The BMW 530e M Sport iPerformance Saloon has a 184hp/290Nm 4-cylinder, 2-litre petrol engine combined with a 113hp/250Nm electric motor which is integrated in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
A 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery sits underneath the rear seat, and it also encroaches slightly into the boot, reducing the luggage compartment capacity slightly to 410 litres (compared to the 530 litres of the regular 5 Series).
The 530e is a BMW, so that means that all the basics are in place: the driving position is excellent, the interior has all the controls exactly where you want them (together with BMW’s class-leading iDrive infomedia system and a large touchscreen), and everything is quick to respond.
An ‘edrive’ button allows you to select ‘max edrive’ (electric power) or ‘auto edrive’ (hybrid power). You can also choose a specific percentage of battery charge that you want to maintain.
You can also select between drive mode settings of Eco Pro, Comfort or Sport, as well as being able to (partially) disengage the traction control. Unlike most electric or plug-in hybrid cars, you can select Sport mode as well as max edrive and you can also reduce the interference of the traction control, resulting in an electric car for keen drivers. You can also change gear manually using the steering wheel-mounted paddles
