The Toyota Camry is one of the safest bets in the auto industry. They have been a blessing to consumers for years, especially to those who just want a sedan that is good value, reliable, and comfortable. Perhaps the three most important factors for a consumer in the USA, with fuel efficiency being next on that list. There is no doubt that in 2026, the higher-spec trims of the Camry don’t just provide an excellent platform, but offer several luxurious features that make it feel like something more than a basic dependability icon.
With new models, it’s hard to rival this. The Cadillac CT4 poses a threat in terms of traditional luxury but lacks so much of Toyota’s reputation for resale value and durability that it might not be the right choice. Take it to the used market, though, and suddenly the portal opens up to a whole new world of options for that $35,000 – $40,000 mark. Exciting opportunities present themselves, and there is a particular BMW that would catch the eye of anyone seeking a luxurious daily driver.
The 2022 BMW 540i Value Proposition
At around $30,000 to $40,000 for good to excellent condition examples, the Bimmer has nearly depreciated 50 percent from its original asking price three to four years ago. For those who bought one new, tough luck, but you still have an excellent car, at least. For those buying used, however, it is an exciting opportunity to look outside the narrow box of the showroom-ready rivals to the 2026 Camry. There are many benefits to owning this particular year of the 540i, as it offered the truly wonderful B58 engine.
This engine made use of a rigid closed-deck block and had a reputation for being overengineered. Thinking your 540i second-hand option might be risky against a Camry? Guess what, you’re in safe hands — Toyota uses this engine and improved it for use in the GR Supra, so you know it carries reliability merit.
2022 BMW 540i Specs
|
Horsepower |
335 |
|
Torque |
332 Ib-ft |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
|
0 – 60 mph |
4.6 seconds |
|
Economy |
27 mpg (combined) |
|
Cargo Capacity |
18.7 Cubic Feet |
The Perfect All-Rounder At A Competitive Price
The 2022 BMW 540i has proven several things in quick succession: it’s reliable with its Toyota-tested engine, it’s genuinely fast, it’s spacious, and it’s quite economical. But it doesn’t stop there. With it being an executive and expensive car from new, it meant that it was also comfortable, and, of course, screamed quality. These upgrades from a 2026 Camry will be instantly noticeable, and they are much more than the badge on the front of the car.
Ways The 540i Outclasses The Camry’s Comforts
- Thick insulation on the BMW creates a more peaceful experience
- The BMW has genuine leather and aluminum, unlike the Camry’s synthetic materials
- Integrated ambient lighting, weighted tactile buttons
- A more composed ride quality
The Sports Car With Supercar Speed And Sedan Practicality
Four seats, All-Wheel Drive, GT car usability, and supercar thrust.
The Highest Trim 2026 Toyota Camry
Let’s not get completely carried away by a fancy BMW; the Toyota Camry has genuine advantages, and it is the USA’s charming king of everyday practical motoring after all. Firstly, it is the pinnacle of trouble-free motoring for $38,000. With the fifth generation of Toyota’s hybrid system, which they have been perfecting for over 25 years, breezing into the 200,000 to 300,000s of miles is easy with regular oil changes. It’s a no-nonsense vehicle with a three-year/36,000-mile standard warranty, with that extending to 10 years/150,000 miles for the battery. It also features a pleasant suite of features that stop the Camry from feeling basic.
Comfort-Focused Inclusions Of A Top-Spec 2026 Camry
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Panoramic roof
- Basic accent lighting
- Nine-speaker clear and precise sound system
Performance Difference Is A Massacre For The Camry
The Toyota is a tad luxurious with extraordinary reliability. The BMW is reliable and has excellent luxury. But for many people, the temptation of the 540i’s sportiness is going to be the deciding factor. A plush interior and a host of premium features aren’t enough for everyone to choose it over the trusty Camry, but examine the performance difference, and you’ve likely just swayed several other people to the side of the BMW. The Camry isn’t slow, but it simply was never set out to be anything more than adequate in this department, and that’s what it is. It’s enough to merge onto a highway with speed, enough to comfortably sit at the speed limit with ease.
2026 Toyota Camry specs
|
Horsepower |
232 |
|
Torque |
163 Ib-ft |
|
Transmission |
e-CVT |
|
0 – 60 mph |
6.8 seconds |
|
Economy |
44 mpg |
|
Cargo Capacity |
15.1 cubic feet |
The Depreciation And Longevity Bust Up
If this were a battle of brand-new depreciation, the Camry would be laughing in the 540i’s face. This isn’t. It’s about a three-to-four-year-old BMW 540i, which has already had its highest drop in depreciation in the first year. If you sell your used 2022 BMW 540i in 2029, three years after purchase, you will only have lost about 12 percent, or roughly $7,500, if you buy one in 2026. Now is the smart time to buy one. Unfortunately for the brand new Camry, it just can’t quite compete with those numbers.
Expect to lose around 30 percent of the Toyota‘s value over three years. Buying a brand-new example now would allow you to sell in 2029 for around $27,000. The key is with a car like this, though, keep it, because it will serve you loyally for a very long time, and this is how to extract the maximum value of your purchase. The Camry was also awarded a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 from iSeeCars, meaning it’s part of an exclusive category of longevity beasts. The BMW 540i scored only a 7.1 from the same publication, marking a fairly average reliability car around its seriously robust engine.
TopSpeed’s Best Hybrid Of The Year Is The 2025 Toyota Camry
Toyota’s popular midsize sedan goes all-hybrid, but maintains its widespread appeal.
Which One Should You Buy?
With prices of the 2022 BMW 540i’s now hovering around the $35,000 mark, undercutting the $38,000 for a fully-loaded Toyota Camry XSE AWD, it is a very tempting purchase. But despite the obvious win in performance and luxury, there still isn’t a black or white answer. For those seeking a car as more of a tool, something that will get them to their destination with minimal fuss in acceptable comfort, there is almost nothing better than a Camry. But for those with a soft spot for speed and a tendency for the finer things in life, there is no doubt that the BMW is the more sensational car.
Find 2022 BMW 5 Series Sedan and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
With it being fast enough for weekend fun, comfortable enough to make you feel like you’re a CEO on a business trip, or something practical enough for the whole family, the 540i is the type of car you could make a genuine case for to someone with a more practically wired mind. After allowing the BMW to drop heavily in value over its first three years, you’ll be hopping into a car with lots of life left that just feels several cuts above a Camry.