Earlier this month, wee flew out out to Germany to test the new 530e iPerformance in the German Alps and on the Autobahn to demonstrate its impressive capabilities. The BMW 530e sets a best in class pure electric range at 50 km or about 30 miles, and Bavarian engineers say this longer pure electric range should allow most owners to commute to work without using any petrol.
As for its power source, trailblazing BMW eDrive technology teams up an eDrive electric motor with a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo combustion engine to create an exceptionally efficient and powerful plug-in hybrid drive system. Combined system output of 248 hp and 310 lb-ft. of peak torque propels the BMW 530e iPerformance Sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds and the BMW 530e xDrive iPerformance Sedan in 5.8 seconds.
The biggest compliment we can give this car after driving it, is that you don’t really realize that it’s a hybrid. The transitions from the different power modes are so smooth. If you are used to the one-pedal driving style, like in the i3, then the 530e will have a surprise in store for you with a different approach. What you will find instead though is a beautiful plug-in hybrid 5 Series that drives just as the rest of the line-up does.
The 2018 BMW 530e iPerformance Sedan will be available starting at $51,400 and the BMW 530e xDrive iPerformance Sedan for $53,700, plus $995 Destination and Handling.
To find out more, see our video review below.
