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.
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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 best 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…
Charge period
The 530e is simple to charge. It features a Type 2 connector that is universally compatible with most home, office, and public charging stations and can fully charge your battery in around three and a half hours. The battery will still be fully charged in less than six hours even if all of you just have a regular external three-pin plug at home. Consequently, overnight charging is still possible.
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.
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 there anything intriguing about the way it was designed?
When the G30 5 Series was first released, most considered the grille to be a bit much. How misguided they were. The 3 and 5, together with a group of executive sedans, served as the foundation for the company’s growth and success starting in the 1980s. This ensures that the style is seldom overly daring, and even Chris Bangle’s E60 5 Series was not very contentious while being stunning.
The G30’s only drawback is that it’s difficult to tell it apart from its forerunner, but given how exquisite this car is, that’s not really a concern. It’s a real smooth operator, visually speaking, with easy on the chrome, a proportional grille, and large wheels.
The inside is in good condition and blends seamlessly with the rest of the BMW lineup. It’s beautifully constructed, full of high-quality materials, and even the wood trim is in good condition. You’ll have to figure out what the regular leather is like as I can’t tell you how gorgeous the black Nappa leather is. Although it lacks the you-are-so-beautiful wow of its E Class opponent, with its two enormous slabs of screen in front of you, it has a lot to offer and is very serene inside. It also has a decent balance of controls and screens with which to operate the car.
The 530e hybrid’s workings.
The battery provides a burst of energy to the electric engine that adds 40 horsepower for up to 10 seconds at a time when you press the accelerator pedal all the way down on the 530e. You’ll hear a small click in the last few millimeters of travel when you press the kickdown switch. Once you briefly release the gas pedal, XtraBoost is ready to resume its motion.
How does a hybrid BMW function?
A combustion engine and an electric motor are both components of a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). Each one is competent to drive the car on their own. Regenerative braking is the energy source for plug-in hybrids, but they may also be plugged in to recharge the battery.
The BMW 530e is a plug-in hybrid, right?
The 530e also has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which it combines with an electric motor to provide 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. With a fully charged battery, the plug-in hybrid 530e can go an estimated 21 miles before transitioning to standard hybrid mode.
Does the BMW hybrid self-charge?
You may enjoy all the financial advantages of a hybrid without needing to charge your vehicle. While you’re driving, the electric battery charges itself, and the motor is employed to improve fuel efficiency.
The motor regains power when you break, giving you more miles for your money while emitting fewer tailpipe pollutants.
The ideal way to start driving electric is with a self-charging hybrid vehicle. They’re also perfect if you want to go electric but don’t have access to convenient charging stations because you can top off the battery without plugging in.