BMW 5 Series PHEV debuts on official terms

The BMW 5 family welcomes its new member, the 545e xDrive, which can be charged from a 400V station and combines a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine worth 286 hp (213 kW) with a 109hp (81kW) electric motor. An eight-speed auto transmission sends up to 394 hp (294 kW) to all four wheels.

The car needs 4.7 seconds to get from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) and maxes out at 250 km/h (155 mph). Mixed-cycle fuel use doesn’t exceed 2.1 to 2.4 liters per 100 kilometers covered (UK: 118 – 134 MPG; USA: 98 – 112 MPG). All-electric range lies between 54 and 57 km (33.6 – 35.4 miles).

Selectable drive modes include Hybrid, Hybrid Eco Pro, Sport, and Electric. The first one makes the 5 Series go electric at lower speeds and only engages the gasoline engine when higher speed or rapid acceleration is required. The second one strives to save as much fuel as possible, while the third one does the opposite, prioritizing performance over gas. The fourth and last mode is all-electric and clamped at 140 km/h (87 mph) max speed.

The car comes with a navigation system that displays the nearest charging stations and automatically switches the powertrain to Electric when approaching special emission-free zones. When driving under 30 km/h (18.6 mph), a sound notification alerts passers-by about the otherwise silent car.

The launch timeframe and pricing remain unset for the BMW 545e xDrive. The new 530e Touring hybrid will be joining the lineup in November powered by the same system as the 530e Sedan. This means a 2.0-liter, turbo-four gasoline engine assisted by an electric motor for 292 hp (218 kW).