New 2024 BMW 5 Series G60 available with plug-in hybrid drive
The new 5 Series Saloon now offers the entire range of electrified drive technology. Just a few weeks after the market launch of the all-electric i5 and the ICE variants equipped exclusively with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, two plug-in hybrid models will be launched in November 2023. The 530e Saloon and the 550e xDrive Saloon can be ordered as of now. They are available from £59,455 for the new 530e Saloon and £76,605 for the new 550e xDrive Saloon.
In the eighth generation of the world’s most successful business saloon, the plug-in hybrid models are characterised by extremely spontaneous power delivery, clearly increased efficiency and a significantly increased electric range. Both models feature the latest BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid systems, which is combined in the 530e Saloon with a four-cylinder petrol engine and in the 550e xDrive Saloon with an in-line six-cylinder petrol engine from BMW Group’s latest Efficient Dynamics modular generation.
The electric motor, specially developed for the hybrid drive, is also integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission together with its power electronics. The highly integrated drive unit is particularly efficient and contributes up to 197hp in the 550e or 184hp in the 530e to the maximum system output of the two plug-in hybrid saloons.
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 550e xDrive generates 489hp and 516 lb ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid system puts its power to the road using BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. It sprints from zero to 62mph in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph, but a maximum speed of 87mph is possible in purely electric operating mode.
The 530e Saloon 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 299hp and 332 lb ft. This gives it a 0-62 time of 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 143 mph, and once again up to 87mph 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 207lb ft is increased to 332lb 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 additional torque is clearly noticeable both when accelerating and during intermediate sprints.
The electric range is now 49-56 miles according to WLTP for the 550e xDrive Saloon and 54 to 62 miles according to WLTP for the 530e Saloon. Longer commutes are therefore also possible using purely electric power. Both plug-in hybrid models also owe their excellent electric range to their aerodynamic properties. As in all other variants of the new 5 Series, 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 six miles.
When driving, the latest version of adaptive recuperation helps to recover electrical energy during the overrun and braking phases. Thanks to intelligent networking, the drive control system can use navigation data and information from sensors of the driver assistance systems to adjust how much power is recuperated according to the respective traffic situation.
The space-saving arrangement of the lithium-ion high-voltage battery in the vehicle underbody has a positive effect on both the car’s centre of gravity and the luggage compartment. With a total of 520 litres, the storage volume of the plug-in hybrid models is just as large as that of the ICE-only variants.
The high-voltage battery provides an increased usable energy content of up to 19.4 kWh. The maximum charging power has been doubled compared to the previous models and is now 7.4 CkW, so the high-voltage battery can be charged from zero to 100% of its capacity within 3 hours and 15 minutes. At a conventional household socket, charging takes 11 hours and 45 minutes.
The 530e Saloon and the 550e xDrive Saloon both feature an extended range of standard equipment compared to the models with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. In addition to 19” wheels, it also includes BMW IconicSounds Electric. In purely electric operating mode, this system provides a very special soundscape: every movement of the accelerator pedal is accompanied by authentic acoustic feedback. The transparent and spherical sounds were developed in cooperation between BMW and the renowned film music composer Hans Zimmer.
The 550e xDrive Saloon also comes as standard with Adaptive Chassis Professional, which includes electronically controlled shock absorbers and lowered suspension, as well as Integral Active Steering. It makes manoeuvring more comfortable, enhances agility at medium speeds and conveys confidence when changing lanes and cornering at higher speeds. The BMW Interaction Bar combines modern functionality and fascinating design as part of the ambient lighting equipment. The strikingly backlit functional unit with crystalline surface structure extends across the entire width of the instrument panel far into the door panels and includes touchsensitive control panels for controlling ventilation and air conditioning and for activating the hazard warning lights.