2021 BMW 530e Plug In Hybrid: A legitimate 6-cylinder substitute
After driving every other flavor of BMW 5 Series, MotoMan drives the new 2021 BMW 530e Plug In Hybrid and learns in this combination TECH REVIEW, FIRST DRIVE REVIEW and a round of our famous #OptionsGame that while not as silky smooth as a traditional BMW inline 6 cylinder the 288 HP BMW 530e just may be a 6 cylinder substitute.
#BMW #BMW5Series #BMW530e
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You should be generating far more views than you receive. This is the quality of a 500k view per video production yet nobody is watching. Can’t imagine it’s financially viable.
In my opinion, the purpose of getting a PHEV is to use less gas. Most of my driving is under 20 miles. The last time I bought gas was almost 3 months ago. I am averaging 90mpg. Car is perfect.
Then buy a Prius.
@@cop2506 that is what my wife drives.
@@cop2506 . Prius is Prius, BMW is BMW
How do you drive it? Exclusively electric or combined? What is the range with a full tank of gas if you drive it in hybrid mode?
@@tofandao I don't drive very much so most of the time it is in electric. If you just leave it in hybrid mode, it will stay in electric unless you are going over 70 mph. Then it goes over to gas. I don't have a lot of miles on the car (under 3K) and my average since I bought the car in December is 90 mpg. So depends on your driving situation. When it is using gas, I get in the 30s (on the highway). But I'm almost never in gas mode. So if you drive 100 miles each day, you would still not use gas for the first 20-25 miles. And then get decent mileage after that. Car is very quiet and I can't hear (or feel) any difference when I am running on electricity or running on gas.
Great Review! Very interesting details! - I also loved Kumo's short appearance in the clip. Similar to Alfred Hitchcock in his own movies. - I like how he is pulling the strings in the background. Just classy!
It's a shame automotive journalists and youtubers are completely ignoring the new Plug-In Hybrids like this one. They are actually really good, and they are the future of the internal combustion engine cars.
Im looking for one but idk about reliablity + fun driving ?
the problem nowadays is that with that price tag, you could get several top of the line electric vehicles which have less mechanical parts to go wrong. Namely a model 3 dual motor, or if for some reason you hate Tesla, then a Kia EV6 "GT", or even a Mustang Mach-e GT at that price. All are faster to 60, and feels just as luxurious, and have great tech. The Germans have been lagging a bit in this department, in comparison to China/Korea and some US companies, but Audi/Porsche have great EV products though. I do like the 530 series BMW though I'm not convinced on the plug-in, I think the 6 cylinder fits the character better and is sportier. A 530 type "i4?" all electric on the other hand with all the batteries on the bottom, lowering the centre of mass, might be something I could be interested in.
Thank you for your wonderful review. Very helpful.
Recently purchased the 3 series version of this car. Was in the market for a used 2019 340i, and that ended up falling through because a vendor crashed into it when they were prepping it for us. They presented us with a 2021 330e with the M Sport Shadowline package as an alternative with $7,000 off MSRP (before state and federal tax credits) as a sorry. Best apology ever. And now we get to drive single in the HOV lane as an added bonus.
I have a 2019 model (with a smaller battery) and have a short communte. This does the job, although sometimes I have to top off at work. However, as long as gas is over 4.00/gal, this makes sense. I can get 900 mi per tank of gas.
It’s ideal for my commute, like you say the petrol engine sound is the only let down apart from that it does have good performance and ride quality
I like this car! It's got a smaller tank without sacrificing power since it still has a turbo when it does use gas, passes smog more since part of it is electricity, and it's luxury like the old '94 Mercdes C-Class I once drove years back. That smaller gas tank, too, also means less money spent at the pump which is especially imperative in a day and age like this now that gas prices are much higher than they used to be.
Looking at ordering a 2023 Xdrive and 18 miles of range is just a bit short for taking a family member somewhere coming home going back to get them and coming home again. But with an hour to an hour and a half in between I might be able to add enough charge at home to get it done in fully electric mode. I would be really happy if the thing could do say 30 miles of range. And I have a pretty light foot so it’ll be interesting to see how much I can actually get out of it.
I love mine and a big improvement from my 2018 plus having the m sports package is nice
In what ways is it a big improvement?
It is not a typical torque converter automatic, instead of the torque converter is uses the magnetic field of the electric engine to couple/decouple the petrol engine.
I love the 530e and actually thinking of getting one. I’d like to see them either add a bigger battery to be able to go farther on a charge, maybe 60miles or add a bigger fuel tank to hold more like 24 gals.
Im looking for one but idk about reliablity + fun driving ?
Amazing car! Have one and have driven 2/3 on electric motor in total since 2021, mostly in city as I live there.
Looking at a used 530 it seems like a very good car. I am exiting a Honda Clarity and I am extremely happy with it. I get about 70 miles on electric and it has proven to be enough. The only time I put gas in is when I go for a road trip and then It takes about $20 bucks to fill. I am only worried about the complexity of the BMW.
would 530e be a good choice for someone who has a 55 mile daily commute? I am having hard time understanding how it would help with mileage for longer commutes. Most of of my commute is on a highway where i go anywhere from 70 to 85 mph. would appreciate any feedback. thanks.
