2018 BMW 530e
The 2018 BMW 530e is a plug-in hybrid sedan. It has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 hp (185 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 6.1 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2018 BMW 530E
The 2018 BMW 530e iPerformance is the plug-in hybrid version of the seventh-generation 5 Series saloon (G30), new for the 2018 model year. It combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor built into the eight-speed automatic, for a combined system output of 248 hp and 310 lb-ft. This entry covers the rear-wheel-drive version; a 530e xDrive with all-wheel drive was also offered.
The first plug-in 5 Series
The 530e was the first plug-in hybrid 5 Series sold in North America. A lithium-ion battery of about 9.2 kWh (gross) sits beneath the rear seat, giving an EPA-rated electric range of 16 miles (about 26 km). BMW quoted 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The driver can choose between hybrid operation, electric-only driving and a mode that saves battery charge for later use.
Practicality
Placing the battery under the rear seat preserved most of the cabin space, but the boot is smaller than in petrol 5 Series models and the fuel tank is reduced in size. Charging from a home wallbox is the most practical approach. For a short daily commute much of the driving can be done on electric power, while longer journeys rely on the petrol engine. See our guide to fuel economy units for comparing ratings.
Buying one today
Check the condition and remaining capacity of the high-voltage battery, the charging port and onboard charger, and whether any hybrid-system warranty remains. The petrol engine and gearbox are shared with other BMW models and are generally well understood by specialists.
Rivals
Plug-in rivals included the Volvo S90 T8; the Lexus GS 450h offered a conventional hybrid alternative.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 530e |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2018 | Version / Trim | BMW 2018 530e |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Mediterranean Blue Metallic, Estoril Blue Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic, Sunset Orange Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 2,000 cc |
| Power | 248 hp / 185 kW | Torque | 420 Nm / 310 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 6.1 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Range / Economy | 27 mpg city / 31 mpg hwy | ||
| Electric Range | 16 miles (26 km) | Max Charge Rate | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,888 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,840 kg (4,057 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2018 SEDANS
Compared with other 2018 sedans in our database, its 248 hp is 13% less than the average 2018 sedan (284 hp), and it is 14% heavier than the typical sedan.
| 2018 BMW 530e | Average 2018 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 248 hp | 284 hp (92 cars) | -13% |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 391 Nm (92 cars) | +7% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.1 s | 6.2 s (93 cars) | -2% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 141 mph (93 cars) | +10% |
| Kerb weight | 1,840 kg | 1,617 kg (100 cars) | +14% |
| Engine size | 2,000 cc | 2,556 cc (89 cars) | -22% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2018 sedans with similar power to the 2018 BMW 530e.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 BMW 530e | 248 hp | 6.1 s | 1,840 kg |
| 2018 Audi A4 quattro | 248 hp | 5.6 s | 1,500 kg |
| 2018 Honda Accord 2.0T Sport/Touring | 252 hp | 7.0 s | 1,500 kg |
| 2018 Subaru Legacy AWD | 256 hp | 7.6 s | 1,465 kg |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range | 258 hp | 4.2 s | 1,752 kg |