Electric dreams come true for loyal fans of BMW
thought that zero emissions was only for small city runarounds, think again and take a look at this delightfully elegant and profoundly desirable BMW 5 series.
The “e” at the end of the 530 is the key to its hidden depths. This is a plug-in hybrid petrol saloon mating a 2.0-litre petrol engine to a battery- powered electric motor delivering a rowdy 252PS. No pussycat, this one.
It looks identical to its stablemates with internal combustion engines but, according to BMW, it will give you about 128mpg.
It has a button allowing you to save the electrical charge so you can drive the car for about 30 miles on electricity alone – thereby making it Drive Zero compliant.
The electric motor and the petrol engine work together for a real boost and, when the traditional engine kicks in, it is seamless. “Immensely capable and immensely comfortable,” I thought to myself as we sped up and down the hills of the test track.
The black leather sports seats not only looked beautiful but they were very supportive as I sat back and let this car do what it really does best – perform.
There was piano black gloss everywhere and easy-to-reach buttons to put the car into dynamic Sport mode, balanced Comfort, efficient Eco or Adaptive, where it works out what’s best for you.
Lovely ambient lighting lit up the interior and looked striking against the leather.
To add even more decadence to what was already a fabulous car, this 530e had M aerodynamic styling.
With 19in run f lat tyres, adaptive suspension and a raft of bells and whistles onboard – including, on this version, all-wheel drive – this car does not come cheap but it means you can go hybrid and still have the drive you desire.
If you prefer, you can even opt for the 530e’s little brother, the 330e.
BMW were at the forefront of electric driving with the i3 and then the i8 but the 5 series hybrid gives you an everyday car with performance, looks and green credentials.