The BMW 530e iPerformance brings the electric revolution

The world's most successful business sedan, now in a plug-in hybrid version. Just weeks after the launch of the latest generation of the BMW 5 Series, a plug-in hybrid version now accompanies the world's most successful business sedan. The BMW 530e iPerformance is a sports sedan that offers a dynamic driving experience combined with zero-emission electric drive capability.

Just a few weeks after the launch of the latest generation of the BMW 5 Series, a plug-in hybrid version is now available for the world's most successful business sedan. The BMW 530e iPerformance is a sports sedan that offers a dynamic driving experience combined with zero-emission electric drive capability. Consumption of 1.9 l/100 km corresponds to CO2 emissions of just 44 g/km. The BMW 530e iPerformance is the most innovative model in its class and offers all the driver support systems of the BMW 5 Series - in all trim levels, including eDrive. Added to these systems are all those features that enhance comfort levels on long-distance journeys, including a luggage compartment with enormous potential. When it comes to the power source, revolutionary BMW eDrive technology is combined with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine to create an extremely economical and powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain that harmonises perfectly with the dynamic, civilised and efficient character of the new BMW 5 Series.

The iPerformance logo that accompanies all BMW plug-in hybrid models is evidence of the transfer of expertise from BMW i to the models of the core brand. The BMW 530e iPerformance is the sixth member of the growing range of iPerformance models enjoying popularity among customers. Its outstanding environmental credentials have been officially recognised with ISO certification from the Rhineland Technical Inspection Centre (TÜV Rheinland). The entire life cycle of the vehicle, from the extraction of raw materials and the production process through to the use phase and recycling, is taken into account to determine its environmental footprint - i.e. the "global warming potential" GWP - in the form of corresponding carbon dioxide emissions (CO2 equivalents - CO2e). This independent certification to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards shows that the GWP of the BMW 530e iPerformance is 15% lower than that of the BMW 530i, which uses a combustion engine only. In fact, if only power from renewable sources is used to charge the lithium-ion battery, the environmental footprint of the plug-in hybrid model is reduced by 47%.

Power comparable to a high displacement combustion engine

The advanced electric motor of the BMW eDrive system delivers 83 kW/113 hp and a readily available maximum torque of 250 Nm, while the two-cylinder four-cylinder combustion engine produces 135 kW/184 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The combination of electric motor and combustion engine keeps the BMW 530e iPerformance's CO2 emission levels very low at 44 g/km. Total system output of 185 kW/252 hp and a combined maximum torque of 420 Nm accelerate the BMW 530e iPerformance from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, all the way to a top speed of 235 km/h. The BMW 530e iPerformance has a range of up to 650 km in real-world driving conditions and can cover distances of up to 50 km exclusively with electric drive at a maximum speed of 140 km/h. The electric motor and combustion engine transfer power to the rear wheels of the sedan via the standard, eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Placing the electric motor before the transmission allows the gearbox gears to be used in the all-electric program as well. This eliminates the need for a torque converter, which helps offset the weight increase due to the additional motor.

Unique charging innovations for the high-voltage battery: BMW Digital Charging Service and BMW Wireless Charging.

The high-voltage battery consisting of lithium-ion cells with a total capacity of 9.2 kWh has compact dimensions, is mounted under the rear seat and includes efficient liquid cooling with an integrated low-temperature circuit. Thanks to the carefully considered battery placement, the BMW 530e iPerformance offers 410 L of luggage space and a flat load floor. The BMW 530e iPerformance's high-voltage battery is fully charged in less than five hours at a standard household outlet, and in less than three hours if connected to a BMW i Wallbox (charging power 3.7 kW).

With the BMW Digital Charging Service, BMW becomes the first car manufacturer in the world to offer a service for proactive, convenient and economical charging that is optimised for the use of green energy. In each case, the management of the charging process allows the vehicle to access the full battery capacity at the desired departure time - and, if necessary, to activate the cabin air conditioning system in advance.

The BMW Digital Charging Service - BMW Digital Charging Service is based on two functions: optimisation of battery charging based on the electricity provider's tariff and use of solar energy. With cost-optimised charging, the service adapts the vehicle's charging schedule to the customer's electricity provider's tariff. If the customer has a BMW Wallbox Connect wallbox, the cost-optimised solar charging gives priority to the use of electricity generated by the domestic photovoltaic system. Here, the system's energy production data and the latest weather reports are used to predict the amount of locally generated solar energy available. If the necessary metering equipment is installed, this information can also be used to determine the proportion of solar energy that is not consumed in the home at the time of generation, so that it can be used for zero-emission transport. In this way, vehicles with fully or partially electric drive systems can be integrated as effectively as possible into the home environment and the customer's energy choices.

In addition, a wireless charging service - BMW Wireless Charging for the high-voltage battery will be available as an option for the BMW 530e iPerformance from 2018. This technology allows energy to be transferred without the use of cables. The system, which BMW has presented in prototype form, consists of a base with an integrated primary coil - which can be installed in a garage as well as outdoors - and a secondary coil integrated into the underside of the vehicle. An alternating magnetic field is generated between the two coils, through which electricity is transferred without wires or contacts with a charging power of up to 3.2 kW. This form of battery electricity supply is very convenient for customers and the charging time is estimated to be around three and a half hours.

