Following the all-electric BMW i5 and the combustion engine variants with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, the new BMW 5 Series range will be expanded from November 2023 to include the BMW 530e Sedan and BMW 550e xDrive Sedan models.
This means the new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers the entire range of electrified drive technology. The two plug-in hybrid models will join the all-electric BMW i5 and the combustion engine variants equipped exclusively with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. Both models feature the latest BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid systems, which is combined in the BMW 530e Sedan with a four-cylinder petrol engine and in the BMW 550e xDrive Sedan with an in-line six-cylinder petrol engine from the BMW Group’s latest Efficient Dynamics modular generation.
The electric motor, specially developed for the hybrid drive, is also integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission together with its power electronics. The highly integrated drive unit is particularly efficient and contributes up to 145 kW/197 hp (BMW 550e Sedan) or 135 kW/184 hp (BMW 530e Sedan) to the maximum system output of the two plug-in hybrid sedans. In combination with the latest generation of BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid models, the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine in the new BMW 550e xDrive Sedan generates a system output of up to 360 kW/489 hp and a maximum system torque of 700 Nm (516 lb-ft). The plug-in hybrid system puts its power to the road by means of BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 miles) in 4.3 seconds. The maximum speed of the BMW 550e xDrive Sedan is electronically cut off at 250 km/h (155 mph). A maximum speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) is possible in purely electric operating mode.
The new BMW 530e Sedan has a 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and, together with the highly integrated e-drive unit, generates a maximum system output of 220 kW/299 hp. With a maximum system torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft), the new BMW 530e Sedan accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 miles) in 6.3 seconds. The top speed is 230 km/h (143 mph), and up to 140 km/h (87 mph) in fully electric mode.
A patented BMW innovation is used in the new plug-in hybrid models to increase the power development of the electric motor: The nominal torque of up to 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) is increased to a torque of up to 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) by a pre- transmission, which is effectively applied to the engine-side transmission input. In this way, the compact electric motor generates additional drive torque that would otherwise only be possible with a larger electric motor.
The electric range is now 83 to 90 kilometres (49 – 56 miles) according to WLTP for the new BMW 550e xDrive Sedan and 93 to 103 kilometres (54 to 62 miles) according to WLTP for the new BMW 530e Sedan. Longer commutes are therefore also possible without producing any local emissions. Both plug-in hybrid models also owe their excellent electric range to their aerodynamic properties. As in all other variants of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, special panelling and air deflection elements contribute to an optimised underbody structure that minimises air resistance. Special attention was also paid to aerodynamically optimising the underbody, to additionally reduce CO2 emissions and increase the electric range by up to ten kilometres.
