The Electrifying Executive
The introduction of the new iPerformance range of BMW cars is a first step for the Bavarian manufacturer for things much bigger. The 530e takes all the reliabilities of internal combustion engined motoring, and combines this with their take on the future, plug-in hybrid technology. We will not deny that all this would mean that the infrastructure in a city has to be well implemented, and at least one base charging station (usually your home) must be in-place, before things can take flight.
The 530e is powered by their familiar 2.0 four cylinder turbocharged engine, and further bolstered by the electric motor, which also drives the rear wheels. The engine does produce a healthy 290Nm at an already low 1,350rpm, and an additional 250Nm from the motor itself.
The experience of taking off from the lights, with the electric motors doing the initial bulk of the pushing off (torque is already at 100% for the motor) would be even more immediate than most any supercar on our roads, which is almost a guarantee of being the first off from the lights an in-front of the pack of cars you were formally beside of. Advantage, you can pick the lane you would like to switch to, before traffic catches up. The century sprint timing however is still an identical to the 530i timing of 6.2 seconds.
Handling-wise, the added weight does not dampen that much on how the fiver responds to directional changes.
Other goodies that the 530e offers are features like Lane Change Assist, Active Cruise Control and Parking Assistant Plus, to help you into those hard to park places.
Driving the car on just batteries alone, you will achieve a lab-tested 48 km, nothing much to shout about, but the intent of the drive system, is to complement the engine’s power delivery. While you do get immediate response from the drive system, the low mileage offered by the batteries would mean that you may find yourself plugging in the car daily or once every two days.
We would not find that this is too much of a compromise, as more battery would also mean more weight, and more to the cost to the car.
One other small difference to owing the hybrid is that the fuel tank is pressurised as an additional safety measure, and you will need to depressurise it from inside the car, just for a few seconds, before the fuel flap pops open.
Singapore dealer for BMW, Performance Motors is also additionally working with private developments to ensure that those who purchase themselves a plug-in hybrid are able to plug in at their car parks.
If you are able to have the needed charging dock installed at your place of residence, and would want an executive sedan which delivers on better fuel economy, especially during city driving, the 530e fits well into this requirement.
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