Behind the wheel of 141mpg 5 Series

FIRST DRIVE Verdict on the new iperformance hybrid; the first 5 Series that can be plugged in

26

CAR makers have been giving us optimistic sales projections for years, and plug-in models often struggle the most to meet them. BMW’S target to shift 100,000 electrified vehicles globally in 2017 seemed like another ambitious reach – but it’s already registered 45,000 so far, so things appear to be well on track.

The latest plug-in model to emerge from Munich should be a big part of that sales success. Not only is the 530e iperformance the first 5 Series ever that can be refuelled from the mains, it also promises to be the most efficient one to date, with a claimed fuel economy figure of 141.2mpg.

BMW predicts it’ll make up 15 per cent of total 5 Series sales, which is admirable given the fierce loyalty to diesel in the executive car class. Our first drive aims to see if it deserves to poach sales from the excellent oil-burners.

Even though it’s the first plug-in 5 Series, the 530e isn’t the first hybrid. Back in 2012, BMW launched the petrol-electric Activehybrid 5, with an all-electric range of just three miles. It got a lukewarm reception with limited success in the UK.

This time around, things are more promising; the 302bhp straight-six has been ditched for a more modest 2.0-litre four-cylinder, paired with an 83kw electric motor. That makes a combined output of 248bhp and 420Nm of torque for 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds – just three-tenths slower than the old Activehybrid 5.

That’s impressive given that, at 1,845kg, the 530e is a full 130kg heavier than the 530d. Those batteries do offer a claimed pure electric range of 31 mile, however, and can be fully charged in three hours via a wallbox. The car can also hit 87mph without any petrol intervention. We found the range to be closer to 20 miles in the real world, but that’s similar to most PHEVS of this type.

The strong acceleration is partly thanks to its electric assistance, firing the 530e off the line with plenty of punch. However, the effect is less pronounced the faster you go, and at motorway speeds the petrol motor barely feels any quicker than a 520d. It’s also saddled with a rather intrusive and industrial-sounding tone – something that works well in BMW’S sportier models, but sounds out of place in an executive cruiser.

Thankfully, when you drive the 530e at a pace more suited to its economy bias, things are far more refined, with beautifully smooth and silent running in electric mode and a muted hum from the engine under lighter throttle loads. If you wish to prolong the silence, you can flick the drivetrain into Max edrive mode, where it keeps the engine off as much as possible.

Like many hybrids, you can ask the car to hold a level of charge for later use. We found auto mode balances the two sources best.

Our test route involved plenty of hills and motorway miles, so the 530e’s battery was quickly drained. As a result, the trip computer showed a decent, but not outstanding, return of 37mpg.

We’d expect a similarly fast diesel to fare better, but the hybrid will claw back its advantage if you charge regularly and spend time in town. The 530e’s ride

“530e iperformance is the first 5 Series ever that can be refuelled from the mains”