Just a few weeks after the new BMW 5 Series was launched in Ireland, a plug-in hybrid variant is set to arrive along with the possibility of electric driving with zero local emissions. With fuel consumption of 1.9 l/100 km that equates to CO2 emissions of just 44 g/km*, the BMW 530e iPerformance will be priced in Ireland from €55,900† on the road (OTR).

The BMW 530e iPerformance is the most innovative model in its class and offers a wealth of driver assistance systems. As for its power source, trailblazing BMW eDrive technology teams up with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine to create an exceptionally economical and powerful plug-in hybrid drive system that fits perfectly with the dynamic, smooth and efficient character profile of the new BMW 5 Series. The BMW 530e iPerformance is the sixth member of a growing portfolio of iPerformance models that have proved a hit with customers. Its exemplary environmental credentials have been recognised in the form of ISO certification.

Power delivery on a par with a high-displacement combustion engine.

The BMW eDrive system’s state-of-the-art electric motor and combustion engine propels the BMW 5c30e iPerformance from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and enable it to reach a top speed of 235 km/h. The BMW 530e iPerformance has a range of up to 650kms in real-world driving and is capable of covering distances of up to 50kms purely on electric power at a maximum speed of 140 km/h. The electric motor and combustion engine direct their power to the saloon’s rear wheels via the standard eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Positioning the electric motor upstream from the transmission allows the transmission’s ratios to be used in all-electric mode too. This dispenses with the need for a torque converter, something that goes a long way towards offsetting the weight penalty of the additional drive unit.

Unique charging innovations for the high-voltage battery: the BMW Digital Charging Service and BMW Wireless Charging.

The high-voltage battery pack consisting of lithium-ion cells with a total capacity of 9.2 kWh has been placed in a space-saving location underneath the rear seat and includes efficient refrigerant cooling with a highly integrated low-temperature circuit. Thanks to the battery’s clever installation, the BMW 530e iPerformance offers 410 litres of boot capacity and a flat load compartment floor. The high-voltage battery of the BMW 530e iPerformance can be fully charged in under five hours from a standard domestic power socket and in under three hours if it is hooked up to a BMW i Wallbox (3.7 kW charging capacity).

With its BMW Digital Charging Service, BMW is the world’s first car maker to offer a service providing cost-efficient charging. On each occasion, the charging process is managed so that the vehicle always has access to full battery capacity at the required departure time – and, if desired, allows the cabin temperature to be pre-conditioned.The BMW Digital Charging Service is based on two core functions: optimising battery charging in terms of both tariffs and the use of solar power. In addition, BMW Wireless Charging for the high-voltage battery will be made available as an option for the BMW 530e iPerformance from 2018.

Discreet visual differentiation inside and out.

In line with other iPerformance models, there are a number of tell-tale visual signs of the cutting-edge drive technology under the bonnet of the new BMW 530e iPerformance. Blue kidney grille slats, blue wheel hub covers, the charging socket located between the front wheel arch and the A-pillar on the driver’s side, the “eDrive” emblems on the C‑pillars and, of course, the “530e” badge on the boot lid are the most noticeable. When passengers open the doors, they are welcomed by illuminated sill panels bearing “eDrive” lettering and an interior that mirrors the sporty elegance of the exterior design, just as it does on all variants of the business saloon. The BMW 530e iPerformance additionally comes with an eDrive button on the centre console, along with specially designed displays for both the instrument cluster in front of the driver and the central information screen.

BMW eDrive adapts and anticipates.

As well as the Driving Experience Control switch, with its SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO settings, drivers will also find an eDrive button at their disposal, which lets them tailor the BMW eDrive system’s operation even more precisely to the journey ahead through three driving modes:

1. AUTO eDRIVE ensures that the engine and electric motor interact to optimum effect in all driving situations and allows an all-electric top speed of 90 km/h. This mode is automatically activated as the default setting every time the vehicle is started.
2. When MAX eDRIVE mode is selected, the BMW 530e iPerformance drives on electric power alone. However, if the accelerator is pressed through to kickdown the engine will cut in.
3. BATTERY CONTROL mode lets the driver set the charge level for the high-voltage battery manually. BATTERY CONTROL mode makes it possible to conserve or even increase the reserves of electric power while travelling on the motorway, for example, in order to ensure that an upcoming section through an urban area can be covered with zero local emissions.

Latest-generation iDrive for even more intuitive operation.

As in all the other models in the new BMW 5 Series line-up, the navigation, phone, entertainment and vehicle functions grouped within the optional high-resolution 10.25-inch display can be controlled not only using the iDrive Controller, but also by simply touching the buttons on the display or with the help of the Intelligent Voice Assistant. BMW gesture control, which reacts to simple movements of the hand or fingers, offers users another option when it comes to operating these functions.

All driver assistance systems and equipment features are available.

These systems comprise the evasion aid, crossing traffic warning, the Lane Change Assistant and active Lane Change Warning, which intervenes in the vehicle’s steering to avert an impending collision. The optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assistant now come with speed limits relayed by Speed Limit Assist to the Active Cruise Control system, with the driver also having the option of setting a margin of variation of +/– 15 km/h. It brings the BMW 530e iPerformance a step closer to automated driving, as does the Steering and lane control assistant; with this system, the vehicle helps the driver maintain a safe distance, accelerate, brake and stay in lane when travelling at speeds up to 210 km/h.

BMW Connected Onboard: the personalised start screen.

BMW’s all-encompassing digital concept BMW Connected seamlessly integrates the vehicle into the user’s digital life via multiple touchpoints, such as an iPhone, Apple Watch, Android smartphone or smartwatch. Using a flexible platform called the Open Mobility Cloud BMW Connected Onboard, allows personalised information such as the next navigation destination, estimated arrival time and current weather conditions at the destination to be shown on the car’s display. BMW Connected is additionally able to transfer the user’s personal mobility agenda from their smartphone straight to their car.

Email access with Microsoft Exchange.

BMW is now the first carmaker to offer Microsoft Office 365 users a secure server connection for exchanging and editing emails, calendar entries and contact details thanks to the car’s built-in Microsoft Exchange function. This seamless integration enables users to stay productive while on the road. Addresses from appointments can be imported straight into the navigation system and telephone numbers can be dialled directly from a linked phone.

Sixth model to carry the iPerformance tag.

In the same way that M Performance is a nod to the link between the BMW core brand and BMW M, BMW highlights the transfer of know-how from BMW i to the core brand’s cars by adding the iPerformance tag to the designations of all plug-in hybrid BMWs. The list of ground-breaking models in whose tyre tracks the BMW 530e iPerformance will follow includes the BMW 225xe iPerformance, BMW 330e iPerformance, BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance and BMW 740e/740Le iPerformance.

-ENDS-

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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For further information please contact:

Laura Condron | Corporate Communications & Events Manager | 086 047 2953 | Laura.Condron@BMW.ie