BMW vehicles are some of the top luxury options on the road. Whether you get a brand new model or take advantage of the affordability of a pre-owned BMW, these vehicles deliver elegant features, creature comforts, and satisfying power. However, the trim levels on various BMW models can be confusing. What’s the difference between the 2017 BMW 530i and 540i? How does the M550i slot in? Generally, the trim levels of any BMW model will boil down to the engine option, with some feature variations. Explore 2017 BMW 5 Series engine options below.

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2017 BMW 5 Series Engine Options

The two standard models of the freshly redesigned 2017 BMW 5 Series are the 530i and the 540i. These models offer similar features but different gasoline engine options.The 530i has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a respectable 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The next-step-up 2017 BMW 540i has a more strident twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that cranks out 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque more more engaging acceleration and power.

The recently announced 2017 BMW M550i xDrive also exists, and is technically part of the 5 Series line, but really it deserves a class by itself. You can read about this super-powered model in our previous M550i xDrive blog post.

Fuel Efficiency on the BMW 5 Series

The 2017 BMW 530i can offer up to 34 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city with two-wheel drive. This is the most fuel-sipping model in the lineup. On the other end of the spectrum, the 2017 BMW 540i with xDrive all-wheel drive has EPA-estimated mileage numbers of 20 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway.