BMW has added two plug-in hybrid versions of its new 5 Series Sedan to the global catalogue – though Australia won’t be receiving either of them any time soon.
“There are no plans at this stage for local introduction,” a BMW Australia spokesperson told CarExpert. For now, the launch range will comprise of the 520i mild-hybrid petrol alongside the all-electric i5 eDrive40 and M60 xDrive.
Due to launch in Europe from November 2023, the new BMW 530e and 550e xDrive offer the marque’s fifth-generation electric drive systems and quote zero emissions driving range of up to 103 kilometres depending on variant.
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530e Sedan pictured
The BMW 530e features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine teamed with a 135kW electric motor, quoting system outputs of 220kW and 450Nm. Zero to 100km/h takes 6.3 seconds, with top speed rated at 230km/h.
Fuel consumption is quoted at just 0.8-0.6L/100km on the combined cycle, with electric driving range of 93-103 kilometres according to the WLTP test cycle.
Opting for the 550e xDrive swaps out the four-pot mill for a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six, while the e-motor’s output is bumped to 145kW. System outputs for the 550e are quoted at 360kW and 700Nm.
BMW says the 550e xDrive can accelerated from 0-100 in just 4.3 seconds, and hit an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Quoted driving range is 83-90 kilometres (WLTP).
All 5 Series PHEV models feature a 19.4kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery pack, which can be charged at up to 7.4kW – double the limit of the previous generation. At the maximum charge capacity, the power unit can be replenished from 0 to 100 per cent within 3 hours 15 minutes.
The electric motor, which has been specifically developed for hybrid implementations, is integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Both models can also drive at speeds of up to 140km/h on e-power alone.
BMW has also applied its latest adaptive energy recuperation system, which can use intelligent networking to adjust regen braking intensity based on navigation data as well as information from vehicle sensors and driver assistance systems, in order to optimise recuperation “according to the respective traffic situation”.
The company adds it has been able to package the PHEV battery within the floorpan like an EV, rather than under the boot floor, allowing the plug-in hybrid 5 Series models to quote the same 520-litre cargo capacity as purely combustion-powered variants.
For the European market, both the 530e and 550e xDrive receive “and extended range of standard equipment” compared to 48V mild-hybrid models.
Highlights include 19-inch light alloy wheels and BMW IconicSounds Electric for the 530e, while the 550e xDrive picks up Adaptive Chassis Professional – including electronically controlled shock absorbers and lower ride height – and Integral Active Steering (i.e. variable ratio).
Prices in Germany start from €65,000 ($107,350) for the 530e Sedan, and €77,300 ($127,664) for the 550e xDrive Sedan.
The eighth-generation BMW 5 Series range will launch in Australia later this year – read our price and specs breakdown here.
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