Diesel engines don’t have the best reputation at the
moment and that could help to explain the low-key introduction of the 540d
xDrive in the United States. The company hasn’t issued a press release but as
reported on Car and Driver, the model recently surfaced on BMWUSA and the site
reveals everything we need to know about the diesel-powered sedan.
The 540d has a 3.0-liter
TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel engine that develops 261 hp and 618 Nm of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic
transmission and an all-wheel drive system which enables the car accelerate
from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds before hitting a top speed of up to 250
km/h. Of course, one of the key benefits is fuel-efficiency and the 540d
xDrive is rated at 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.
Pricing starts at US$ 62,000 but buyers will receive a
well equipped model that comes standard with adaptive LED headlights,
rain-sensing wipers, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Other exterior details include
LED fog lights, a glass moonroof, and black chrome exhaust tips.
Moving inside, drivers will find 16-way
power front sport seats with Dakota leather upholstery. There’s also fineline
ridge wood trim, an automatic climate control system, an 8.8-inch digital
instrument cluster, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation.
A variety of options will be available including a
leather-wrapped dashboard, a head-up display, and an Alcantara headliner. Customers
can also order an Active Driving Assistant Plus system as well as a Dynamic
Handling Package that includes active roll stabilization, adaptive drive, and
dynamic damper control.