Distinctive visual differences

A series of distinctive visual cues are indications of the advanced technology under the bonnet of the new BMW 530e iPerformance. Blue grilles on the grille, blue covers on the wheel hubs, the charging socket located between the front wheel arch and the driver's side A-pillar, the "eDrive" emblems on the C-pillars and, of course, the "530e" badge on the boot are the most distinctive identity cues of the plug-in hybrid version. When passengers open the doors, they are greeted by illuminated sill covers with the "eDrive" logo on an interior with pervasive sporty elegance in harmony with the exterior styling, as in the other versions of the business sedan. The BMW 530e iPerformance additionally features an eDrive button on the centre console along with specially designed displays for the instrument panel in front of the driver and the central information display.

BMW eDrive adapts and anticipates

In addition to the Driving Experience Control switch, with the SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO driving profiles, drivers will also have an eDrive button at their disposal to adjust the BMW eDrive function even more precisely to the needs of the journey via three programmes: AUTO eDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and BATTERY CONTROL.

AUTO eDRIVE ensures optimum cooperation between the combustion engine and electric motor for all driving conditions, and allows a top speed of 90 km/h with electric drive only. This program is automatically activated as the default setting every time the vehicle is started. With MAX eDRIVE mode selected, the BMW 530e iPerformance is driven in the electric program only. For this, it uses all the energy of the electric drive system and can reach a maximum speed of 140 km/h. However, if the throttle is pressed all the way down by activating kickdown then the engine will also be engaged, which is on standby if an instantaneous increase in engine power is required, e.g. for an overtaking manoeuvre.

With BATTERY CONTROL mode the driver can set the charge level for the high-voltage battery mechanically. The desired value can be set between 30 and 100% of maximum charge. This battery capacity rate can be stored for use in the fully electric program at a later stage of the trip. Intelligent battery management in the BMW 530e iPerformance either keeps the charge constant at a selected level, or increases it to a preset value, with the electric motor acting as a generator. In this way, the BATTERY CONTROL mode makes it possible to maintain or even increase electricity reserves when the vehicle is travelling on the motorway, for example, so that it can travel a subsequent stretch through an urban area with zero emissions.

Latest generation iDrive for even more intuitive operation

As in all other models in the new 5 Series, navigation, phone, entertainment and vehicle functions are concentrated on the optional 10.25-inch high-resolution display and can be controlled via the iDrive Controller, but also via the touchscreen or with the help of the Intelligent Voice Assistant. BMW's gesture recognition system, which reacts to simple hand or finger movements, offers users another option for controlling these functions.

The new BMW 530e iPerformance imposes no restrictions in terms of equipment options, which means it can support the driver with an extensive range of systems - all of which can even be used with eDrive mode. These include obstacle avoidance support, cross-traffic warning, Lane Change Assistant and active Lane Change Warning, which intervenes in the steering system to prevent an imminent collision. The optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assistant now come with new functions, including: input of speed limits transmitted by Speed Limit Assist into the Active Cruise Control system, where the driver can also select a +/- 15 km/h deviation margin. This feature brings the BMW 530e iPerformance one step closer to automated driving, such as Steering and lane control assistant. With this system, the vehicle helps the driver to maintain a safe distance, accelerate, brake and stay in his lane when driving at speeds between 0 - 210 km/h.

BMW Connected Onboard : personalised start screen.

With the launch of BMW Connected in the US and Europe in 2016, BMW is launching an all-inclusive digital philosophy designed for the personal mobility requirements of the future. Using a flexible platform called Open Mobility Cloud as its foundation, BMW Connected seamlessly integrates the vehicle into the user's digital life via multiple touch points, such as iPhone, Apple Watch, Android smartphone or smartwatch. Other new functions have also been launched in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, for example BMW Connected Onboard, which allows personalised information such as next navigation destination, estimated time of arrival and current weather conditions at the destination to be displayed on the in-car display. BMW Connected can additionally transfer the user's personal travel agenda from their smartphone directly to the car.

Surround View and 3D View offer peace of mind to all those who are often forced to navigate through busy city streets, giving them a panoramic view of the area around the BMW 5 Series in all situations. The system displays a panoramic view of the car and a 3D image of the traffic. With the Remote 3D View technology built into BMW Connected, these 3D images of the area around the vehicle are now also accessible from a mobile phone, so owners can quickly locate their parked car, no matter how far away it is. The image data is transferred via the mobile network to the mobile device.

Easy parking : ParkNow and On-Street Parking Information

Drivers of the new BMW 530e iPerformance will be able to access products such as ParkNow for digital parking reservation and payment, and On-Street Parking Information technology that debuts in the new BMW 5 Series. This system uses a local prediction model to calculate potential parking options in a particular part of the city, which it displays on the driver's screen.

Access to email with Microsoft Exchange

BMW now becomes the first car manufacturer to offer Microsoft Office 365 users a secure server connection for exchanging and editing emails, calendar entries or contact details thanks to the integration of Microsoft Exchange functionality in the car. In this way, users remain creative on the go. Addresses from appointments can be entered directly into the navigation system and phone numbers can be formed directly from a connected phone.

The sixth model with the iPerformance badge

Just as M Performance is a link between the core BMW brand and BMW M, BMW is underlining the transfer of expertise from BMW i to the core brand models by adding the iPerformance logo to the names of all BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles. The list of revolutionary models whose footsteps the BMW 530e iPerformance will follow includes the BMW 225xe iPerformance, BMW 330e iPerformance, BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance and BMW 740e/740Le iPerformance, as well as the BMW X1 xDrive 25Le iPerformance sold exclusively in China. BMW therefore offers an extremely comprehensive range of iPerformance models, from compact to luxury. The new BMW 530e iPerformance is the sixth model in the family and more will follow.