Acura RL vs BMW 540i
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2023 BMW 540i
Overview
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | 540i |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Model year | 2012 | 2023 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $48,200 (best) | $61,600 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $80,282 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $80,282 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $80,282 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 25 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 24 MPG | 32 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 18 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 335 hp (best) |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft | 331 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 3.7 L (best) | 3 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.1 cu ft | 18.7 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 809 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,083 lbs | 3,957 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in | 5.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in | 117.1 in (best) |
| Length | 195.7 in | 195.8 in (best) |
| Width | 72.7 in | 73.5 in (best) |
| Height | 57.2 in | 58.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 540i540i |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 6 | 1 (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Acura RL | BMW 540i |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $48,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 540i $61,600 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Technology Package $52,350 MSRP | — |
| 3 | Technology Package - in HI $52,350 MSRP | — |
| 4 | Advance Package $56,150 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Acura RL vs BMW 540i FAQ
- Which is better: 2012 Acura RL or 2023 BMW 540i?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2012 Acura RL vs 2023 BMW 540i on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2012 Acura RL or 2023 BMW 540i?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2012 Acura RL starts lower at $48,200. Live BMW 540i listings start at $80,282.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2012 Acura RL or 2023 BMW 540i?
- The 2012 Acura RL leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (48,200).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2012 Acura RL or 2023 BMW 540i?
- The 2023 BMW 540i leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (27).
- Which has better horsepower: 2012 Acura RL or 2023 BMW 540i?
- The 2023 BMW 540i leads on horsepower in this comparison (335).