If you want a top-notch luxury sedan that is also fuel-efficient, the BMW 530e is a wise choice. The plug-in hybrid engine is not added at the expense of the 5 Series’ excellent driving performance. This is a well-made, cutting-edge sedan that surrounds you in peace and calm comfort.
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One of the greatest big company cars for hire in the UK is the plug-in hybrid BMW 5 Series, also known as the 530e. That might sound like a bold claim, but the 5 Series has always been at the top of this class or very close to it. In plug-in hybrid form, it fully utilizes the most recent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rates to provide sporty, opulent, and cost-effective motoring.
The executive-car experience must include long-distance comfort and highway driving prowess, and the 530e’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine can deliver on both counts. Its battery pack also allows for 37 miles of emissions-free driving, which makes it more convenient for short commutes around town and is better for the environment.
You’ll need a home wallbox charging port to top off the 530e’s battery in between trips if you want to take full advantage of that feature, though a three-pin socket will work just well, if not as rapidly. A three-pin socket will require five and a half hours to fully charge compared to about three and a half hours from a wallbox. The 5 Series hybrid is speedy, going from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds, and yet its CO2 emissions may be as low as 31g/km, which is why company-car tax is so low. Together, the engine and motor produce 288 horsepower of total power.
Overall, the switch from diesel to plug-in power resulted in very little of the nice things about the 5 Series being lost. This vehicle is still one of the most comfortable and one of the nicest to drive in its class. Competitors include the Volvo S90 Recharge and Mercedes E-Class hybrid, neither of which can match the handling of the BMW. The 530e is refined even when the engine is running, as is the case with all plug-in vehicles when operating in electric mode.
The 530e xDrive with four wheels feels very similar. You might not even realize that it has a slight understeer tendency advantage over the rear-drive vehicle. You’re more likely to cherish this model’s all-weather capability and added assurance-inspiring grip on slick roads.
The eight-speed automatic transmission in the 530e, which is incredibly smooth but also quick to shift when necessary, is partially responsible for the vehicle’s refinement. It’s unfortunate that the 530e’s heavier batteries prevent it from being as comfortable as its non-hybrid brothers, but it’s still one of the coziest large saloons available.
A somewhat smaller boot is the one other concession you have to make in exchange for lower emissions when compared to a conventional petrol or diesel 5 Series. The 530e’s battery is located under the boot floor, so you lose 120 liters of luggage capacity compared to those vehicles, but the 410 liters that are left are more than enough for the majority of people’s demands.
In the end, the 530e is probably going to be a pricey proposition for retail purchasers, but the significant fuel savings it could offer might make the extra cost justifiable. Business customers will save significantly more annually on BiK compared to a 520d, in addition to the car’s lower operating expenses, making it appealing to them. The 530e is one of the best variations of one of the best executive vehicles in the world, if the math makes sense to you.
Check out our twin test against the Mercedes E-Class and our in-depth analysis of the BMW 530e.
our triple test against the hybrid Audi A6 and Volvo S90, or continue reading our in-depth assessment by clicking below…
Review of the BMW 530e: A Strong Argument for More Hybrid Sport Sedans
The BMW 5 Series is one of the best midsized premium sports sedans, as you’ve surely heard before. It’s known for having a tight, cozy, and alive feeling. You probably haven’t heard this before, but: The BMW 530e plug-in hybrid from 2021 upholds this reputation while also bringing a futuristic perspective to internal combustion.
For BMW, some things are inescapable. These factors have temporarily made driving the 5 Series more difficult. While smaller, quieter turbocharged engines and electrically assisted steering are all designed to save fuel, they may not actually aid the German carmaker in creating the newest and most advanced ultimate driving vehicles.
Turning up the boost or adding a little more synthetic engine to the speakers won’t solve this issue for the non-M 5 Series. It entails accepting the future, and with the 530e, BMW has finally done that. This automobile is focused forward. The great hybrid system provides more power when you need it and better fuel economy when you don’t. It’s actually enjoyable to drive and be played with.
What is a BMW plug-in hybrid car’s electric range?
The size of the battery, together with the weight, aerodynamics, and tire type of a plug-in hybrid car, all affect its electric range. The EPA-rated electric ranges for 2020-2021 BMW plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are:
- Sports Activity Vehicle(r) BMW X5 xDrive45e: 30 kilometers
- 30 kilometers, BMW X5 xDrive45e SAV
- 22/20 miles for the BMW 330e/330e xDrive Sedan.
