Following the BMW 225xe, 330e, X5 xDrive40e, 740/740Le and the X1 xDrive 25Le models (limited to the Chinese market), all of which fall into the iPerformance category, BMW now covers almost every segment of its offerings, thanks to the new BMW 530e iPerformance.

Classic business sedan

The new arrival is a typical classic business sedan that distinguishes itself from other 5 Series representatives largely by featuring a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, with a system output of 252 hp and a 420 Nm torque, which derives from a 184 hp turbocharged 2.0 l four-cylinder gas engine, with a torque of 320 Nm, combined with a 113 hp and a 250 Nm electric motor.

The engine power is transferred to the rear wheels via an automatic eight-speed Steptronic transmission installed behind the electric motor, which allows the driver to get the best out of the transmission, even in electric mode. Acting on its behalf, the electric motor eliminated the need for a torque converter, which came in handy when adding on some extra weight.

Wireless battery charging

Starting next year, the BMW 530e iPerformance will be available with a wireless inductive charging system, consisting of a transmitter coil on the ground, which will draw power from an ordinary domestic schuko socket, and a receiver coil in the lower part of the car. Upon vertical alignment of both coils, a magnetic field will form, enabling a transmission of electric energy at a 3.2 kW rate. Subsequently, the car will take about three and a half hours to replenish its battery.

Very user- friendly, the system will guide the driver via a central screen to pull over the charging board, and automatically induce charging immediately thereafter. As mentioned in the introduction, wireless charging will not only be simpler than cable charging, but also more efficient in terms of power loss.