2025 BMW 540i xDrive Legacy Edition Review

Flipping the script, not only does Canada get a version of the 2025 BMW 540i xDrive, but the country also receives an exclusive special edition not offered in America. Called the 540i xDrive Legacy Edition, it’s the only way to get the turbo six without the added complexity and weight of the plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

BMW claims this car is supposed to encapsulate and embody the long history of BMW 5 Series, notably the 540i. Yes, the new 540i lacks a V8 like the icons of the past, but the turbo six packs far more power. Oh, and did we mention the car gets throwback badges and an exclusive paint option?

That exclusive paint option is a throwback in the brand’s pigment history, called Maldives Blue II Metallic. Although it has been offered on other models in very recent history, American buyers cannot choose this color for any 2025 BMW 5 Series model.

Canadians aren’t forced into the bright blue though as several other exterior options are available. But the rest of the exterior is pre-set since the Legacy Edition comes one way, and one way only. It includes the panoramic moonroof, illuminated kidney grille, shadowline lights, black exterior trim bits, 21-inch wheels, M-Sport blue brake calipers, and that retro trunk badge.

Although we’re not 100% sold on modern BMW grilles, the 5 Series does have one of the better iterations and the car looks modern, sleek, yet premium.

As mentioned multiple times, the heart of the 2025 540i is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6. It develops 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. Like virtually all gasoline powered BMWs, power flows through an eight-speed automatic transmission, powering all four wheels in this instance.

The brand claims 0-60 mph arrives in 4.4 seconds (0-100 km/h 4.7 seconds), which is quicker than any V8-powered 540i of the past. An extra 100 or so horsepower will do that. The drivetrain is also officially rated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

There’s no overstating how well this engine suits the car. There are more powerful options, but they’re overkill. This turbo-six has more than enough power, yet is incredibly refined, smooth, and includes deep rich sound. Granted the later is partially enhanced by the sound system, but we still like it. At any speed, the engine feels like an electric motor, with instant, linear power delivery.

As stated, the Legacy Edition comes with the largest optional wheels measuring 21-inches in diameter. Wrapped around them are 245/35R21 front tires and 275/30R21 in the rear. They provide good mechanical grip, and the front tires are somewhat communicative to the driver. This is not a performance vehicle though. The 540i is more of a GT cruiser.

Like every current BMW, the 540i xDrive isn’t overly svelte. At a hefty 4,370-pound (1,982 kg) curb weight, the car’s mass is felt when cornering and maneuvering. But turn in, just like every other control on the 540i is so smooth.

BMW will have quite the task ahead of the manufacturer to make the next generation 5 Series more refined than this car.

Circling back to the tires (see what I did there), the diminutive sidewall doesn’t affect ride quality. The 540i xDrive doesn’t have adaptive dampers, air suspension, or other adjustable trickery. It’s just a well-tuned mechanical system that eats up road ripples with good affect.

Front seat passengers get 38.8-inches (986 mm) of headroom and 41.3-inches (1,049 mm) of legroom. Both seats up front are heated and ventilated. Those in the outboard rear also get heated seats, with 37.7-inches (958 mm) of headroom and 37.0-inches (940 mm) of legroom. Adults will easily fit in the four primary seats in the 540i xDrive, while 18.4 cubic feet (520 L) of gear can go in the trunk.

Like the exterior, the interior of the 2025 BMW 540i xDrive Legacy Edition can be configured in a few ways. The choices are similar to those that American customers have on regular 540i models as well. Our tester came with Smoke White perforated and quilted Veganza seating surfaces, and the open pore ash grey-blue fine-wood with dark silver accent.

The biggest highlight inside the car is the lighting setup. It’s top notch. The main screens and ambient lighting strips really make the vehicle feel modern and tech rich. Changing the drive modes changes the mood too. We just wish we could control customizing the drive modes more, in both car setup and ambient lighting configuration.

The two main screens measure 12.3-inches for the digital customizable driver information center, and 14.9-inches for the infotainment system. Both operate BMW’s iDrive software and are quick to respond. The Legacy Edition includes the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, as well as the usual fare like the wireless phone charger, power moonroof shade, multifunction steering wheel, etc.

On a safety front, this special edition Canada-only trim has the driving assistant plus including stop-and-go as well as parking assistant pro included.

The 2025 BMW 540i xDrive Legacy Edition costs $97,055 Canadian including destination charges. There are no options as it’s an all-inclusive, singular configuration. It’s not possible to make an exact replica of this car in the United States market, mostly due to the unavailability of our tester's blue exterior color option. However, an otherwise equivalent 2025 540i xDrive comes in at $81,725, once again including destination charges.

These are class competitive prices, with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 falling more or less in line when similarly equipped.

The BMW 5 Series is pricey and isn’t perfect. But it’s a reminder how good a top-tier German luxury sedan can be. How much nicer they are to drive compared to mainstream cars or SUVs. BMW makes some of the better luxury SUVs on the market, but the brand’s sedans are next level in feel.

Even if it’s limited to a singular configuration, the 2025 BMW 540i xDrive Legacy Edition finally gives Canadians access to what Americans have had for years – the just-right middle of the 5 Series lineup.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

• Q: What makes the 540i xDrive special?
• A: The 540i is the only way to get the turbocharged inline-six engine without the plug-in hybrid drivetrain attached.
• Q: Is the BMW 540i available in Canada?
• A: For the 2025 model year it is now available in Canada as part of the Legacy Edition.
• Q: What's the difference between 530i & 540i?
• A: The 530i uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine while the 540i uses a turbocharged six-cylinder.