BMW 530e Touring Plug-in Hybrid Practically Perfect Motoring.

The Autobahn-basher that is the BMW 530e Touring is engaging, efficient, and elegant. It tackles twisties like a train on tracks and munchies miles on motorways, offering versatility and practicality for all types of use. On a quick trip to Austria, Jeremy Webb drove the Bavarian beauty in all kinds of conditions and all sorts of roads, and the car grabbed his heart.

The BMW 530e is a plug-in Hybrid, and I drove the Touring version, an estate car that provides a platform for all transportation needs. Over the week I had the car, it carried my family and all their belongings across Europe, in comfort and spacious luxury, with ease. The boot is cavernous, swallowing vast amounts of cargo, and its volume can be increased by folding the seats if not carrying rear passengers. Doing this gives you almost the carrying capability of a van. Ideal for road trips, tip trips, school runs and the family's sports kit.

Practicality.

The BMW 530e Touring stands out as an impressive blend of spaciousness, practicality, and striking design, all while delivering an engaging driving experience. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain is meticulously engineered, making it one of the most balanced options available in the hybrid segment. When operated efficiently—whether by private owners or company car drivers—this vehicle can significantly reduce your operating expenses. Without a doubt, it claims the title of the premier premium hybrid car currently on the market.

Plug-in hybrids have made remarkable advancements in a surprisingly brief period. No longer are we limited to the days when a mere 20-mile electric vehicle range forced drivers to rely heavily on charging stations. Nowadays, many plug-in hybrids can comfortably achieve ranges of 60 miles or more on electric power alone. This significant improvement not only enhances convenience for daily commutes and errands but also introduces a new level of efficiency once the battery is depleted. With a seamless transition to gasoline power, these vehicles continue to perform well, enabling drivers to travel farther without sacrificing fuel economy.

The latest BMW 530e stands as a stellar representation of how far plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have advanced. With an impressive length of 5 meters and a robust power output of nearly 300bhp, this executive saloon seamlessly blends performance with sophistication. It boasts a remarkable WLTP-rated electric range of 62 miles, making it an ideal choice for urban commutes, while still achieving over 40 miles per gallon (mpg) during longer journeys.

Moreover, the 530e is adorned with the customary opulence expected from the BMW brand, featuring high-quality materials, advanced technology, and a comfortable interior. This puts it in a favourable light, especially when compared to the all-electric i5, which suddenly seems quite pricey in contrast.

The enduring debate over the practicality of PHEVs continues, particularly given that the typical UK driver covers less than 20 miles a day. For those whose daily routines align closely with this distance, a PHEV like the 530e is a compelling, efficient, and practical alternative to a fully electric vehicle (EV).

Hybrid System.

When you choose the BMW i5, you'll opt for a robust 81.2kWh (usable) battery, but if you switch to the 530e, you'll trade that larger capacity for a more compact 19.4kWh battery. However, the 530e brings an exciting advantage with its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which significantly enhances driving flexibility. This combination doesn’t just match the i5’s impressive capabilities; it extends its range from an already commendable 356 miles to an astonishing 600 miles or even more.

The 530e's real-world performance exceeded expectations, and during my test, I exceeded the manufacturer’s claimed maximum electric-only range of 62 miles. I covered 63 miles, navigating through a diverse mix of urban streets, serene rural paths, and faster roads without consuming a single drop of fuel. I had 13 per cent of the battery charge left upon reaching my destination, making the BMW 530e close to matantalisinglyrcedes E 300 e in terms of overall electric-vehicle potential range up to nearly 70 miles.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the BMW 530e Touring impressively achieves 40 to 45 miles per gallon, even when the battery is running low. This is made possible by its innovative hybrid system, which meticulously maintains a balance by preventing the high-voltage battery from ever being completely depleted. The vehicle cleverly utilises its regenerative braking to capture energy while slowing down and automatically shuts off the engine during coasting to conserve fuel. During a single journey spanning over 180 miles, we recorded a remarkable 41 per cent engine-off eDrive usage, showcasing the vehicle's exceptional efficiency and innovative engineering.

Driving.

