BMW 5 Series Sedan: Variants explained

The BMW 5 Series Sedan is one of the leading models in the premium executive segment that recently received an update in the local market. The refreshed sedan comes in two variants - BMW 530i and the BMW 530e, the former is powered by a gasoline mill while the latter is a plug-in hybrid model. However, both are locally assembled and equipped with the M Sport package. Here, we have a brief overview of the BMW 5 Series variants that might help you decide which one you should go for.

Let’s first take a look at their prices - 

BMW 5 Series Sedan price list

Variant	Price (on the road, with SST exemption, without insurance)	Price (on the road, without insurance)
BMW 530e M Sport	RM 317,534	RM 323,980
BMW 530i M Sport	RM 368,122	RM 378,980

BMW 530e M Sport

Outfitted with the M Aerodynamics package, the new BMW 530e M Sport features a new kidney grille flanked by slim headlights and redesigned daytime running lights. The exterior kit includes adaptive LED Matrix headlights with an anti-glare BMW Selective Beam high-beam assistant and an adaptive cornering function, BMW L-shaped tail lights, a rear diffuser, and double-sided trapezoidal tailpipes. 

Framed with BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, the car runs on 19-inch M light-alloy Y-spoke 845 M Bi-colour Jet Black wheels, which are mated to M Sport brakes with blue-painted M Sport brake calipers and M designation. The adaptive suspension setup is also a part of the kit.

Inside the cabin, the BMW 530e M Sport looks remarkably comfortable yet elegant. The significant highlights are:

• M leather steering wheel
• Power-adjustable M sport seats wrapped in Dakota upholstery
• M side sill scuff plates
• M alloy pedals
• Smoke Grey Aluminium Rhombicle trim
• Black headliner
• 12.3-inch instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display mated with Apple CarPlay, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, and navigation
• BMW Operating System 7
• 205-watt HiFi audio system with 12 speakers
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Memory function for driver seat
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Powered rear windscreen
• Auto-dimming mirrors
• Hands-free powered boot lid

Moving to the safety front, here also the premium sedan is packed with all advanced systems which include:

• 360-degree camera system with a three-dimensional view
• Parking Assistant Plus for automatic parallel and perpendicular parking
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Change Warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front collision alert with brake intervention
• Rear collision prevention
• Rear cross-traffic warning
• Passive cruise control
• Anti-lock braking system with brake assist
• Dynamic stability control
• Dynamic brake control
• Dynamic traction control
• Cornering brake control 

Under the hood, the BMW 530e M Sport is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for making 184 PS and 300 Nm and a 68-hp electric motor. Together, the setup generates 252 PS and 420 Nm of torque. With an XtraBoost function, the motor delivers an extra 41 PS and bumps the power figure to 292 PS during acceleration. 

Additionally, it gets a 12-kWh battery pack with a fully electric range of 67 km. It can be fully charged in 3 hours 35 minutes when using a BMW i Wallbox charger, while the time increases to six hours in the case of a conventional main socket.

On the performance front, the sedan can run from zero to 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds before hitting a  top speed of 235 kmph. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 2.3 litres per 100 km (43 kmpl).

BMW 530i M Sport

On top of the BMW 5 Series sedan lineup sits the BMW 530i M Sport which has a few additional or better features and a gasoline engine under the hood. Let’s see the extra features first - 

• BMW Laserlight 
• BMW Individual Exterior Line Aluminium Satinated trim
• Sunroof
• Head-up display
• BMW Display Key
• BMW Gesture Control
• 464-watt Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers
• Active Cruise Control system with Stop&Go function

Powering the BMW 530e M Sport is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill that churns out a maximum power output of 252 PS between 5,200 and 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 350 Nm from 1,450 to 4,800 rpm. The power is channeled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Performance numbers include a century sprint of 6.4 seconds and 250 kmph top speed. The fuel consumption is rated at 6.7 litres per 100 km (14.9 kmpl).

Summing up

Well, the two variants are identical in terms of looks and features with a few premium bits like a sunroof, head-up display, and ACC available on the 530i. So, the choice ultimately depends on the engine you prefer.  

Also read: BMW X3 M Competition: Price analysis