Excellent work, MotoMan! I always loved the 5 Series. What is your opinion on the re-design?
Thank you, Ahmad . . . Covered the redesign in this episode: kzhead.info/sun/mbiiipuJbpR_fIk/bejne.html
This car is really good. I had a lot of contradictory desires -- sporty, nice car for cruising around with family, fuel efficient, nice creature comforts -- and it seems like one of the best options at at least partially satisfying all of them. If you wanted to focus on just one of those dimensions you could do better, but it's hard to find a car that does as well on all of them.
Well this is coincidental I just saw my first 21 5:30 yesterday it was the bronzed dark Gray with black rims and red painted calipers thing looks really mean and very sleek
great review. love the details. i would like to have a plug in but i live in downtown Toronto (i own my own house) but i Dont have private parking. i am forced to street parking anywhere near my house for which i pay for parking permit about $500 per year. so i cant charge at home. sadly i cant own a plug in car.
These used for $28-36K sound great for city driving
Had a 2018. Transmission was funky ... especially when it was very cold out
In hybrid?
Yes
@@shawnjordan5712 New technology, it needs more time probably.
drove it, liked it, but liked the 6cylinder xdrive diesel better, the sound, the smoothness and power, so went for that.
I get it but I don't really care for it. Is the optional engine from the X5 series not good enough? Seems to me the 6 cylinder w/electrical system from the X5 45e would be a very nice option in the 5 series. Yeah...I get it...Yet the weight and size just begs for the motor from that X5 version.
I'm for a small battery, you don't need to be carrying a lot of weight around especially for a hybrid.
I'm curious to see what kind of applications manufacturers will come up with using the next generation FZ transmissions with the integrated electric motor, especially when paired with big high performance engines *cough*V8s*cough*.
Great review. Currently own an AWD 2020 configured similar to what you reviewed. My commute is inside the range of the battery, though my main reason for the purchase was I bike to work and all my previous BMW's sat for weeks on even months on a maintenance charger. Felt like this type of hybrid would tolerate this better with the sealed tank. Speaking of the tank, I think the 12 gallon tank is the real Achilles heel as apposed to the limited battery. Loved my E60 with the 500 mile range. Couple quibbles with the review: 1) The sport brakes on the 530/530e have revised calipers, different pads and thicker disks, not larger diameter disks. I believe there is a larger brake kit that can be purchased from BMW for the 540 2) Not sure why the variable dampers are not available in 2021. I don't think they are available on any 530 (e or ICE). There were some weird option changes in 2021 like you can't get the soft close doors. Web conjecture has been Covid related supply issues or price point. My 2020 has variable dampers. Haven't heard of any technical issues with them. Best review I read, and I read them all before ordering and while waiting on my car - was going to pick it up at Spartanburg, but got caught in the Covid shutdown - it was all of 6 months until I got my hands on it. Love the electric motor, wish that 40hp boost was a software change that could be back fit.
Yes man
Great review! Been watching a lot of reviews on this car and they all end with the same question… Is it worth the $$$ considering the limited electric range when other cars in the same price range offer way more? The answer is always left open as to not offend the BNW gods, but I feel like the answer is no. If you think it’s worth it and want to dip your toe into the world of electric cars, go for it. But I think I’d stick with the 6 cylinder and just have a fucking blast. 🔥🔥🔥
How could adding the complexity of a 48 volt system to any of their cars add reliability thought?
Sucks that they took the optional dampers away from the 530e -- you use to be able to get the electric dampers until the LCI refresh.
I think the pre-LCI has more BMW character, but the LCI is starting to grow on me. Especially the new tech.
Yeah I’m about to order one and wish I could get them so that I could have stiffer suspension when I drive by myself and soccer suspension when I’m driving with my wife. Oh well.
Im from austria EU spec models you can order adapive suspension and rear axle steering, mine has it
The electric seems like a oversight. Which could be a selling point. 100 miles as 60 mph. Would be my thought. Pretty blue car though.
From Dunder Mifflin paper company to car reviewer..michael scott does it all
In Europe with our strange tax scheme a company pay for that car 50k instead of 76k (thats the real reason why this configuration exists)
Just makes me wonder why they didn't pair the inline turbo 6 with the electric motor. Which might hypothetically give you similar performance numbers to the twin turbo V8 but with good gas mileage.
545e but not avalibel in US
Well my 530e xdrive has adapive suspension and rear axle steering msrp is 99997 Euro. Maybe Us spec is different about 1850kg.
Great car drives great. Braking a little long. Like to try new 2024 550e with a 6 cylinder engine. Too bad the 2023 didn’t come with a 6 cylinder. It looks better.
