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.
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For a total of 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque in the 530e, BMW combines a four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor, which is 40 more than in the previous model year. The 530e has an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels, but you can also purchase it with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive technology.
I appreciate plug-in hybrids’ dual functionality since it allows me to go short distances in the comfort of a gas engine while still cruising around town in electric mode. It’s unfortunate that the 530e’s EPA-rated all-electric range is only 21 miles (the xDrive model lowers that rating to 18 miles). The smaller 330e, which employs the same powerplant, has a slightly greater range. While the bigger X5 PHEV has a longer driving range and more power.
Cons
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…
A Variety
The positives include excellent driving performance and stunning visual appeal. The bad: The range of an electric-only vehicle is limited (9–11 miles at most), the door openings are narrow for a driver over 50 who is 6’1”, and the trunk area is significantly reduced. Overall though, it’s a great automobile that I love to drive. You won’t be let down if you can consider the phev component as an additional challenge or driving feature of the vehicle. Get the 540i if the idea of driving exclusively on electricity does not appeal to you. Still gets good mileage, but has significantly more power (because, hey, it’s a bmw, right?)
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.
No, although you may get one that is for an additional PS1,667. However, as our test vehicle was a sDrive standard, both the gasoline and electric motors exclusively drive the rear wheels.
It depends on what you’ll use it for, as with other automobiles of this type. It’s a great combination for commutes that are pleasant and quick to get going.
The simplicity of this 5 Series is its true charm. Put it in Hybrid, and you’ll have a straightforward vehicle with few confusing driving options. Although you can tinker with the submenus if you wish, it’s simple to use on a daily basis. It will effortlessly get you where you need to go without you having to open the instruction manual, provided you remember to plug it in.
Is the BMW 530e trustworthy?
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.