The BMW Neue Klasse Concept stole the limelight at the IAA Mobility 2023, but the Bavarian automaker had more aces up its sleeve which might be more important in the short term. We’re talking about the first plug-in hybrid variant of the new BMW 5 Series, the 530e that made its public debut in Munich alongside the fully electric i5, before going on sale in Spring 2024.
The European lineup of the G60 5-Series is quite different from North America, focused on models with four-cylinder powertrains. In fact, the only six-cylinder option in the Old Continent is the upcoming 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid. Instead of bringing this to the show, BMW chose to exhibit the entry-level PHEV – the four-cylinder and RWD-only 530e.
The BMW 530e Is The Entry-Level PHEV Option
Live images Baldauf / ten Brink for Carscoops
While most of the press shots of the new 5-Series depict it with the sporty-looking M Package, the 530e comes with the standard bodykit. The body-colored bumper with the much thinner but fully functional intakes, the vertical slits on the covered grille, and the smaller alloy wheels make the G60 look more subtle. On the other hand, the decorative aluminum-style accents on the rear bumper are not what you would call discreet. As with most PHEVs, the exhaust pipes are well hidden from view, tucked under the bumper.
More: China’s 2024 BMW 5-Series And i5 Debut With Extended Wheelbase And Rear-Passenger Screen
The electrified powertrain of the 530e comprises a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a newly developed PHEV-specific electric motor which is integrated within the 8-speed automatic gearbox, and a 19.4 kWh battery. The combined output is 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque, transmitted to the rear axle like a good old BMW sedan. As for the electric range, the larger capacity of the battery compared to the previous generation is good for 87-101 km (54-63 miles) between charges. If you’re wondering, a full charge of the lithium-ion battery will take 3 hours via a 7.4 kW rapid charger or 9.8 hours via a domestic plug.
The BMW i5 eDrive40 Is Also Present, Albeit With A Few Extras
Live images Baldauf / ten Brink for Carscoops
The second 5er that is exhibited at the IAA Mobility 2023 is the BMW i5 eDrive40. However, this one comes with a few extras, looking more like the flagship M60 variant if you ignore the badge on the tailgate. A visit to BMW’s German configurator reveals that the M Package is a €3,100 ($3,346) option, the 21-inch wheels from the BMW Individual catalog cost €2,590 ($2,796), while the eye-catching exterior shade doesn’t look like its included in the base price of €70,200 ($75,777).
The fully electric powertrain of the eDrive40 includes a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. The 82 kWh battery pack offers a WLTP range between 497-582 km (309-362 miles), which is longer than the more powerful and AWD-capable M60 variant.
Which one of the electrified EU-spec RWD 5-Series would you choose? The more basic-looking 530e which can go further without relying on the charging network, or the emission-free i5 eDrive40e? Bear in mind that the upcoming M5 performance flagship will also feature an electrified powertrain.
