BMW has revealed details of the plug-in hybrid version of its new 5 Series saloon, the 530e iPerformance, which goes on sale in March 2017.
It’s the most efficient BMW 5 Series ever made, with CO2 emissions of 46g/km and an average fuel consumption of 141.2mpg.
Total driving range is almost 400 miles and the 530e can travel 29 miles on pure electricity, at speeds up to 87mph.
Featuring technology derived directly from the BMW i brand, the model uses BMW eDrive system’s 94bhp electric motor with a 181bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Combined power is 248bhp and the 530e can sprint from zero to 62mph in 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 146mph.
The Lithium-Ion high voltage battery has a capacity of 9.2kWh and is placed under the rear seat, giving the 530e 410 litres of boot capacity and a flat load compartment floor.
The battery 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.
In addition to offering BMW’s Driving Experience Control switch, with its Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro settings, there’s also an eDrive button with three driving modes: Auto Edrive, Max Edrive And Battery Control.
Meanwhile, the world’s first electric car specially developed for five to 10 year olds is to launch to the general public in Scotland for the first time in January.
Firefly is the brainchild of Young Driver Motor Cars Limited, a division of Young Driver, the UK’s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons.
Children will be able to have lessons in the Firefly for the first time at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh on Sunday 8th January 2017 on a specially created outdoor course. The price of a 20 minute lesson (inclusive of a 5 minute briefing period) is £19.95.
Young Driver also offers lessons at the venue for 10-17 year olds in a dual control Skoda Citigo.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk