The Canadian automotive landscape is set to welcome back an iconic nameplate as BMW announces the return of the 540i to Canada in the form of the 2026 BMW 540i xDrive Legacy Edition, with only 151 units available. This marks the first time the current-generation 5 Series has been offered as a 540i variant in the Canadian market, bridging a significant gap in BMW’s luxury sedan lineup.
Canadian Automotive Market Data
| Metric | 2024 Data | 2025 Projection | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Vehicle Sales | 1.88 million units | 1.84 million units | DesRosiers Automotive |
| Luxury Brand Growth | +12.8% (Mercedes), +13.5% (BMW) | Continued growth expected | Focus2move |
| Light Truck Market Share | 88.3% (April 2025) | 88%+ projected | MarkLines |
| BMW Canada Sales Growth | +13.5% (Q1 2025) | Positive trajectory | Statistics Canada |
| EV Market Share | 5.25% (May 2025) | 6%+ projected | Transport Canada |
Market Context: Canada’s Recovering Automotive Sector
Canada’s automotive market has shown remarkable resilience in 2025, with vehicle sales up 8.4% year-to-date through May, reaching 803,845 units. The Canadian automotive industry contributes over $19 billion to the country’s GDP, with manufacturers assembling approximately 1.9 million vehicles annually. This recovery creates an opportune moment for BMW to reintroduce the 540i nameplate.
Luxury brands have particularly thrived in Canada’s current market, with BMW reporting a 13.5% increase in Q1 2025 sales, positioning the brand well for the 540i’s limited release.
Technical Specifications: Engineering Excellence
Powertrain Performance
The 2026 BMW 540i xDrive Legacy Edition features BMW’s highly regarded B58 engine, a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six-cylinder producing 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The engine incorporates a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and routes power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
BMW engineers have optimized the powertrain to deliver 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 4.7 seconds, positioning the 540i as a compelling performance option between the entry-level 530i and the plug-in hybrid 550e.
Fuel Economy and Emissions Compliance
The 540i achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, meeting Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s emissions standards under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999.
Exclusive Design Elements
Exterior Styling
The Legacy Edition features BMW Individual Manufaktur paintwork, available at no additional cost, with the showcase color being Maldives Blue II Metallic. Additional paint options include Frozen Black, Grigio Telesto Pearl Effect Metallic, Oxford Green Metallic, Interlagos Blue Metallic, Black Blue non-metallic, Sepang Bronze Metallic, and Cinnabar Red non-metallic.
The vehicle includes black exterior accents and the comprehensive M Sport Pro Package with 21-inch Individual wheels, creating a distinctive presence that honors BMW’s design heritage while embracing modern luxury aesthetics.
Interior Technology and Comfort
The cabin features BMW’s iDrive system powered by Operating System 8.5 with a curved display interface. Premium audio is provided by an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, ensuring an immersive driving experience.
The interior design emphasizes premium materials and craftsmanship, reflecting BMW’s commitment to luxury vehicle standards that comply with Transport Canada’s safety requirements for designated seating capacity and interior appointments.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards
Canadian Safety Requirements
The 540i meets all Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and carries the National Safety Mark, indicating compliance with Transport Canada’s rigorous safety requirements. BMW ensures full adherence to the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1038) governing vehicle classification, safety systems, and compliance labeling.
Emissions Standards
The vehicle complies with Canada’s On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations, which align with U.S. EPA federal standards under Environment and Climate Change Canada’s authority. These standards are part of Canada’s harmonized approach with the United States under the Regulatory Cooperation Council’s Joint Action Plan.
Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy
Competitive Analysis
Canadian buyers previously had to choose between the four-cylinder 255-horsepower 530i or the 483-horsepower I6-powered 550e plug-in hybrid. The 540i fills this performance gap perfectly, offering pure inline-six performance without plug-in hybrid complexity.
While BMW hasn’t disclosed official pricing, industry analysts expect a six-figure sum, as a comparable 530i xDrive with M Sport Pro Package, 21-inch wheels, and premium paint already costs 91,591 CAD. The Legacy Edition should significantly undercut the M5 Sedan, which starts at 152,429 CAD in Canada.
Limited Production Strategy
Exclusivity and Availability
BMW’s decision to limit production to just 151 units creates immediate exclusivity. Order books opened on June 18, 2025, with customer deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
This limited-production approach reflects BMW’s strategy to test Canadian market appetite for the 540i configuration while maintaining exclusivity that justifies premium pricing.
Government Sources and Regulatory Framework
The BMW 540i’s introduction aligns with Transport Canada’s comprehensive safety standards framework and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s emission regulations that have governed automotive imports since 2004. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada works closely with automotive manufacturers to ensure regulatory compliance.
Future Implications
The 540i Legacy Edition serves as a market test for BMW Canada, potentially paving the way for broader availability of inline-six variants in future model years. With Canada’s automotive industry investing billions in electric vehicle production, this internal combustion engine variant may represent one of the final opportunities for traditional powertrain enthusiasm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the BMW 540i Legacy Edition be available in Canada?
A: Customer deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with orders already open since June 18, 2025.
Q: How many BMW 540i Legacy Edition units will be available?
A: BMW is limiting production to exactly 151 units for the Canadian market.
Q: What makes the Legacy Edition different from regular 5 Series models?
A: The Legacy Edition features BMW Individual Manufaktur paintwork, M Sport Pro Package, 21-inch wheels, and the exclusive 375hp inline-six engine.
