New BMW 5 Series range complete as plug-in hybrid joins line-up

BMW has officially completed the new 5 Series sedan line-up with the inclusion of a pair of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models due to go on-sale in Europe from November.

Look closely

Joining the standard mild-hybrid petrol and diesel derivatives, as well as the all-electric i5 that debuted with the internally designated G60 5 Series in May this year, the plug-in hybrid retains the same dimensions, but differs by way of a secondary flap hiding the charging port on the left front wing.

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Inside also unaltered, bar range and battery level readouts located within the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch iDrive infotainment system that make-up the Curved Display, the 5 Series PHEV can also be specified with Integral Active Steer rear-wheel steering system and wheel sizes up to 19-inches.

Despite the inclusion of the plug-in hybrid hardware, claimed boot space is said to be unaffected from that of the regular 5 Series at 520-litres with the rear seats in place.

Two to choose from

Where matters have, however, changed is underneath the bonnet where the entry-level 520e combines the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from the 520i and 530i with a 19.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers a 135 kW electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox.

Combined, the system produces 220kW/450Nm, which translates to a top speed of 240 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and a claimed all-electric range of between 83 km and 90 km.

At the range’s summit, the 550e officially becomes the most powerful 5 Series BMW will sell on the Old Continent until the arrival next year of the all-new M5.

Pairing the turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine from the North American model with the same battery pack as the 530e, a more powerful 145 kW electric motor encased within the Steptronic ‘box has been allocated, meaning the standard inclusion of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

In total, the setup produces 360kW/700Nm, allowing the 550e xDrive to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 250 km/h. The claimed all-electric range, up to 140 km/h, is rated between 93 km and 103 km.

As standard, both models are fitted with a 7.4 kW charger that requires a waiting time of three hours 15 minutes to fully charge. Using a conventional household socket remains possible, but will prolong the waiting time to 11 hours 45 minutes.

Not yet for South Africa

Now available for ordering with respective pricing of €65 300 (R1 320 559) and €77 300 (R1 563 235) in Germany, the plug-in hybrid 5 Series has, so far, not been mentioned for South Africa.

Should approval be given, expect it to only become available next year seeing as BMW South Africa will make the regular combustion engine model available before year-end.

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