The BMW 5 Series range opens with the electrified 520i, which runs the latest version of BMW’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot mild-hybrid petrol engine, paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
Power stands at 205bhp and 228lb ft of torque, it completes 0-62mph in 7.5sec – matching the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, it’s biggest rival – and it has a top speed of 143mph.
It might not appear to be a lot of power on paper but on the road, Munich’s B48 engine is generally nicely refined, offering adequate acceleration and competent pace on the motorway.
Put your foot down, though, and it starts to sound and feel slightly strained, not helped by the saloon weighing a hefty 1800kg. The gearbox can also feel slow to react under harder acceleration.
The rear-wheel-drive 530e, which produces 299bhp and 331lb ft, while the more powerful four-wheel-drive 550e xDrive packs 489bhp and 516lb ft, and completes 0-62mph in 4.3sec.
Although two diesel models will be offered, both using a 193bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, these won’t be available to UK buyers.
Many hybrids are claimed to offer a best-of-both-worlds approach, yet most fall short and end up as cars that have their performance blunted by carrying around all the extra weight of an electric drive system yet don’t convince in EV mode.
The 550e is a rare exception, being a PHEV that adds electric energy to petrol power to enhance performance, and also offers a meaningful and useful EV range.
It’s quick – seriously quick. Its performance recalls one of the old V8-engined BMWs without an M badge – the 550i, for instance – being explosive without ever crossing into raucousness.
The straight-six engine sounds fantastic, and it’s the kind of noise you can feel through your backside and your right foot, stirring more of your senses in this world of increasingly silent performance.
