The BMW 5 Series range is well known and one of the German brand’s more popular lines. As with most other manufacturers, BMW have kept pace with the electrified world and have, over the last couple of years, begun to augment the 5 Series range with electric or hybrid variants.
Fully electric cars are good and certainly suit the urban motorist who has the facility to charge and recharge the vehicle. Further they are useful for drivers who routinely only make short trips; but what about the others whose motoring life involves a mixture of driving needs? Well, that’s where the hybrid comes in and what better way to drive hybrid than in this premium offering from BMW: the 530e, which comes in both saloon (sedan) or Touring (estate) versions.
On The Outside
The exterior design of the latest generation reinterprets the sporty elegance of previous BMW 5 Series models. Its proportions make the character of this dynamic family or business saloon instantly recognisable, thanks also to the ever present kidney-shaped grille. The road presence of the new BMW 5 Series 530e is enhanced by athletic proportions and the larger exterior measurements compared to its predecessor with increased width, height and wheelbase. There’s the option of a full glass sunroof as well.
Despite the addition of the extra battery pack, the boot (trunk) accommodation is still ample enough for most at a capacious 430 litres. This rises to 1,560 litres when the rear seats are folded down; a simple enough task. The large rear hatch (power-operated naturally) and wide opening means loading is easy.
On The Inside
The interior will be familiar to all BMW aficionados with the added benefit of the growing amount of high-tech functions that seems to be snowballing across the industry. The 530e still feature knobs and buttons for its climate controls, which are intuitive to use on the move, and the firm’s iDrive click-wheel still operates the infotainment system, which runs BMW’s operating system on a large 12.3 inch screen which is in itself an efficient bit of kit while build and material quality both feel first rate. As ever in the 530e the infotainment department offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, whilst driving features include LED lights, parking sensors, cruise control, 18 inch alloys and sharp styling. It is worth pointing out, although a small point, that the plump steering wheel is a delight. The little things matter.
The sports seats that you get with the M Sport version are big enough to hold the driver and front passenger securely on livelier outings. Further, the electric adjustment for the backrest angle and lumbar support makes it easy to adjust the driving position on the move. If however, the full set of electric adjustment is required well, it’s in the options list.
Specific to the 530e as an option are blue eDrive dials with a power meter rather than a rev counter, and the drive modes have changed from the usual suspects to Electric, Hybrid and Sport.
On The Road
Development of battery-cell technology has moved forward. Although the size of the pack remains the same as on the previous version, the new lithium-ion battery for the BMW 530e now has a gross energy content that has been increased from 9.2 to 12.0kWh. This means its electrically powered range is increased by more than thirty per cent to 35 miles.
This premium hybrid model now achieves a combined fuel consumption of 156.9-141.2mpg. That’s the official figure; real driving will likely lower that, but it is still a frugal car when driven appropriately. CO² emissions are just 36g/km; enough surely to satisfy the most ardent city mayor. As an additional model variant, the all-wheel-drive BMW 530e xDrive Saloon is also available although the emissions do go up by a small amount.
Power is derived from a 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor delivering a total of 288bhp and 310lb/ft of torque. Driving through an excellent eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard, and, as mentioned, all-wheel-drive is available optionally. For those who appreciate acceleration, the 530e scoots to 100kmh (62mph) in just under six seconds which, you’ll agree, is acceptably brisk.
On the road this car is impressive. The suspension is stiff enough to make handling typically BMW-like yet for those motorway miles the ride is very comfortable. With the hybrid bonus this car is a great long-distance cruiser.
So don’t dismiss hybrids as a sort of half-way house. These cars have real merit when real mileages are involved. Get in touch with us here at MHH International to find out how we can help you export the prestige BMW 530e from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand, the Caribbean and other global destinations, VAT free.
