2018 BMW 530e iPerformance
BMW has released details for the 2018 530e
iPerformance plug-in hybrid, adds electrification now to its core
sedan lineup. It's
the latest iteration of the G30 generation of 5-series that was announced in
October.
It's the first
time they're offering an iPerformance plug-in variant with either rear-wheel
drive or optional xDrive all-wheel drive. Currently the 330e comes only in
rear-drive and the 740e only with xDrive. It seems BMW would love to sell more
plug-in hybrids in snowier climates.
The 530e gets a 2.0-liter turbo four
and electric motor pairing for a total of 248 combined horsepower and 310
lb.-ft. of torque, according to estimated BMW figures. The company says that
means the 530e is good for 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph,
which certainly will put it behind a gas-only 5-series of the same horsepower
league, but it's far from a slow car. The only transmission is an 8-speed
automatic with paddle shifters.
A 9.2 kWh battery pack sits under the floor of the
trunk and BMW says the 530e can get charged up in less than 7 hours on a
120-volt outlet, while a Level 2 charger will do it in less than 3 hours. BMW
didn't disclose how far they expect a 530e to go on a charge before shifting to
hybrid mode, but count on roughly the same 18-20 miles. Like the other iPerformance vehicles, a button allows the
driver to cycle through modes for either hybrid propulsion, mostly electric
power or to conserve electric power for a later time.
The 530e should go on sale early next year, with the
first cars reaching the U.S. in spring with the rest of the new 5-series line.
