New BMW 530e Sport Plug-in Hybrid Launched In Malaysia
BMW Group Malaysia has launched the new BMW 530e Sport plug-in hybrid in Malaysia. This follows the launch in 2017 of the petrol-powered 530i M Sport. The launch of the hybrid version represents the brand’s first-ever 5 Series introduced in Malaysia with its eDrive Technology. This is also the 5th BMW iPerformance model introduced in Malaysia as the German premium carmaker continues to reinforce its expertise in hybrid and electrification technology.
The petrol-only 530i will continue to be available in the sportier M Sport trim, as the range-topping 5 Series (RM388,800; on the road without insurance), as the 530e with the Sport Line trim sits at RM343,800.
Thus, this new hybrid (or plug-in electric vehicle; PHEV) will make do without some items found in the 530i, such as adaptive LED headlights, BMW Display Key, BMW Gesture Control, Harmon/Kardon sound system, sunroof, head-up display, and adaptive cruise control (the latter is only available in the fully imported 530i and not the locally assembled version). Nonetheless, the 530e still gets LED headlights, Comfort Access (keyless entry and start), contactless boot operation, and a 12-speaker sound system.
Other kit includes 19″ alloy wheels, Dakota leather upholstery, powered sports seats with memory (driver’s side), BMW ConnectedDrive, BMW Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, 10.25″ touchscreen iDrive system, 12.3″ digital instrument cluster, 4-zone climate control, powered rear sunblind, and interior ambient lighting.
The 530e Sport is powered by a 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0L engine with 184 hp and 320 Nm of torque. However, when paired with the eDrive electric motor, the 530e has the same amount of horsepower as the 2.0L turbo 530i (252 hp), but with significantly more torque i.e. 420 Nm vs 350 Nm. This allows the 530e to match its petrol-driven brother in the 0 – 100 km/h sprint (6.2 seconds), although the former has a lower top speed of 235 km/h (vs 250 km/h of the 530i).
The electric motor is powered by a 9.2 kWh high performance lithium-ion battery which offers the 530e an all-electric driving range of up to 48 km (more than the 35 km range of the BMW 330e). The car is also capable of reaching a maximum speed of 140 km/h in the MAX eDrive battery-only mode. The battery can be fully charged from a domestic power outlet (like the one in your home) in 5 hours. For faster charging, there is the optional BMW i Wallbox which reduces charging time to 3 hours.
By registering for a ChargeNow card online, you get the BMW i AC fast charging cable which is compatible with public charging ports and charges at 3 times the speed of standard cables.
Currently, the purchase of all new BMW iPerformance models (330e M Sport, 530e Sport, X5 xDrive 40e, 740Le) includes unlimited complimentary access for a year to all ChargeNow mobility services via the ChargEV platform (and including the complimentary i AC fast charging cable); X5 xDrive 40e and 740Le will also get a complimentary BMW i Wallbox Plus with RFID detection (can be managed and controlled remotely via the BMW iV app). These offers end 31 March 2018.
Speaking of apps, the 530e can be monitored and controlled via the BMW Connected app. Owners can, via smartphone, control the auxiliary air conditioning function of the car, as well as monitor charge levels of the battery, locations of charging stations, distance covered on electric power, and amount of petrol saved.
Other features of the 530e include Lane Change Warning, Blind Spot Monitor, Park Assist (a level 2 autonomous feature for hands-free parallel and reverse perpendicular parking) and Adaptive Mode. The latter drive mode works with the Dynamic Damper Control and Navigation System Professional to adapt the steering and dampers to the current driving style and the route ahead.
The BMW 530e Sport is available in 4 colours i.e. Bluestone Metallic, Mediterranean Blue, Alpine White, and Black Sapphire. The Dakota leather upholstery is available in Dakota Black and Dakota Cognac. The car is covered by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service programme and BMW tyre warranty.
