BMW 5 Series Saloon PHEV (2024-) Review

Introduction

BMW’s approach to future propulsion systems is, shall we say, holistic. Some might see it as sitting on the fence, but BMW is open-minded about the future, and the company doesn’t want to push customers into any one form of power. It even has hydrogen cars under development.

Anyway, the point is that the new 5 Series isn’t here to tell us what to drive, but to offer customers a choice of different systems to suit their needs. The petrol-powered 520i and the electric i5 models have already been launched, and now it’s the turn of the plug-in hybrid models. Here in the UK we get a choice of two variants, but will they be appealing enough to keep customers from sticking with fossil fuels they know or going all in on electric power?

At a Glance

The 5 Series looks much the same whether you choose a petrol, hybrid or electric version, with its clean image and charming muscularity. As is so often the way with BMW designs, it probably won’t suit everyone, but there’s something modern and stylish about it, and it works in a wide range of colours and trim levels.

The interior, meanwhile, has had a similar change of heart, becoming much more minimalist and more tech-orientated. The massive central touchscreen and digital instrument displays are built into one wide housing, and there’s a crystalline light strip that surrounds the whole cabin. Buttons are few and far between, with almost everything taken care of through the touchscreen, although there is a typical BMW ‘iDrive’ controller on the centre console for easier screen navigation when you’re on the move.

Further forward, there’s a choice of two plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the 2.0-litre 530e joined by the 3.0-litre 550e xDrive. Both come with similarly sized batteries, but the 530e is the efficient, rear-wheel-drive option, while the 550e xDrive is the sportier, all-wheel-drive choice. Both are efficient, especially considering their power outputs, but the 530e is fractionally cheaper to run, and cheaper to lease, while its performance will be more than adequate for most.

Both versions drive brilliantly, too, with stunning steering, impressive brakes and great balance, as well as a ride that’s supple enough while still being informative. Differences are minor, but the 550e xDrive offers marginally better traction thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, but also more weight on the nose. As a result, the 530e feels a little bit sharper when it turns in, but it lacks the refinement of the 550e xDrive, which is quieter when you put your foot down.

Key Features

One of the main reasons for choosing a 5 Series over any other executive saloon is the way the car drives. BMW has continued that with the new plug-in hybrid versions of the latest-generation 5 Series, both of which offer plenty of driver involvement thanks to precise steering and balance, as well as supple suspension that gives you plenty of feel for what’s going on under the wheels without harming comfort unduly. The 530e is a little more agile than the 550e, but the 550e hits back with power, traction and refinement, so choosing between them is a matter of taste rather than capability.

But whichever one you choose, you’re going to get a very high-tech car. BMW has fitted its latest technology to the 5 Series, with a cool cabin that includes clever ambient lighting and a pin-sharp touchscreen that gives access to a huge combination of features, including an optional games console that can be used when the car is stationary. It isn’t going to rival a PlayStation 5 – the games feel quite arcadey and the processor isn’t that sharp – but it does offer some family-friendly entertainment while the car is charging or if you’re waiting in the queue at a ferry terminal.

Range & Batteries

No matter whether you choose the less powerful 530e or the more potent 550e, you get the same rechargeable battery under the floor. With 19.4kWh of capacity, it’s hardly the biggest battery fitted to a plug-in hybrid, but it’s still good for between 58 and 63 miles in the 530e and between 52 and 55 miles in the 550e. There’s a couple of reasons for that disparity, but it isn’t all that important, because in the real world both will do something between 40 and 50 miles on a charge, assuming you drive carefully around town. Head for faster roads such as motorways and that figure will probably drop below the 40-mile mark. Even then, though, the hybrid 5 Series models should have enough juice to cover most day-to-day journeys without troubling the petrol engine.

Performance & Drive

Once upon a time, the 5 Series range was huge, with a bewildering assortment of engines to choose from, but now it’s a straight choice between petrol, hybrid or electric power. If you go for electric power, you get one of two i5 models, which have their own review, and the sole petrol option is the 520i, which gets a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 208hp and sending it all to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

That leaves the hybrids, of which two are available. There’s the ‘basic’ 530e and the more performance-orientated 550e xDrive, but both essentially have the same idea. Both cars are plug-in hybrids, which means they get a rechargeable 22.1kWh battery of which around 19kWh is available to use, and that drives an electric motor. But they also come with petrol engines, allowing them to operate either as electric vehicles over short distances, or as conventional petrol-powered cars on longer drives.

But there are noticeable differences. For one, the 550e xDrive has a more powerful electric motor producing 197hp, compared with the 530e’s 184hp motor. That means the 530e will go a little further on electrical power alone, but it doesn’t have the power of the 550e, which also has a more potent petrol engine under the bonnet. Where the 530e gets a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, the 550e gets a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine, and as those in the know about BMW nomenclature may already have guessed, it also benefits from BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

As a result, the 530e has a healthy 299hp when it uses both motors in tandem, but the 550e xDrive gets an even more gutsy 489hp, which makes it ludicrously fast in a straight line. Where the 530e takes 6.3 seconds to hit 62mph and accelerates on to a top speed of 143mph, the 550e xDrive gets from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds and powers on to 155mph.

