BMW 5 Series 530e xDrive SE 4dr Auto Review
Category: Luxury car
Section: Version review
The model
Read full reviewThe BMW 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 equipmentSE may be the entry-level trim but it still comes with plenty of luxuries. As standard you get 17in alloy wheels (18in on the more powerful engines), leather seat trim, heated front seats with electric lumbar adjustment, dual-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, cruise control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, BMW’s fantastic iDrive infotainment system, LED headlights and tail-lights, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and a parking assistance system. The only option that we’d suggest adding is the split-folding rear seats.
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.
