2018 BMW 530e ‘iPerformance’ plug-in hybrid sedan for U.S. unveiled2018 BMW 530e ‘iPerformance’ plug-in hybrid sedan for U.S. unveiled

The latest model in BMW’s expanding lineup of plug-in hybrids sold in the U.S. is a version of its new 5-Series sedan, with a plug.
Called the 530e iPerformance, it joins plug-in hybrid versions of the 3-Series and 7-Series sedans and the X5 SUV, as well as the sleek i8 coupe.
Like all BMW plug-in hybrids based on existing models, the 530e wears the “iPerfomance” badge to tie it to the i8 and the i3 electric car, BMW’s green models that are based on dedicated platforms.
DON’T MISS: BMW plans to sell 100,000 plug-in cars in 2017, CEO says
The 530e powertrain is derived from that of the 330e iPerformance, meaning it sports a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a single electric motor.
However, while the 330e is available only with rear-wheel drive, the 530e will be offered with the option of all-wheel drive as well.
Total system output matches the 248 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque of the smaller 330e.
2018 BMW 530e iPerformance
The 530e will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, according to BMW, and can reach a top speed of 130 mph.
A 9.2-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack sits under the rear seat, a location that BMW says preserves trunk volume and maintains a flat load floor.
EPA efficiency and electric-range figures are not available yet, but BMW previously quoted an electric range of 28 miles on the European testing cycle.
ALSO SEE: BMW 530e next-generation plug-in hybrid sedan: photos, details
A comparable figure for the EPA testing cycle would likely be 20 to 30 percent lower.
Charging from a 240-volt Level 2 AC source takes three hours.
Three driving modes—Auto eDrive, Max eDrive, and Battery Control—allow the driver to manage how electric power is used.
2018 BMW 530e iPerformance
The default Auto eDrive mode switches between gasoline and electric power, and allows for all-electric driving in certain situations up to 56 mph.
Max eDrive prioritizes all-electric driving, raising the electric-only top speed to 87 mph, while Battery Control allows the driver to hold a charge in the battery pack.
The 530e iPerformance is based on the new 5-Series body introduced on non-hybrid versions for the 2017 model year.
MORE: BMW crosses sales of 100,000 plug-in electric cars
BMW says the new body is lighter than before, despite being slightly longer, wider, and taller than the outgoing 5-Series.
The 530e will be available with many of the technology and safety features seen in other 5-Series models, including gesture control, and both adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems that can provide steering assistance to the driver.
The BMW 530e iPerformance goes on sale in the U.S. in Spring 2017, meaning it will likely be sold as a 2018 model.
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