.heisenberg_]

This streets 😵

[@kinggrantking]

Autobahn cruiser from the gods. There's no car I would rather go on a road trip with.

[@petarkos9973]

I'm a merc fan but this guy is making me like bmw's

[@bradleywyatt1527]

The reversing camera is rubbish when reversing into your garage or darkish area for vision against the competition (jag xf)

[@DFXJosef86]

This engine sounds almost exactly like the 2004 BMW 530i E60 3.0i

[@moonsapling]

Havent seen a Mercedes sedan driven in quite a while on this channel.

[@bloodseedwahdirass2099]

It’s better than any 5 series because it’s xdrive and when you modify the b58 it can make the same and way more power than the m5. Except you have the amazing awd and can turn off xdrive for rwd fun

[@shodancat1000]

are there plans in the works to drive older/project viewer cars or is the channel focused on new production cars going forward? (i know time of year is probably a factor either way)

[@TedwardDrives]

100%. It's winter and the roads are salty. Those cars are all put away. They'll be out soon =)

[@lucashuang637]

5:14, I see the horsepower ratings of 335 horsepower for this specific engine, I'm sure in the real world, it's actually around 400 horsepower because I've seen other videos when people accelerate BMW's with this specific engine while the right side of the digital cluster showing how much horsepower it's using, and it indicated 400. Also, doesn't BMW also underate their horsepower figures as well?

[@Triplez43]

the only 5 series ill ever buy is the e60 m5 with the manual box even though they're notoriously unreliable

[@lotsofcurveslover]

$77k.....good one. Used M5’s in mint condition are $45k. I know you can’t compare used vs new but German cars make it hilariously fun.

[@abinsaji4449]

Can more power and coilovers fix this problem or is it the steering and things like that

[@seansemkowski1419]

You gotta do a Mercedes E450 or E53 for comparison.

[@TasimanaOG]

0-100 in ~5 seconds and a sub 13.5 1/4 mile is not bad at all, hot hatch killer for the buissness man,, although for my money id have an a7 55tfsi

[@martinstanev4428]

I know that you wil kill the waranty of the car but i realy recomend to tune the car and buy a aftermarket exhaust.It wil revive the car.

[@imjuliamar]

Hey Tedward! My mom just picked up an X2 M35i with BMW’s first 4 Cylinder designation instead of the traditional 6 cylinder with a 300hp tuned B48 and it’s performance kinda surprised me considering it’s segment in the SUV/Hatchback world. Was wondering if you could review it soon! Love from Michigan