BMW has just unveiled the mid-cycle restyling of the iconic 5 Series (G30 generation), its E-segment executive sedan. The new model, which comes with a slightly refreshed exterior design and an interior with new upholstery and inserts, has unique features. These include laser-illuminated headlights, a digital instrument cluster, or a new 12.3-inch touchscreen.
What is most interesting is undoubtedly the clear commitment that BMW has made to electrification, equipping the model with many mild-hybrid (48-volt micro hybridization) and plug-in hybrid variants.
All four and six-cylinder engines in the range will be mild-hybrid, with a 48-volt starter-generator that will provide an extra 11 hp and a second battery. All of this will improve the response and decrease the mechanical workload, therefore reducing consumption. The gasoline versions will go from 184 hp to 333 hp, while the diesel from 190 hp to 340 hp. The only variant without hybridization will be the M550i xDrive, with a 530 hp V8. Therefore, all versions will have the ECO label of the DGT except the latter.
As for plug-in hybrids, on the one hand, we will find the 530e with a four-cylinder of 184 hp and 300 Nm associated with an electric motor of 109 hp and 265 Nm of torque. The gearbox will be an eight-ratio Steptronic, while the combined power of the system will be 292 hp, with a 420 Nm torque. With these mechanics the vehicle will make the 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, with a top of 235 km/h.
Its autonomy in electric mode (limited to 140 km/h) will be 67 km, thanks to the use of a 12 kWh gross battery. On the other hand, a variant with the same mechanics and all-wheel drive (530e xDrive) will also be available, which will lose some autonomy (58 km) due to its slightly higher consumption. Both the 530e and 530e xDrive can be associated with the sedan body or with the familiar Touring. In the latter case, the autonomy of the 530e will be 58 km to 62 km, and that of the 530e xDrive from 53 km to 56 km.
Another plug-in hybrid variant will be the 545e xDrive, available exclusively with the sedan body. This model will use a 3.0 gasoline six-cylinder engine, reaching a total power of 394 hp and a torque of 600 Nm. The autonomy for its part will be 57 km in electric mode. Therefore, there will be five plug-in hybrid versions: 530e, 530e Touring, 530e xDrive, 530e xDrive Touring, and 545e xDrive.
All 5 Series with plug-in hybrid mechanics will have the DGT ZERO sticker, exceeding 40 km of electric autonomy.