BMW 5 Series diesel returns to Australia

The Australian BMW 5 Series range will grow later this year to include a diesel option.

The new BMW 540d xDrive sedan is due to start arriving in Australia by the fourth quarter of 2024, with the brand to announce pricing in July.

The German brand locally launched the new G60-generation 5 Series last year with a single combustion-powered option, the petrol 520i sedan, alongside two different electric powertrains.

That’s despite the previous-generation model offering a much wider range of combustion powertrains, including a diesel that was popular with some police departments.

The 540d xDrive is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system.

The integrated starter generator can provide a boost of up to 13kW of power and 200Nm of torque, and recuperate kinetic energy under braking.

The 540d produces 223kW and 670Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds.

As with all local-spec 5 Series and i5 models, the M Sport package will be standard.

The 540d rides on 20-inch alloy wheels, and features standard metallic paint, matrix LED headlights, and BMW’s Iconic Glow illuminated grille.

Inside, there’s standard BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery and a 655W Bowers & Wilkins sound system. As with all other 5 Series and i5 models, the 540d will run the new BMW Operating System 8.5.

While we don’t have full specifications for the local 540d yet, the following equipment is standard on the base 520i:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Panoramic glass roof
• Ambient lighting
• Heated front sports seats
• Wireless phone charger
• Semi-autonomous parking assist

The 540d will join the previously confirmed i5 M60 xDrive Touring, which is thus far the only wagon member of the local 5 Series line.

MORE: Everything BMW 5 Series