We’re only a couple of months in since the official reveal of the G30 5 Series (7th generation) but we now have confirmation of a plug-in hybrid variant of BMW’s mid-size luxury sedan. Why didn’t this quite make the cut for that initial reveal? We may never know.
Given this announcement window, the hybrid 5 Series - called the 530e iPerformance - will likely be reaching showrooms in tandem with its non-electrified brethren. Touting a scarcely believable 1.9-litres/100km (claimed) fuel efficiency figure in a combined cycle, BMW says that the 530e will offer their signature dynamic driving experience with incredible efficiency.
Like the similarly named 330e iPerformance, this plug-in hybrid 5 Series’ performance stems from a very similar (if not identical) powertrain. A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine generates 135kW while an electric motor supplements it with another 70kW of drive. Together, they produce a combined 185kW and 420Nm, though its unlikely it will be as quick as the lighter iPerformance 3 Series, even in spite of the new 5 Series using CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced polymer) prominently in its construction.
An 8-speed automatic transmission is responsible for gearshifts, as is typical for these BMWs. With both drive sources working together, they can launch the 530e iPerformance to 100km/h from rest in 6.2 seconds. And if more relaxing drive is necessitated, it can make short journeys of up to 50km in electric mode alone, deriving power from its onboard 9.2kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined, BMW say that it can go 650km between trips to the pump.
There’s a subtle aggression to the 530e’s exterior, with some visual cues to allude to its advanced drive system such as the blue kidney grille slats, blue wheel hub covers, and of course the charging port located just behind the front wheel arch on the driver’s side.
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