by Aiden Eksteen
Premium automakers have been introducing electric and hybrid versions of their nameplates to cater to the growing demand for "eco-friendly" cars and meet total-inventory emissions requirements. This explains the existence of the 2021 BMW 5 Series Hybrid, which forms part of the seventh-generation 5 Series moniker that debuted in 2016. BMW appointed the 5 Series Hybrid Sedan with a detuned version of the 5 Series' turbo inline-4 engine and hybridized it with an electric motor and battery pack for combined outputs of 288 horsepower. While this may seem advantageous for performance in more than one way, the 5 Series Hybrid isn't the driver's car a BMW fan would expect, and neither is it a competitive plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The only real benefit it offers is a 21-mile all-electric range, which makes daily commutes a little more frugal. The 2021 5 Series hybrid Sedan is a gorgeous-looking cruiser, nonetheless, and it's brimming with luxuries while remaining serenely comfortable on the road. In the US, it faces off against the upcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class Hybrid, Volvo S90 Hybrid, and the Lexus ES hybrid.
The 2021 BMW 5 Series Hybrid isn't completely redesigned for the new model year, but it receives some minor cosmetic and feature alterations and a significant powertrain enhancement. Aesthetically, the 530e now sports a more authoritative front kidney grille and redesigned LED headlights with L-shaped DRLs. BMW has also standardized its Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive7, which includes a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that replaces the prior 10.3-inch unit. Finally, the 5 Series Hybrid's powertrain has been enhanced with a 25% larger battery pack - a 9.1 kWh unit. A new XtraBoost function has also been installed, which activates when the throttle is completely engaged, boosting horsepower by 40 points for ten seconds.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530e Plug-In Hybrid |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$57,200 |
| 530e xDrive Plug-In Hybrid |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$59,500 |
The 530e Plug-In Hybrid is powered exclusively by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that's been hybridized by an electric motor with a 9.1 kWh battery unit. Total outputs come in at 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which are governed by an 8-speed automatic transmission and ceded to either a rear- or an all-wheel drivetrain. Power can be bumped up 40 points through activating the XtraBoost function via the throttle. While power proves to be ample enough for suitable everyday driving, the 5 Series PHEV is to no extent competitive or engaging. BMW claims that charging the 2021 5 Series Hybrid will take around seven hours on a standard 120-volt household outlet.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
Considering that BMW offers the 2021 5 Series Hybrid at almost the same price as the regular 5 Series Sedan, and that the PHEV is barely more fuel-efficient than the gas-only variant, it's difficult to really recommend as it seems somewhat redundant. In fact, purchasing the gas-only version would make a lot more sense as it is a far more enjoyable and more practical 4-door saloon that is also presented with an optional V8 motor. Several versions of the 530i return better fuel-efficiency figures than the PHEV's mere 25 mpg in combined driving cycles, though its 65 MPGe rating EV-only mode is an inherent benefit along with its 21-mile EV range. That figure drops to 19-miles with 530e xDrive, however. On top of that, trunk space in the 5 Series PHEV is compromised because of the battery pack situated beneath the rear seats. Yes, the 5 Series Hybrid is a serene and comfortable cruiser, but so is its gasoline counterpart, which also doesn't compromise on the performance and practicality side of things. In review, the 2021 BMW 5 Series Hybrid Sedan can't be recommended. The regular 5 Series Sedan, on the other hand, is highly endorsed.
The 2021 BMW 5 Series Hybrid sedan carries a price of $57,200, which is only $3k more than the gasoline-only powered version. This makes the PHEV variant a difficult one to consider in general, as the regular version proves to be so much more of a driver's car. Nevertheless, if you're willing to compromise on performance for slightly improved efficiency and a couple miles of all-electric, emissions-free driving, then we'd suggest going for the entry-spec 530e. It offers plenty of value at its price but we'd still review the options list and add in the Premium Package for the heated front seats, head-up display, power tailgate, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless device charging. The Driver Assistance Plus Package is also recommended for the advanced driver-assists it comprises.
The most popular competitors of 2021 BMW 5 Series Hybrid:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo