BMW 530e xDrive A Charged Edition

The facelifted BMW 5 Series (G30 model) hides practically all the features you’d expect from a premium plug-in hybrid today. There is just one aspect that is literally distressing.

Updated exterior

The BMW 5 Series is one of the Bavarian brand’s most important models, and it doesn’t take any unnecessary risks when it comes to looks. As one of BMW’s best-selling and most loyal customer favourites, major changes in appearance always carry their own risks.

Externally, the 5 Series has been moderately updated over the decades, and the latest facelift doesn’t bring much new to the exterior – for better or worse.

The biggest change in the new facelifted 5-series can be seen in the design of the lights. The round daytime running lights at the front, which have long been part of BMW’s line-up, have been updated to be streaky and now look more like the lights on the 3 Series. The same change can also be seen at the rear, where the lights are now positioned behind a fogged ‘land glass’.

The design of the front kidney grille and the front and rear bumpers have undergone a visible reshaping. The M-Sport model’s bumpers have undergone the biggest styling change, with a clear move away from the soft-edged front bumper shapes towards the 3 Series, with a respect for sharp, straight lines.

Inside, the changes are less pronounced. The buttons in the cockpit have been kept in their own clear positions, and behind the 5 Series steering wheel all the controls feel right where the hand movements easily go.

Excellent ergonomics and the retention of clear physical buttons in the cockpit make everyday life with the 5 Series comfortable and user-friendly.

Driving dynamics and engine

A charge hybrid with four-wheel drive sounds like a delicious option, and it is. the 530e combines a two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an 80 kW electric motor. Maximum combined power output is 292 hp and 420 Nm of torque.

Four-wheel drive was not available on the first 530e models, but is now available on both saloon and estate models as a charging hybrid option.

The best thing about the ride is the handling, which is extremely stable. Surrounded by high-quality materials, the quiet cabin makes for a smooth ride. In terms of comfort, the latest 5 Series is starting to come close to the larger prestige cars. Drivability is crowned by the tactile and precise steering characteristic of BMW.

The electric mileage on a full battery is around 40-45 kilometres, depending on weather conditions and driving style. The battery has a capacity of 12 kWh and BMW promises up to 57 kilometres on electric power alone. Even at highway speeds, the electric motor feels quite efficient thanks to its instantaneous throttle response and over 100 horsepower. The combustion engine starts quickly to provide additional power when needed.

The 545e xDrive is now also available, with a three-litre straight-six alongside the electric motor. With a maximum power output of just under 400 hp and 600 Nm of torque, the car moves commendably, accompanied by a beautiful straight-six exhaust note.

It’s good to keep up the quality

Compared to the 3 Series, the quality of materials is on a whole other level. Softer and higher quality materials have been used sparingly in the cabin compared to the 3 Series, and this is most noticeable in the sound insulation.

If the driver is comfortable in the front, the journey in the back is as smooth as it gets. the 5 Series offers good legroom, and the rear seat embraces passengers well.

The biggest concern with the 5 Series Charging Hybrid seems to be boot space. On paper, the 410-litre boot sounds quite spacious. There’s plenty of width and depth, but the height quickly becomes an issue. The floor of the boot can be either one level or two levels in steps. The staggering rarely helps the problem if you’re carrying even slightly larger items or suitcases.

Aside from the boot, the facelifted 5 Series is a well-rounded product in terms of its overall design and driveability, without taking any risks. It is palpable as the ultimate charging hybrid, and there is no need for the driver to be nervous about the Bavarian’s performance.