BMW officially revealed its next-generation 5 Series a couple of weeks ago with several engine options, including this one: the plug-in hybrid 530e.
With 185 kW and 420 N.m of torque on offer from the turbocharged 2,0-litre engine and the 9,2 kWh battery-powered electric motor, it seems this is the same powertrain found in the BMW 330e (although the 3 Series uses a 7,6 kWh battery pack).
Power is delivered to the wheels through an eight-speed transmission, allowing the plug-in hybrid to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6,2 seconds. Top speed should be the same as the 330e’s 225 km/h, with a maximum EV speed of 140 km/h.
The 530e features an EV range of 45 kilometres and a claimed hybrid fuel consumption of 2,0 L/100 km. Battery levels can be monitored via the My BMW Remote App for Android and iOS devices.
International sales for the 530e are slated for the second quarter of 2017. BMW South Africa has confirmed that the 530e is indeed scheduled to be offered locally, although we’ll have to wait until next year to find out about pricing.
