BMW Updates 530e Plug-In Hybrid With Longer EV Range, Optional AWD

BMW has updated the plug-in hybrid version of the 5-Series with a new, larger battery pack and added its xDrive all-wheel drive system as an option, making the 530e even better than before.

Thanks to the advances in battery cell technology, BMW was able to ditch the previous 9.2kWh pack in favor of a new 12kWh unit, which retains the same physical size and therefore doesn’t steal any additional space from the 530e’s luggage compartment.

The larger battery results into an electric range of up to 35 miles (57km) for the new BMW 530e (53km – 33 miles for the 530e xDrive), always according to the WLTP cycle.

Also Read: Facelifted 2020 BMW 5-Series Sedan Boasts Larger Grille, New Headlights

The updated BMW 530e can be fully charged using a conventional house socket in less than six hours, or 3 hours and 35 minutes if you use the BMW I Wallbox.

Aside from the new battery, the powertrain was also updated with BMW’s latest eDrive technology, which reduced the combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by over 20 percent. The official figures state that the 530e now returns 176mpg UK (1.6lt/100km) and emits just 36gr of CO2 per km.

As before, the BMW 530e is powered by a combination of a 181hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 111hp electric motor, resulting into a system output of 248hp (252PS) and 309lb-ft (420Nm) of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is the only option.

BMW claims that the new 530e is capable of a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 6.1 seconds and of a 146mph top speed (235km/h). In pure electric mode, top speed is capped at 87mph (140km/h).

The plug-in hybrid member of the BMW 5-Series also comes fitted with an auxiliary air conditioning system, allowing owners to precondition the interior of their vehicle remotely via the BMW Connected smartphone app.