BMW has
introduced an updated version of its 530e plug-in hybrid sedan. Benefitting
from advancements Munich has made in electric vehicle technology, the car now
features an updated lithium-ion battery that the company says has a higher
energy density within the same size.
With a gross energy content of 12 kWh (up from 9.2
kWh), the 530e can now travel between 61 to 66 km in pure electric mode on a
single charge, an increase from the previous 48 km. As a result, combined fuel
consumption has also decreased to between 1.6 to 1.8 litres per 100 km, whereas
the old 530e could only muster 2.0 litres per 100 km. Carbon dioxide emissions
are rated at between 36 to 41 grams per kilometre. The update also sees the
introduction of an xDrive all-wheel drive variant, which is claimed to provide
an all-electric range of 55 to 58 km, consumes between 2.0 and 2.2 litres of
fuel per 100 km and emits 46 to 49 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.
The figures listed are on the older, more lenient
European NEDC cycle, and on the new WLTP cycle the 530e is capable of an
electric range of between 49 and 57 km, a fuel consumption figure of between
1.5 to 2.0 litres per 100 km and carbon dioxide emissions of between 34 to 46
grams per kilometre. With xDrive, the numbers are 46 to 53 km, 1.8 to 2.4
litres per 100 km and 40 to 54 grams per kilometre respectively. As before, both models can travel
up to 140 km/h using electric motivation alone. Charging the battery takes six
hours with a conventional domestic power socket with the standard charging
cable, or three hours and 35 minutes using a dedicated BMW i Wallbox.
Power continues to be provided by a 2.0 litre
turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 184 hp and 290 Nm of torque,
along with a 113 hp/250 Nm electric motor integrated within the
eight-speed automatic gearbox. The result is a total system output of 252 hp
and 420 Nm, enabling the 530e to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds,
or 6.2 seconds with xDrive. The top speed of both models is 235 km/h. An acoustic pedestrian protection
function has now been fitted as standard equipment, the car emitting a unique
sound to warn pedestrians and other road users to its presence at speeds of up
to 30 km/h.
