After the all-electric i5 and the mild-hybrid versions unveiled at launch, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan range is now completed with two plug-in hybrid versions. The 530e combines a 4-cylinder with an 184-hp electric motor to produce 299 hp, while the 550e xDrive uses a 3,0-litre straight-six to bump the output to 489 hp.

Both plug-in variants use the same 19,4 kWh battery, which gives them an electric drive range of between 83 and 103 km.

At the new BMW 5 Series launch, Munich went both ways. On one side, it remained relatively conservative with mild-hybrid ICE variants. But on the other, it went all out with the new fully electric i5. All the bases were covered except for the plug-in hybrid versions.

Two versions

BMW now corrects that by adding not one but two plug-in hybrid variants. While the 5 Series is all-new, we can see similarities with the powertrains of the previous generations. Same ingredients, different recipe, in some ways.

For the moment, the entry-level plug-in hybrid version is the BMW 530e. It combines a 2,0-litre 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an 184-hp electric motor integrated into the 8-speed gearbox. The combined power delivery is 299 hp, with 450 Nm of torque—enough for the big five to cross the 100 km/h bar in 6,3 seconds.

Up to 489 hp

In addition, BMW continues with its more powerful plug-in hybrid variant. Under the name of 550e xDrive, it still combines a 3,0-litre straight-six with an electric motor. However, power has increased compared to the previous generation, as in the 750e and X5 50e. Thanks to a more powerful electric drive unit (197 hp), the system outputs 489 hp and 700 Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is down to 4,3 seconds.

Up to 103 km range

That being said, with plug-in hybrids, the most crucial part isn’t the power figures or the performance as much as the efficiency. Both 530e and 550e xDrive use the same 19,4 kWh (usable) battery, now located under the floor, thus not compromising the boot space (520 liters).

The electric range varies depending on the version, primarily due to the four-wheel-drive system of the most potent version. That 550e xDrive boasts between 83 and 90 km range on one charge.

However, the 530e performs better with a 93 to 103 km range (WLTP). While the onboard charging power has doubled to 7,4 kW, there is still no fast charging capability. The quickest any new 5 Series plug-in can charge is in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

November 2023

Thanks to the higher EV range, CO2 emissions are down to as little as 13 g/km for the 530e and 19g/km for the 550e xDrive. Prices in Belgium are yet to be confirmed, but the new models will hit the showroom floors as soon as November.