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BMW's game changer? The 530e iPerformance

Cape Town - The new BMW 5 Series arrives in South Africa in 2017, and while the local range will not include a plug-in hybrid variant, overseas markets will see the new 530e iPeformance model join the range boasting all-electric mobilty and zero-emissions driving as, and when required.

The 530e iPerformance - to use its full name - utilises a lithium-ion high voltage battery with a capacity of 9.2kWh, BMW says the most efficient 5 Series yet will release only 46g/km of C02. 

Overall output: 188kW/420Nm

Pure electric range is quoted at 47km, this is courtesy of the eDrive system’s electric motor which has an output of 70kW and maximum torque of 250Nm, while the four-cylinder combustion engine with its 2.0-litre displacement generates 137kW and 320Nm. The overall system output of 188kW/420Nm.

BMW claims a figure of 6.2 seconds for the 530e to reach 100km/h from standstill and enable it to reach a top speed of 235km/h. 

Gallery: 2017 BMW 5 Series 

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 (3.7kW charging capacity) according to BMW.

The BMW 530e iPerformance has a range of nearly 643kms in real-world driving and is capable of covering distances of up to 47km using purely electric power at a maximum speed of 140km/h.

A photo posted by Wheels24 (@wheels24_sa) on

The electric motor and combustion engine direct their power to the saloon’s rear wheels via the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. Positioning the electric motor upstream from the transmission allows the transmission’s ratios to be used in all-electric mode too. This dispenses with the need for a torque converter, reducing the overall weight of the vehicle BMW says.

By virtue of placing the battery underneath the rear seat the 530e offers 410 litres of boot capacity and a flat load compartment floor. Practical too, it seems. 

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