BMW has released full details and more photos of the
plug-in hybrid version of the G30 5 Series, the BMW 530e iPerformance.
At the heart of the car sits a 184 hp/320 Nm 2.0
litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a 113 hp/250 Nm
electric motor to produce total system output of 252 hp and 420 Nm of torque.
The electric motor is integrated to the ZF
eight-speed automatic transmission, which allows the ratios to be used in
all-electric mode and negates the need for a torque converter – helping to
offset the additional weight of the electric powertrain.
As such, the 530e is capable of sprinting from zero
to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds before hitting a top
speed of 235 km/h. The company has also finally revealed the combined fuel
consumption figure on the European NEDC cycle, which is as low as 1.9 litres
per 100 km depending on the tyres used. Carbon dioxide emissions are quoted at
44 grams per kilometre.
Under the rear seats sits a 9.2 kWh lithium-ion
battery with highly integrated low-temperature circuit and refrigerant cooling.
The 530e is capable of running in electric mode at speeds of up to 140
km/h, and has an all-electric range of 47 km. Real-world range in hybrid mode
is pegged at 644 km.
BMW says that charging the battery takes under five
hours from a domestic socket, or under three hours with the 3.7 kW BMW i
Wallbox. From next year, the car will also be offered with BMW Wireless
Charging, which consists of a base pad with an integrates primary coil, as well
as a secondary coil under the car. With a charging rate of up to 3.2 kW, the
system can charge the battery in around three and a half hours.
The 530e
has three drive modes for the powertrain. The car starts in the default Auto
eDrive mode, which optimises the usage of the petrol engine and electric motor
and allows for an all-electric top speed of 90 km/h. Meanwhile, Max eDrive uses
the electric motor solely, only engaging the petrol mill in when the throttle’s
kickdown switch is activated – handy when overtaking, for example.
Lastly, Battery Control reserves battery charge for
later use, for example in city driving. Unlike the 330e, which will only charge
the battery up to 50% in its Save Battery mode, the 530e will also be able to
charge the battery up to full, using the electric motor as a generator – the
target charge level can be set anywhere between 30% and 100%.
The 530e also benefits from BMW Digital Charging
Service, which optimises battery charging by taking into account electricity
tariffs, ensuring lowest possible electricity costs while also keeping cabin
temperature pre-conditioned. The system can also use the Wallbox Connect to
charge the battery using solar power, using the system’s output data and the
latest weather forecast to predict the amount of solar power available.
The 530e will likely be offered on sale in Malaysia,
locally-assembled to reap the tax breaks offered under the Energy Efficient
Vehicle (EEV) scheme, following in the footsteps of the 330e, X5 xDrive40e and
the recently-introduced 740Le.
