BMW 5 Series 530e M Sport 4dr Auto Review
Category: Luxury car
Section: Version review
The model
Read full reviewThe 5 Series is a brilliant, classy and wonderfully refined luxury saloon, with surprisingly low running costs if you go for the 530e plug-in hybrid or 520d mild hybrid. It's a more complete package than its chief rivals, such as the Audi A6, Jaguar XF and Mercedes E-Class.
The trim
See full equipmentM Sport trim is extremely popular and the one we’d go for. It comes with 19in wheels (18in on the 530e), a sportier bodykit, black rather than chrome exterior trim, sport seats, an M sports steering wheel, a black headlining and an instrument panel wrapped in faux leather (or as BMW puts it, synthetic leather). Just make sure, however, that if you do go for M Sport you also tick the box for the optional M Sport Pro Pack. Amongst a plethora of other goodies, this introduces adaptive suspension (on all models aside from the ‘entry-level’ 520d and 520i) and gives the 5 Series a plush ride.
The engine
See full engine specsThe 530e impresses with its punchy performance, low-speed refinement and claimed 36 miles of pure electric range. It is available with rear or xDrive four-wheel drive, while the range-topping 545e is available only as an xDrive model. We would take our 530e in standard rear-wheel drive configuration unless you live in a particularly weather-beaten part of the country. With CO2 emissions of just 32g/km in rear-wheel drive form, it is perfect for company car buyers.
