A recent facelift for the BMW 5 Series has added fresh tech, but this new 530e might be the real headline for business users. How good is BMW’s latest plug-in car?

The BMW 5 Series has always been the connoisseurs choice when it comes to BMWs. In today’s world of SUVs and rakish rooflines, the traditional saloon recipe is something of a classic. A 5er is also larger and more executive than the everyman 3 Series, but not a big as The Moon, unlike its 7 Series stablemate. A raft of updates for this model helps keep things fresh, but this new 530e variant is the one to watch when it comes to your next company car.

There’s no denying that the 5 Series is a classy machine. The car isn’t too showy, but it carries a confidence in its design that comes across as sophisticated and purposeful. Those who despair at BMW’s latest design direction can rejoice that the 5 Series has escaped those planet-swallowing grilles. Yes, its traditional kidneys have increased in size, but they are still modest next to the new 4 Series.

A few sharp creases, like decisive strikes from a fountain pen, detail the bodywork – subtle but effective. Our test car is an M Sport model and so receives some added external trinkets such as larger air intakes for a sportier look. This car was also gifted a set of optional 20-inch alloy wheels with an intricate bi-colour multi-spoke design. All-in-all, a tasteful expression of some of the surprising performance that awaits.

You can get an M Sport Edition car that adds some chunky seats amongst other things, but this example retains the standard posts – no bad thing. Taking a pew in the 5 Series results in a highly adjustable driving position and plenty of lower back support. New technological additions to the BMW 5 Series cockpit include a 12.3-inch infotainment system running the excellent iDrive software, remote software updates, and Active Navigation that can accurately monitor which lane you are in and advise changes.

Things that remain the same are the beautiful quality leathers and other premium materials that form a wonderfully grown-up environment. This space is certainly executive and remains a lovely place to spend time over lengthy drives. The large digital driver display has been retained, however, the 5 Series interior is starting to look a little dated next to the more modern cabins of its siblings. The rear bench seats three with the outermost passengers enjoying plenty of head and leg room. As typical, a sizeable transmission hump in the floor makes the middle seat more of an emergency option than a practical solution. Practicality also takes a hit with this being a plug-in model, as the battery takes up 120-litres of boot space. That said, the 410-litres total is far from cramped.

This specific 5 Series is a 530e xDrive, and incase you don’t speak BMW sales assistant, that basically translates to a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor that produces 288bhp. Thanks to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it will get to 62mph in just over six seconds. Regardless of the battery and the car’s more ecological focus, it’s clear that the 530e still performs on paper like a high-ranking 5 Series should.

When it comes to plugging the 530e in, it can be charged via a Type-2 connector or a three-pin wall socket in an emergency. We say the latter is for emergencies as it will take five and a half hours to fill the battery using this method. Plug into a proper charger and you can claim up to 37-miles of pure EV range in three and a half hours. While not class-leading charging times, the car’s range should cover most daily commutes.

You silently glide away from your parking space in the 530e, and the whisper-quiet running synonymous with electric driving continues up to speeds of 87mph. That means unless you’re greedy with the throttle pedal, the 5 Series will predominantly run on its batteries and not petrol. Considering the average journey to work and back falls within its electrical range, plugging in overnight might even result in you running this 5 Series as a pure EV – good news for your wallet. The financial forecast continues to improve with zero to pay in terms of BIK in the first year and less than a 520d in the second.

Mixed driving results in this BMW seamlessly flitting between petrol or electric, and even a combination of the two. The smooth petrol motor’s refinement helps mask the transition, but as mentioned, the 530e finds itself driving predominantly on battery power. Around town the steering is light and the ride supple, despite these larger alloy wheels being optioned. Large windows and an array of cameras also results in great all-around visibility, so no excuse for business park prangs.

As comfortable and relaxing as the 530e is, both around town and on the motorway, you’ll likely be more pleased to hear that it hasn’t lost any of its handling prowess. Finding some twisty roads revealed that keenest to get its nose into an apex that we have always loved remains. The steering, while not full of feel, it is precise and predictable. Clipping along at quite a pace allows you to get into a real rhythm with the chassis and exploit the confidence it gives you. Strong body control and good bite from the brake pedal highlights how BMW still know how to forge a strong performance saloon package that keen drivers will relish - PHEV or not. And of course, all-weather grip is assured by xDrive all-wheel drive.

Our brief stint in the new 530e left us as impressed as we’d hoped. Sure, the latest 5 Series has again gone a few notches up in terms of comfort at the price of a small amount of driver involvement, but overall it strikes an excellent balance. This is a ‘have your cake and eat it’ moment thanks to being able to plug the car in, with the 530e delivering on both style and sustenance.

Model tested: BMW 5 Series 530e xDrive M Sport

Price: £42,770

Engine: 2.0-litre petrol + electric motor

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power / Torque: 288bhp / 550Nm

0-62mph: 6.2 seconds

Top speed: 146mph

Seating: 5

Boot space: 410-litres

MPG: 134 - 166mpg

CO2: 38 - 48g/km

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