BMW Reveals The New 530e iPerformance

The 5 Series is getting electrified, with the 530e iPerformance coming next year. This is the fourth member of the BMW iPerformance family, showing that BMW is still serious about pushing alternative fuels.

This car logs a few firsts, like the first iPerformance model that can come with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

When it comes to performance, don’t expect the 530e iPerformance to be some sort of a beast. Total hybrid system output comes in at about 248 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, but those numbers could change before the production version hits dealers.

Because the electric motor is mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission, in all-electric operation the car can still use the transmission ratios, so it feels a little more normal. Using just the electric motor, the sedan is able to go up to 87 mph.

The battery is positioned under the rear seats, so that means no intrusion into the trunk or rear legroom. Using a 120-volt outlet, you can recharge the battery in less than 7 hours. If you have a BMW Charging Station, it’s supposed to take less than 3 hours.

You get plenty of electronic nannies with the 530e iPerformance, like active cruise control and lane departure warning. Will all this, combined with the alluring BMW badge, tempt people to pop out what will no doubt be a healthy pile of cash for this hybrid sedan?