While the BMW M5 Touring available in the U.S. and Canada delivers impressive performance figures, it is far from the most efficiency-focused plug-in hybrid in its family.
In other markets, the BMW 5 Series Touring is available with an ‘everyday’ plug-in hybrid powertrains that prioritize electric driving range and low fuel consumption rather than outright performance.
Recently, we had a chance to check out an accessorized version of a Euro-spec BMW 530e Touring in the metal. Here are all the observations we made about the electrified station wagon:
Design
The BMW 530e Touring builds on the exterior design of the sedan with an elongated roof, a longer glasshouse, and a more upright rear end, topped by a roof spoiler exclusive to the wagon. This example features the M Sport package, which adds sportier bumpers, a larger lower air intake, and gloss black exterior accents.
BMW has equipped this 530e Touring with 21-inch M Performance light alloy wheels in the Cross-Spoke 943 M design featuring a two-tone finish and red-painted brake calipers for a sportier look. A roof box and a rear-mounted bicycle carrier highlight the car’s intended use for leisure travel and outdoor activities.
Interior
The interior of the accessorized BMW 530e Touring features an elegant and high-tech design and is draped in a combination of M Alcantara and Veganza upholstery, both in black. This example uses a carbon-fiber-look trim pattern across the dashboard and is fitted with an M Sport steering wheel as well.
The BMW Interaction Bar, a crystalline surface structure with backlighting available optionally, stretches across the width of the dashboard and continues into the door panel trim. The BMW Curved Display on the dashboard integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen.
Specifications
The BMW 530e Touring features a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that integrates an electric motor.
The gas engine produces 140 kW (188 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) of torque, while the electric motor develops 135 kW (181 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb.-ft.) of torque. The latter relies on energy stored in a 19.4 kWh (net) battery pack, chargeable at up to 11 kW.
With 220 kW (295 hp) of combined power and 450 Nm (332 lb.-ft.) of combined torque, the BMW 530e Touring hits 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 6.4 seconds and achieves a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).
In EV mode, the plug-in hybrid wagon can reach a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) and cover a distance of up to 98 kilometers (61 miles), as per WLTP.
Pricing
Also See: BMW i5 Touring: Right for Europe, but not U.S.-bound
In the German market, the BMW 530e Touring’s prices start at EUR 68,700 (USD 81,841).
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
