BMW Preparing 530e iPerformance Touring PHEV For 2019 Release (But Not For America)

It seems that demand for BMW‘s 530e iPerformance model has been good, prompting the automaker to release its plug-in hybrid 5-Series as a Touring joining the already established sedan, as well as other iPerformance models, such as the 330e or the 740e.

Seeing as how this prototype isn’t wearing any camouflage, we anticipate that an official reveal could be in the works sooner rather than later, perhaps even this March at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

Trying to spot any differences between this car and a regular 5-Series Touring won’t yield many results as, aside from the plug-in port on the front-left fender, there aren’t many.

Powering the 530e iPerformance Touring will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder working alongside an electric motor for a total of 248 HP (252 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. This very same powertrain takes the Sedan from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 6.1 seconds (6.2 for 0-100 km/h / 0-62 mph). The only available transmission is an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

We can also expect the Touring to wear the same 9.2 kWh battery pack, which you can charge up to 100% in less than 7 hours via a 120-volt outlet, although if you have access to a Level 2 charger, you can do it in under 3 hours. By the way, that wireless charging mat unveild by BMW last year? That should work on the 530e iPerformance Touring, too.

When the car does launch and starts rolling into showrooms, customers will finally have a BMW to consider over the hybrid version of the E-Class Estate.

The Germans have no plans to bring any wagon version of their current lineup to America.