One might anticipate a stark contrast between petrol and electric in a tale of two halves, but the experience of driving the 5 Series PHEV defies such expectations. Its sophisticated design harmoniously blends both power sources, creating a seamless transition that makes the distinction between them almost imperceptible.

When cruising in EV mode, the 530e exudes a sense of tranquillity, gliding along the road with a refined smoothness that belies its substantial size. Inside the cabin, you’re cocooned in comfort, shielded from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The silence is only broken when you push the boundaries of its electric-only capabilities—whether by flooring the throttle or depleting the battery charge—at which point the petrol engine seamlessly kicks in. This provides additional power without disrupting the serene driving experience, enhancing your journey rather than interrupting it.

What’s more, you still benefit from that exhilarating surge of electric torque. As the electric motor steps in, it fills the gaps typically found in non-hybrid vehicles, allowing the 5 Series to accelerate in a remarkably linear fashion. With a brisk acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.3 seconds, the 5 Series PHEV is certainly quick enough for most drivers. However, it never overwhelms you with urgency; instead, it offers a composed, refined driving experience that balances performance with comfort.

The BMW 530e offers a variety of drive modes, with two standout options: ‘Efficient’ and ‘Sport’. As their names suggest, each mode tailors the driving experience to different priorities. The ‘Efficient’ mode emphasises electric vehicle performance, harnessing the silent, smooth power of the electric motor to maximise efficiency. In contrast, when you switch to ‘Sport’ mode, the robust petrol engine springs to life, delivering exhilarating power and responsiveness, while also preserving the battery’s charge and occasionally augmenting it during prolonged driving sessions.

Notably, there is a ‘deactivate electric’ option nestled within the infotainment system's sub-menus, although it can be somewhat temperamental and may not always comply with your command. However, the most impressive aspect of the 530e—and indeed, the entire 5 Series lineup, including the BMW i5—is its innate ability to embody the quintessential BMW driving experience. The vehicle responds with remarkable sharpness, and despite its substantial weight of over two tonnes, it exhibits a surprising agility on winding roads, making every turn feel engaging and dynamic.

Interior.

Upon stepping inside, the cabin exudes an air of sophistication and meticulous craftsmanship, clearly indicating that no corners were cut in its design. At the helm, you’ll find the classic BMW-style thick-rimmed steering wheel, which, while not to everyone’s taste, is expertly wrapped in a sumptuous, soft material that enhances the luxurious feel. This tactile pleasure is complemented by the soft-touch surfaces of the dashboard and the doors, creating an inviting atmosphere for both driver and passengers.

The centrepiece of this cabin's technology is the widescreen infotainment system, widely regarded as one of the finest in the automotive industry. It features the beloved but soon-to-be-retired iDrive clickwheel, offering a convenient way to navigate through its myriad features.

However, those who often rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto may find themselves using it less frequently than anticipated due to the ease and familiarity of their preferred smartphone interfaces.

When it comes to space, this vehicle shines brightly. The back seats offer generous legroom, ensuring that adult passengers can stretch comfortably, though they may not be quite as spacious as those in a luxury limousine.

The boot impressively measures 520 litres, exceeding the i5's capacity by 30 litres, making it a practical choice for everydayadventures. For those in need of additional room, the Touring estate variant is available, boasting a remarkable 1,700 litres of space with its fold-flat seats. This transformation reveals a cavernous area suited for even the most extensive cargo needs, perfect for family trips or weekend getaways.

Summary.

The BMW 530e Touring stands out as an efficient and versatile vehicle, making it ideal for a variety of activities, including daily commutes, weekend road trips, and even shopping errands. I was genuinely impressed by its robust performance, agile handling, and remarkable capabilities across a range of driving conditions and scenarios. This hybrid model seamlessly blends efficiency with power, delivering a dynamic driving experience that is both engaging and responsive. Moreover, it offers outstanding value for the money, making it an appealing choice for those seeking both luxury and functionality in their automotive experience.

£55000 starting price.

BMW 530e plug-in hybrid Specs.

2.0-litre four-cylinder twin turbo 294bhp, 331ft lbs of torque. 0-62 mph 6.4 seconds, top speed 137 mph. Average fuel economy 313.9–403.5mpg, 37.7–40.4 with a dead battery. 54–60-mile official electric range (WLTP). 2,140kg.