BMW 550e xDrive PHEV Coming To USA In 2024 With Hefty Price Tag

Sep. 20, 2023 4:36 PM ET by Jarryd Neves Pricing / 9 Comments

The automaker has confirmed local pricing for the 550e derivative.

BMW has confirmed pricing for the US-bound 5 Series PHEV. The new BMW 5 Series was revealed earlier this year, with the eighth-generation model ushering in new technology and an all-electric model called the i5. A series of plug-in hybrid derivatives, such as the 550e xDrive, will join the combustion-engined models and EVs, and now we know that this will make its way to America in spring 2024 with a price tag of $73,800.

BMW USA has not published the all-electric range figures for the 550e, but according to European estimates, the electrified executive sedan can travel 49-56 miles on electric power. A 3.0-liter inline-six engine and an electric motor provide combined outputs of 483 horsepower - nearly as much as the E60-generation M5 produces.

The electric motor is integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 19.4kWh battery pack is housed within the underbody.

Relocating the battery has brought with it several improvements. The center of gravity is lower than before, which results in sharper handling. More importantly for a practical sedan, the trunk space hasn't been compromised, with a sizeable 18.4 ft³ of available packing space.

The 5 Series lineup in America currently comprises the 530i and 530i xDrive Sedans. These entry-level models use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 255 hp. Pricing starts at $57,900, with the all-wheel drive variant commanding a $2,300 premium.

Those seeking an all-electric alternative should look at the i5. An entry-level eDrive40 is available for $66,800, while the range-topping M60 can be yours for $84,100. The latter produces a substantial 593 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph takes just 3.7 seconds.

Pictured above is the 530e plug-in hybrid, which produces 295 horsepower courtesy of its electrified four-cylinder engine. It may not be as powerful as the 550e, but this model boasts an even more impressive all-electric range, pegged at 54-63 miles. Remember, these figures have probably been calculated on the WLTP cycle, so expect lower EPA estimates when the 550e arrives next year.

It seems the 530e won't be offered in America, and that's a shame, as the lineup would cater to a broader range of customers. Interestingly, the 540i xDrive will be introduced later this year, adding a pure ICE-powered inline-six model to the lineup. It will be marginally more expensive than the 530i xDrive, at $64,900. We don't expect additional variants to be added anytime soon, save for the next-generation BMW M5.

If you're curious about the rest of the 2024 BMW lineup, you can check out the model year updates here.