2018 BMW 530e iPerformance Explained – Video
Just a few weeks after the latest generation of the BMW 5 Series was launched, a plug-in hybrid variant will now join the ranks of the world’s most successful business sedan. The BMW 530e iPerformance is a sporty sedan that serves up the dynamic driving experience for which the brand is renowned, combined with the possibility of electric driving with zero local emissions. Its fuel consumption of 1.9 l/100 km (148.7 mpg imp) equates to CO2 emissions of just 44 g/km*. The BMW 530e iPerformance is the most innovative model in its class and offers the full wealth of BMW 5 Series driver assistance systems – in all modes, including eDrive. These systems are complemented by all the available comfort-enhancing features and excellent long-distance driving credentials, including a boot that can hold ample luggage for trips away. As for its power source, trailblazing BMW eDrive technology teams up with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine to create an exceptionally economical and powerful plug-in hybrid drive system that fits perfectly with the dynamic, smooth and efficient character profile of the new BMW 5 Series.
The BMW eDrive system’s state-of-the-art electric motor has an output of 83 kW/113 hp and places maximum torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) on tap, while the four-cylinder combustion engine with its 2.0-litre displacement generates 135 kW/184 hp and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. The combination of motor and engine keeps the CO2 emissions of the BMW 530e iPerformance very low at just 44 g/km. The overall system output of 185 kW/252 hp and combined peak torque of 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) propel the BMW 530e iPerformance from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds and enable it to reach a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). The BMW 530e iPerformance has a range of up to 650 kilometres (404 miles) in real-world driving and is capable of covering distances of up to 50 kilometres (31 miles) purely on electric power at a maximum speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). The electric motor and combustion engine direct their power to the sedan’s rear wheels via the standard eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Positioning the electric motor upstream from the transmission allows the transmission’s ratios to be used in all-electric mode too. This dispenses with the need for a torque converter, something that goes a long way towards offsetting the weight penalty of the additional drive unit.
With the launch of BMW Connected in the USA and Europe in 2016, BMW has introduced an all-encompassing digital concept designed to aid personal mobility. Using a flexible platform called the Open Mobility Cloud as a basis, BMW Connected seamlessly integrates the vehicle into the user’s digital life via multiple touchpoints, such as an iPhone, Apple Watch, Android smartphone or smartwatch. Further new functions have been introduced in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, for example BMW Connected Onboard, which allows personalised information such as the next navigation destination, estimated arrival time and current weather conditions at the destination to be shown on the car’s display. BMW Connected is additionally able to transfer the user’s personal mobility agenda from their smartphone straight to their car.
Surround View and 3D View offer peace of mind to anyone who frequently finds themselves manoeuvring in awkward traffic situations in city centres by allowing them to keep an eye on the area surrounding their BMW 5 Series at all times. The system shows a bird’s-eye view of the driver’s car as well as a three-dimensional image of the traffic situation. With the Remote 3D View technology integrated into BMW Connected, these three-dimensional views of the vehicle’s surrounding area can now be accessed from smartphones too, allowing owners to quickly check on their parked car no matter how far away it is. The image data is transmitted over the mobile phone network to the mobile device.