The BMW 530e embodies many aspects of what we recognize in cars today. It’s both an electric vehicle and a combustion engine vehicle, featuring both an engine and an electric motor. Additionally, it includes a charging system. As a premium sedan, it also shows off a sporty demeanor when pushed to its limits.
It measures 5,060 by 1,900 by 1,515mm with a wheelbase of 2,995mm. The distinction between mid-size and large segments blurs with such dimensions. Although the 5 Series is considered a mid-size vehicle, its actual size is akin to a large car—making one wonder if the 7 Series should be regarded as extra-large. With each new model, BMW’s vehicles keep growing in size, which seems to be a reflection of inflation. The illuminated kidney grille shines even more beautifully in the dark.
As soon as I got into the driver’s seat, I was determined to head to Guryong Ryung. National Route 56, connecting Hongcheon and Yangyang, is one of the most fun roads to drive in the country. Winding along the backs of nine dragons, driving on this road is more entertaining than any game. Continuously approaching hairpin turns while manipulating the steering wheel and the accelerator brings forth smiles, awe, and even screams in succession. It’s truly an exhilarating road.
The electric motor produces 184 horsepower, while the 2.0 gasoline engine generates 190 horsepower. That should sum up to 374 horsepower (190+184), but the combined peak output is actually 299 horsepower due to an overlap between the motor and engine outputs.
The power is more than sufficient. As the view opens when approaching uphill curves, pressing the accelerator firmly allows the car to surge forward without missing a beat. It’s always in rhythm, making it a blast to drive. The car is equipped with rear-wheel drive and tires sized 245/40R20 in the front and 275/35R20 in the rear.
The manufacturer states that it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds—a performance close to that of a high-performance sports sedan. By pulling the left minus shift paddle for 1 second, the ‘boost mode’ will activate for 10 seconds.
The comfort of a premium sedan needs no emphasis. The spacious interior naturally exudes luxury, complemented by high-quality emotional touches found throughout. The crystal shift lever and jog shuttle sparkle like jewels, while the body-hugging leather seats provide comfortable support and enhance the feeling of connection with the car. Every detail in the interior is thoughtfully designed.
Plug-in hybrids represent the most complex form of automotive technology, combining electric vehicles and combustion engine vehicles into one.
Using an 18.7kWh high-voltage battery, it can travel 73 km in EV mode. This is ample range for daily electric vehicle use. When driving longer distances, gasoline can be utilized, alleviating charging stress, which is a definite plus.
However, charging diligently and using electric vehicle mode whenever possible is advisable. If you neglect charging and solely rely on the engine, the existence of that heavy battery and motor diminishes. It’s ideal to primarily use the motor while utilizing the engine as a supplemental power source. This is why one should consistently charge whenever possible.
During the drive from Guryong Ryung to Yangyang, the battery was completely depleted. Traveling from Yangyang to Seoul using the highway was done entirely with the engine. The fuel efficiency over the 175 km journey was 16.0 km/L, attributable to calm, economical driving.
The fuel tank has also been enlarged to 60 liters. Filling the gasoline tank and charging the battery fully, one could drive 751 km without refueling, and with diligent fuel management, even greater distances could be covered.
The driving assistance system supports lane changes. In scenarios where the lane is dashed, there is space in the immediate rear, and the driver is holding the steering wheel, signaling will naturally complete the lane change.
The base model of the BMW 530e is priced at 89,200,000 KRW, while the M Sport Package version is available for 92,200,000 KRW.
Direct from Oh Jong-hoon
There are no buttons to select EV mode or battery charging mode. The driver simply drives without a means to directly select between motor or engine. When the battery runs low, there’s no way to force the engine to charge. However, it is possible to maintain the battery at its current level, but one must go into the settings menu to do so. Shouldn’t there be a way for the driver to directly select EV driving, engine driving, or battery charging?
Oh Jong-hoon yes@autodiary.kr
