Our 540i xDrive managed to hit those respective marks in 4.6 and 13.2 seconds with a 106.1-mph trap speed. At first that seems impressive given that the BMW makes do with eight transmission ratios ...

2021 BMW 540i M Sport | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry The 540i is powered by a single-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine making 335 horsepower and 332 pounds-feet of torque.

The 2021 BMW 540i xDrive isn't just a luxury car. I mean, sure, that's what it is -- and when it comes to being luxurious, it excels -- but it's a bit more than a one-dimensional qualifier like that.

The 540i is, in contrast, quietly confident in its own prestige, and you can't really begrudge it that. BMW's recipe here is straightforward, though like the best cooking it relies on premium ...