Both cars are based on the same underpinnings, which means they drive quite similarly, but there are some differences. Both vehicles have great balance, which means they behave predictably and they don’t roll too much in corners, while the steering is sharp and precise in that very BMW-ish way.

However, the 550e xDrive feels a bit heavier on the nose than the lighter 530e, so it doesn’t turn into corners quite as sharply or feel quite as nimble, even though it’s still brilliant in the bends. But the advantage of that is the all-wheel-drive system gives it better traction on slippery surfaces and improves stability further, which makes it feel a fraction more secure.

The 550e xDrive also feels more refined than the 530e, predominantly because the six-cylinder engine is so much smoother than the 530e’s four-cylinder unit. When you put your foot down, the 550e gurgles and growls enthusiastically, but subtly, while the 530e’s engine bellows tunelessly. And because the 550e is so much more powerful, you have to put your foot down less often.

That said, both cars are fairly quiet as long as you don’t push them too hard, and both ride with a kind of sporty comfort that will appeal to those who like driving. Neither car irons out the bumps altogether, but both work neatly to keep the ride supple and stable at all times. As a result, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class feels more cloud-like on a long journey, but the BMW manages to engage the driver without causing too much discomfort.

Charging

Both the 530e and the 550e xDrive models come with a 7.4kW on-board charging system, which allows them to take on charge at speeds of, you guessed it, 7.4kW. That’s faster than you get from a 13-amp, three-pin domestic plug socket, but way less than most public charging points will offer. However, if you have a home charging unit, known as a wallbox, you can fill the battery from empty in just three-and-a-quarter hours. That means you can easily fill the battery with electricity overnight, and you can even plug in for a few hours during the day to give you ample power for the evening.

Running Costs & Emissions

As always with plug-in hybrids, the trick to making them efficient is using them correctly. While many customers are drawn in by the promise of three-figure economy and low company car tax, the cars will only prove cheap to run if they suit your lifestyle. However, with such good electric-only range from both the 530e and the 550e xDrive, the opportunity to make the most of the tech is better than ever.

You see, if you can keep most of your journeys beneath the maximum battery range and you charge the car up regularly, you could find yourself using the petrol engine very rarely. And if you can do that often enough, you could attain something approaching the official three-figure economy quoted for both variants. In reality, though, and if you throw a few long-distance drives into the equation (after all, if you’re only doing short journeys, you’ll probably be quite happy with an electric 5 Series), you’ll still be looking at the kind of economy you’d get from a diesel equivalent.

Naturally, in that scenario, the 530e will likely be the cheaper of the two to run, because it has marginally more range and a more efficient petrol engine, but that doesn’t mean the 550e xDrive needs to cost the earth, particularly considering its hefty power output. It’ll still take you plenty of miles on a gallon of unleaded.

Interior & Technology

Perhaps the biggest difference between the old 5 Series and this new model is the cabin, where BMW has completely ripped up the rulebook. The minimalist cabin is almost devoid of buttons, with everything moved to the massive central touchscreen, which sits in the same Curved Display housing as the digital instrument cluster.

To accommodate all the newfound responsibilities of the touchscreen, BMW has applied its latest software, allowing the screen to provide access to the climate control system, as well as vehicle functions and media, as well as features such as satellite navigation and reversing cameras.

Normally, we’d be set against hiding so much in the screen, but the 5 Series has two redeeming features that lessen the blow. Chief among these is the iDrive rotary controller on the centre console, which allows those who’ve learned their way around the system to navigate more easily while driving, spending more time with their eyes on the road and less time gawping at the screen. The second is the toolbar arrangement and the personalisation functions, which mean commonly used features can be placed in easier-to-find locations, allowing better access. And the climate control is always accessible from any screen on the display at any time.

The system also gives you the option of adding the AirConsole gaming system, which allows you to play arcade-style video games with up to three other players inside the car. It’s really an entertainment option for the i5 models while they’re charging, but it’s available on the plug-in 5 Series variants, too.

All that is joined by the new crystalline ambient lighting strip that circles the cabin, providing clever animations and colour schemes depending on the situation. If someone calls you, for example, the light animation will change to reflect that, while there’s a red-and-blue colour scheme there for when the car is in M mode.

But in all the tech focus, BMW has let things slide very slightly in terms of quality. By and large, the materials in the 5 Series are very good indeed, and we’re impressed with the Veganza leather alternative that’s fitted as standard, but that light strip feels a little cheap and the air vent direction handles are very plasticky. They’re small details, and everything feels well bolted together, but they do make the 5 Series feel very slightly less solid than its predecessor. It’s still every bit a match for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though.

Practicality & Boot Space

Normally, plug-in hybrid versions of executive saloons have a bit (and sometimes a lot) less boot capacity than the petrol- or diesel-powered equivalents, but that’s not the case with the new 5 Series. Whether you choose petrol or hybrid power, there’s a 520-litre boot space that seems a little compact compared with other petrol-powered saloons, but seems very generous alongside other hybrids. To be honest, anything with more than 500 litres of boot space should be more than enough for most people’s needs. And if you do need more, you can always have the Touring version that’s on its way soon, complete with a bigger tailgate that allows easier access to the enlarged boot.

