BMW 530e plug-in hybrid gets more range, better economy and xDrive version

The BMW 530e plug-in hybrid gets an update with more EV range, improved economy and emissions and an xDrive four-wheel drive option too.

For many considering a move to some sort of electrification in their cars, a plug-in hybrid is a much more palatable option than a proper electric car, mainly because there’s no range anxiety and a plug-in hybrid is a chunk cheaper than a proper BEV.

The recent scrapping of the plug-in grant in the UK has put a bit of a spoke in the wheel of plug-in car sales, but there are some very good premium hybrids floating around at reasonably sensible prices which allow you to be an EV driver if your commute is modest.

One of those is the BMW 530e, and it’s just got better for 2019.

BMW has now fitted the 530e with a more dense battery pack as technology continues to improve performance, which means an increase in capacity to 12kWh (it was 9.2kWh) in a pack the same size, delivering increased range and improved economy and emissions. 

You need to take plug-in hybrid official economy figures with a big lump of Maldon’s finest, but the official numbers now say the regular 530e does 176.5mpg, up from 156.9mpg, and the xDrive version 141.2mpg, with the RWD model hitting 62mph in  and the xDrive in 6.2 seconds and the RWD a tenth faster. 

If you get round to charging the 530e’s battery you can do it in six hours with a standard three-pin plug, or in 3.35 hours if you have a BMW i Wallbox.

No prices yet for the improved 530e.