- 20/18 miles for the BMW 530e/530e xDrive sedan.
- 16 miles for the BMW 745e xDrive Sedan
When using both the electric motor and the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, the combined driving range is much larger and can be tailored based on driving and charging habits.
A well-built interior with customization options for clients
The inside, which might be thought of as a more subdued version of the opulent 7-Series, makes daily commutes and driving a joy. Fortunately, there is a large variety of interior color tones available for you to select from. You won’t have any trouble accessing any of the controls because they are all ergonomically arranged.
The key selling point and distinguishing feature of a plug-in hybrid 530e is unquestionably its partially battery-driven powertrain, which guarantees a decent balance of athletic flair and fuel efficiency.
The combined output of the 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor is 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. These figures are sufficient to achieve a 0–60 mph time in slightly under 6 seconds. Every time it shifts, the eight-speed automatic transmission does so fast and accurately. The 5-Series is a fantastic car in large part due to its smooth powertrain and superbly polished transmission. Additionally, paddle shifters are available to give you the flexibility to manually swap gears whenever the whim strikes.
The 530e, like any other PHEV, has an electric-only range that is projected to be between 35 and 37 miles under optimal driving circumstances. Thanks in part to its fantastic 8-speed transmission, you won’t even notice when the drivetrain switches between electric and petrol. Battery control mode, which uses the engine’s power to charge the EV battery, also lets you charge the battery while you’re moving. On the other hand, you will have to forgo fuel efficiency.
The 530e surprises someone who is testing it out for the first time since it seems unexpectedly lively, almost as nice as a fully electric car in EV mode. The 530e has a combined fuel economy rating of 64 mpg (city and highway), which is only true when the EV battery is completely charged. Otherwise, anticipate a sharp decline in this number, particularly for lengthier travels.
There are some drawbacks to being a PHEV 5-Series as well, which become especially evident when you thoroughly investigate it. Don’t get me wrong, the 530e has all the power you would expect from a BMW; it’s just that the steering feels a little disjointed and the fuel savings from the batteries and electric motor are minimal on longer trips. The 530i (standard gas powered) would be suitable for many prospective purchasers if fuel efficiency is a top priority because it is still rated at 25 City & 33 Highway. Also, partly as a result of its lighter curb weight, the 530i is more enjoyable and maneuverable to drive (3,765 lbs for 530i & 4,222 lbs for 530e). Last but not least, the 21 miles of electric-only range simply isn’t enough to persuade most buyers to buy a more expensive 5-Series.
Overall, the $57,200 base price of the 2021 BMW 530e is a wonderful deal for a vehicle that provides a thrilling ride without doing any damage to the environment. Being a BMW luxury sedan, it can be highly customized thanks to a variety of optional packages, however they do have a hefty price tag. The Luxury Seating Package, the M-Sport Package, the Premium Package, and the Executive Package are a few notable packages. Aside from the M-sport package, which is only concerned with the car’s appearance, the most of these are focused on creature comforts and useful amenities.
Is the BMW 5 Series an electric/hybrid vehicle?
The strong BMW combustion engine and BMW eDrive electric drive technology are combined in the plug-in hybrid BMW 5 Series Saloon vehicles. The two drive units work together to create an effective and distinctive driving experience. The all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive is an additional assurance of the best dynamics and traction in the BMW 530e xDrive and 545e xDrive.
What distinguishes the BMW 530i and 530e?
The battery pack makes the 530e more than 500 pounds heavier than the 530i. Due to the battery pack being located in the back, it has a smaller trunk (10 cubic feet vs. 14). But because of its positioning, it has a more evenly distributed weight than the 530i because it balances off the weight of the engine up front.
The BMW 530e is quick.
The modifications turn the economical 530e into a fairly speedy vehicle. With all-season tires, it can reach a top speed of 130 mph, or 146 mph with performance tires. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 530e’s interior features typical BMW elegance.
How trustworthy are BMW 530es?
In the 2021 Driver Power owner satisfaction poll, the BMW 5 Series placed a respectable 49th out of the top 75 vehicles. Even though a higher-than-average percentage of owners (20.8%) reported a problem in the first year of ownership, reliability received a good rating. While the engines offered to 5 Series buyers received some criticism for their high running costs, owners praised them.
Utilizes gasoline BMW 530e?
The 530e has a combined EPA rating of 26 mpg (24 city, 29 highway), and it has a stated range of 21 miles on a single plug-in charge. You can replenish the plug-in battery charge with a Battery Control mode, albeit at the sacrifice of gas mileage.