Wish list... 1. Ventilated seats! 2. 0-60 under 5 3. Rear sunshades Do to the setup of this car it will depreciate like a rock at 29k in 3 years with 30k miles on it I'd consider
The Cadillac CT6 plug-in 2.0E goes 5.4 has slightly larger interior, more lux features, handles well with battery behind back seat for near 40/60 weight split, gets 40 miles on battery and 35-40 mpg in hybrid mode, and makes 432 lb-ft of torque, and coming off leases at about $30K.
@@normt430 there you go!
@@normt430 they don’t exist. Where the hell are you supposed to find one?
@@phillipvelednitskiy6881 yeah, only 500 sold in the states but they are just coming off lease now. There may be a few brand new ones Washington state.
You can get them with ventilated seats, rear sunshades and 0-60 5.2 seconds per car and driver. 530e 2022.
Get the M2 competition for fun and the 320d for practicality
3and2 is5
Get a lexus for practicality😂
@@chonk1071 The video was in terms of bmw. But yes I own a Lexus for that reason
Seriously George, how could you know? I am ordering my new company car right now - and I am configuring a 530e - still in doubt what to take - have to order next week or so. So I am playing our favourite game :) Although I assume that the packages are not the same over here. Excellent review, I know it's a bit heavier but we get a lot of discount on taxes from our Government for it. My wish-list is easy - what is my perfect combination what to take on the Extras list vs. budget. Would like to also have more EV range but less weight...but that's not on the order menu just on the wish-list.
A friend of mine has the 530e and is very disappointed due to the low MPG. He averages about 17-20 MPG. You achieve more miles per gallon on a 540i and the car is more powerful with a better acceleration. I am definitely getting a 540i instead, which is simply reliable and not complex as the 530e set up.
Get a used 2017-2018 CT6 2.0E on CPO. Much more luxurious, more options, and 40 miles on battery and then 35-40 mpg in hybrid mode.
Have to admit, this one was about the perfect spec . . . and yes, including the extra cost seats. The only thing I would ask for would be adjustable dampers but sadly not on offer. Considering where you are, the heated steering wheel, heated seats (all four) and a sunroof . . . Having been a resident of your schönes friestadt, Bayern is lovely in the summer . . .
@@MotoManTV -- Actually, I think the adjustable dampers are available on the 530e in other countries. For some reason, with the LCI, BMW limited a lot of options with the 530i and 530e -- but apparently only in the united states.
@@MotoManTV BMW has a special sales strategy here - you order extra packages which includes also stuff you don't really need (like Laser light), no adjustable dampers, but sunroof yes I can do individually. I might go for your shown configuration as much as possible. I have to change the colour though, it's the exact one I am driving the last 4 years :)
I recently went from a V8 down to a V6 and I hate the way this thing sounds. I can`t even imagine what a 4 banger would do to my ears.
Can bring myself to get a 4 pot 5 series. It’s just wrong 😢
I get 5.9liters per 100km or 40mpg
Did that car not have the new Apple Car key ?
Intrestingly the US won’t get the 545e
it would be nice, but I don't think there's enough interest to support 2 5 series PHEVs. If you want a PHEV inline 6, there's the X5 45e.
Agree with Motoman that electric range of this model needs to be higher, but higher electric range = bigger battery = more weight & less practicality!
Unless the battery technology changes,, it’s going to be hard for them to get a higher capacity battery in there without changing the characteristics of a car quite a bit. It’s a trade-off of course.
good day everyone, I want to express my only correct opinion, this car can surprise only those people who drove cars before 2005, let's say E60, skipped the F10 series and bought a G30 body, they will be very surprised, But for everyone else who drove more or less fresh ones the cars are three years old, nothing new, you won’t see all the modern cars of the same class, both Audi and Mercedes are approximately the same in dynamics and in multimedia and in everything, it’s just a matter of taste whether you like it or not, but any modern Chinese car will tear any European car to shreds and an American car in all respects and this is a fact; conclusion, if you like it visually, you can take it if you don’t like it; we take what everyone likes; road safety
The true "why the hell' question is - WHY the 6 cylinder in the 5 series hasn't been updated to match HP of 6 cylinder in 3 series??
It in the X5 45e...Why not the 5 series?
@@edysinsimon8646 Was wondering this the other day. My only guess is that it’s a packaging issue.
This is a pretty good car but I agree there's too strong a whiff of this being conceived and engineered to appeal to more to BMW's legal and regulatory needs than those of potential customers.But we'll get there.
Yes, I'm not particularly fond of BMW's products, but this car needs more range for the price point if I were to consider it over the comparable Audi or MB product.
the "comparable Audi or MB product" have a similar EV range.
MB and Audi have more or less the same range.
2 and 3 Series are in my view too small.
Funny that the current 3 series is about as big as the 5 from way back when.
Please give us 545e
Coming in 2024
Shame on bmw for the poor charging power of 3.6kwh on the 330e, possibly to be the same on 530e, which is to completely charge in about 4h, the i3 have 11kwh power charging and the i3 arrived BEFORE, it was at least acceptable to have 7kwh power charging on the 330e
you should note compare an EV with a PHEV, duh!
It's a European company with a local requirement, sorry your country is so big, feel free to build your own.