BMW 5 Series goes back to its inline six roots with special edition

BMW Canada has revealed the 2026 BMW 540i xDrive Legacy Edition, a heritage-inspired limited edition that marks the return of the inline-six 5 Series (sans PHEV tech) to the region.

Just 151 units will be produced, claiming to “embody the essence of the traditional 5 Series experience” thanks to the “now legendary” 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six petrol engine under the bonnet, developing 375hp (280kW) of power and and 398 lb-ft (540Nm) of torque.

Featuring intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive and a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, the 540i xDrive Legacy Edition can scoot from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, which makes the heritage special as quick to triple figures as the E60-generation V10-powered M5 from the 2000s-2010s.

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The current G60-generation 5 Series has been unavailable in 540i xDrive specification until the Legacy Edition, and BMW says the limited-run model has been “carefully curated for customers who appreciate both heritage and performance”.

Spec sheet headliners include no-cost option BMW Individual Manufaktur paintwork such as the beautiful Maldives Blue II Metallic shown here alongside a matching E34-gen 540i sedan; the M Sport Pro Package; 21-inch Individual alloy wheels; as well as an 18-speaker Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system.

Pricing starts at $94,500 CAD (A$105,830), with orders opening back on 18 June in Canada. BMW says first deliveries are expected to begin during the fourth quarter of 2025.

BMW Australia doesn’t offer the 540i xDrive, though the 540d xDrive with its 3.0-litre inline six turbo-diesel is sold here. The mild-hybrid-assisted oiler makes less power but more torque (223kW/670Nm), good for a 5.2-second 0-100km/h dash.

The 5 Series range in Australia starts from $114,900 before on-road costs for the four-cylinder turbo 520i, with the inline-six 540d xDrive priced from $134,900 plus on-roads.

The electric i5 eDrive40 kicks off from $155,900, while the high-performance i5 M60 starts from $215,900 – all prices exclude on-road costs.

While the 540i xDrive Legacy Edition is destined exclusively for the Canadian market, Australian customers can specify the local 5 Series range with similar equipment, including the lovely Maldives Blue II Metallic BMW Individual Manufaktur paint (~A$7300) and the M Sport Plus Package (~A$3200).

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