By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / photos BMW US Press Information
For 2018, BMW introduces the latest addition to its iPerformance line-up, the first ever BMW 530e iPerformance.
iPerformance Characteristics
BMW 530e iPerformance is equipped with various elements unique to the iPerformance line-up. Exterior design elements include, blue kidney grille slats, blue wheel hub covers, charging socket located between the front wheel arch and the A-pillar on the driver’s side, “i” badging on the front fenders, “eDrive” emblems on the C‑pillars and the “530e” badge on the trunk lid. When passengers open the doors, they are welcomed by illuminated door sills bearing the “eDrive” lettering. The BMW 530e iPerformance also comes with an eDrive button on the center console, along with specially designed displays for both the instrument cluster in front of the driver and the central information screen.
Power delivery on all electric
The BMW eDrive system’s electric motor has an output of 95 hp and offers maximum torque of 184 lb-ft on tap, while the 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo combustion engine with its 2.0-liter displacement generates 180 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. The overall system output of 248hp and combined peak torque of 310 lb-ft propel the BMW 530e iPerformance from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and enable it to reach a top speed of 130 mph. The electric motor and combustion engine direct their power to the sedan’s rear wheels via the standard 8-speed Steptronic transmission with paddle shifters. Positioning the electric motor upstream from the transmission allows the transmission’s ratios to be used in all-electric mode too.
As well as the Driving Dynamics Control switch, with its SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO settings. The eDrive button, unique to the iPerformance models offers three driving modes: AUTO eDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and BATTERY CONTROL. AUTO eDRIVE ensures that the engine and electric motor interact to optimum effect in all driving situations and allows an all-electric top speed of 56 mph. This mode is automatically activated as the default setting every time the vehicle is started. When MAX eDRIVE mode is selected, the BMW 530e iPerformance drives on electric power alone. To do so, it uses the electric drive’s full power and can attain a maximum speed of 87 mph. However, if the accelerator is pressed through to kick down the engine will kick in which is whenever an extra boost of power is needed.
Battery control mode lets the driver set the charge level for the high-voltage battery manually. The intelligent battery management either keeps the high-voltage battery’s charge constant at the selected level or increases it to the pre-set value, with the electric motor acting as a generator. Battery control mode makes it possible to conserve or even increase the reserves of electric power while traveling on the highway to ensure that an upcoming section through an urban area can be driven on pure electric.
Latest-generation iDrive for even more intuitive operation
As in all the other models in the new BMW 5 Series line-up, the navigation, telephone, entertainment and vehicle functions grouped within the standard high-resolution 10.25-inch iDrive display can be controlled not only using the iDrive Controller, but also by the iDrive touch screen display or with the help of the Intelligent Voice Assistant. Optional BMW gesture control which offers a particularly intuitive and easy way of operating commonly used infotainment system and telephone functions allows the driver and passenger another convenient way of interacting with iDrive 6.0.
The BMW 530e iPerformance comes with an extensive range of assistance systems which can be used in conjunction of eDrive mode. Utilizing the Blond Spot Detection system when switching lanes, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance steers the vehicle back into its lane if the sensors detect another vehicle in the lane. Two systems, providing a semi-automated driving capability are Active Lane Keeping Assistant & Traffic Jam Assistant. Together, these systems operate between 0 – 130 mph and use smooth, comfort-enhancing steering interventions to keep the vehicle in lane. The latest generation of the system features improved image recognition and software algorithms to keep the vehicle reliably on course. In certain situations, particularly in stop & go traffic, the system also uses the vehicle in front as an additional reference point.
In addition, Surround View and Remote 3D View offer peace of mind by allowing owners monitor their BMW 5 Series always. The system shows a bird’s-eye view of the driver’s car as well as a three-dimensional image of the area surrounding the vehicle. Any obstacles, including curbs, or other vehicles or pedestrians that suddenly appear can be spotted.
BMW Connected Onboard
BMW has introduced an all-encompassing digital concept designed to aid personal mobility. Using the flexible 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. New additions, introduced in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, include BMW Connected Onboard, which allows personal 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 also able to transfer the user’s personal mobility agenda from their smartphone straight to their car.
Summary
The BMW 530e iPerformance is a sport sedan that serves up the dynamic driving experience for which the brand is renowned, combined with the option of electric driving. The 530e iPerformance offers the full breath of BMW 5 Series Advanced Driver Assistance systems and the latest technology, now with eDrive plug-in hybrid powertrain technology. As for its power source, BMW eDrive technology teams up with a BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine to create an exceptionally efficient and powerful plug-in hybrid drive system that fits perfectly with the dynamic, smooth and luxurious character profile of the new BMW 5 Series.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $51,400.00, the one I drove included the Atlas Cedar Metallic Exterior Paint ($550.00), Cold Weather Package ($800.00), Driving Assistant Package ($1,700.00), Driving Assistant Plus Package ($1,700.00), Lighting Package ($1,050.00), Parking Assistant Package, ($1,300.00), Premium Package ($2,700.00), M Sport Brakes ($650.00), Dynamic Damper Control ($1,000.00), Soft-close Automatic Doors ($600.00), Apple Car Play Compatibility ($300.00), Gesture Control ($190.00), Harman Kardon Surround Sound ($875.00), and it came in at $66,460.00, including destination charge ($995.00). The EPA fuel economy estimates 72 MPG combine city/highway Electric & Gasoline and 29 MPG city/highway Gasoline only.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