For those in the cabin, though, the Touring model probably won’t be necessary, because there’s ample room in there for adults. Those in the front get a great driving position, plenty of shoulder room and ample seat adjustment, while those in the rear get loads of legroom and a comfortable rear bench. Headroom is adequate, too, even for those who have been blessed in the height department.

Safety

As expected, the 5 Series cruised to a top-marks, five-star rating when it was crash-tested by the independent European safety body, Euro NCAP. A strong showing across the board means the BMW offers high levels of protection to occupants of all ages in the event of an accident, and it even has some measures to mitigate the effects of a collision with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

And, of course, BMW has kitted the 5 Series out with all manner of driver assistance systems, many of which are included across the range as standard. On the menu is tech to stop the car if the driver fails to respond to a hazard, and a blind-spot monitoring system to warn the driver when a vehicle is lurking in the hard-to-see spaces over their shoulders. There’s lane departure tech, too, helping to keep the vehicle in its lane, and a reversing camera is thrown in as standard.

However, some of the BMW’s tech is not so successful. Take the speed limit assistance tech, which is now a legal requirement thanks to short-sighted legislators and makes a kind of mooing sound if you break the speed limit. This is meant to be irritating, and it’s supposed to discourage speeding, but there’s a problem: the car doesn’t always have accurate speed limit information. This means you can drive well below the speed limit while the car complains bitterly that you’re speeding. Which means you turn the system off every time you drive, so you might as well not have it in the first place.

Options

When it comes to plug-in hybrid 5 Series models, the range is pretty straightforward. Once you’ve chosen between the 530e and the 550e xDrive versions, you just have to choose whether you want the basic M Sport model or the more lavishly equipped M Sport Pro.

As you can probably imagine from the names, the difference in equipment is relatively small, with the M Sport getting plenty of features as standard, including 19-inch alloy wheels, a vegan interior including Alcantara and BMW’s Veganza artificial leather upholstery, and a reversing camera. Two-zone climate control, wireless phone charging and LED headlights are all included, too, along with sports seats and loads of safety tech, much of which can be found in the Curved Display. But those that choose the M Sport Pro get an upgrade to 20-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers and black trim around the grille, as well as smoked headlights as part of a minor visual upgrade.

Once you’ve done that, there’s a choice of options packages offering equipment such as the Air Console on-board gaming system, a head-up display and a heated steering wheel, among other goodies. And there’s a selection of interior upholstery, accent trims and paint colours available, as well as optional wheel designs. For those that want to personalise their car, we can recommend the Cape York Green and Tanzanite Blue colour schemes, as well as the two-tone Star-Spoke alloy wheels that come as standard on M Sport Pro cars.

Rival Cars

The 5 Series is one of the big players in the executive saloon market, but that doesn’t mean it has the arena all to itself. Chief among its competitors are two of the most popular saloons on sale, in the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, both of which have a huge following and with good reason.

The E-Class, which was refreshed recently, is a particularly worthy rival to the BMW, offering a similar choice of powertrains and a very classy image, but it takes a slightly different approach. You see, where the 5 Series focuses on driver engagement and handling, the E-Class is all about comfort and luxury. That means fans of one car won’t necessarily love the other, but those who dislike one will probably find more to love about its rival, which means there’s plenty of room for both cars in the marketplace.

Then there’s the Audi (above), which is starting to feel a little long in the tooth but has amassed a great reputation on the back of its quality and tech. Beautifully made and quite cool in its design, it’s another wholly worthy contender that tries to balance the qualities of the BMW and Mercedes with reasonable effect.

Aside from the ‘big three’ there are some other fish in this particular pond, including the Lexus ES, which is solely available in hybrid form and doesn’t have anything like the focus on handling that the 5 Series does. However, it’s a likeable and well made car that feels very different from the German establishment.

The same can also be said of the Genesis G80, which is a newcomer to the market but a welcome one, thanks to its awesome cabin and pleasant road manners. But if you want road-holding from your saloon, you need the Jaguar XF. Spectacular to drive, but a little less well endowed than the BMW in terms of engines, it’s an enthusiast’s choice, but it is let down slightly by the cabin and tech.

Verdict & Next Steps

With sufficient electric range from their batteries and ample power from their combinations of petrol engine and electric motor, both hybrid versions of the 5 Series provide a really appealing halfway house between the petrol and electric 5 Series models. To that end, we expect plenty of customers to pick the ‘twin engine’ variants, but the question of which one to go for remains. With your sensible hat screwed on, the 530e is the obvious choice, thanks to its better economy and its lightness, but the 550e xDrive’s all-wheel-drive system appeals, as does its glorious six-cylinder engine. Were money no object, the 550e would be the better car, but only by the tiniest of margins, and that means it can’t quite justify the extra monthly outlay compared with the brilliant 530e.

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**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the BMW 5 Series PHEV.

**Correct as of 21/05/2024. Based on 9 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 48 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 9 monthly payments, or £5,336.91 (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.