Every European automaker is scrambling to add hybrid technology to meet impending laws. As Mercedes-Benz has just released an all-new E-Class, the 2021 BMW 5-Series sedan has been unveiled in Munich. It is an update to the 7th generation (G30) platform that premiered in 2017.
Starting with the most obvious hardware, the 540i and 540i xDrive have gained a 48-volt hybrid system. It combines start/stop with regenerative braking and 11 extra horsepower in sport mode. The straight-six 3-liter has a meaty turbocharger and offers 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The RWD 540i reaches 60 mph in 4.9 seconds while the AWD 540i xDrive does it in 4.6. Opting for summer tires raises the top speed to 155 mph.
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The four-cylinder 530i and 530i xDrive have the latest in plug-in hybrid technology. They are a combination of a 181 horsepower 2-liter turbo and a 107 horsepower electric motor/generator. Along with a 12 kWh battery, total output is 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both RWD and AWD can cruise on battery power up to 19 mph, with nearly identical acceleration stats as the 540i.
Lastly, it wouldn’t be a 5 Series without a V8, so the twin-turbo 4.4-liter offers 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque to all wheels in the M550i xDrive. This means the M5 will undoubltedly have incredible power along with the updated styling seen here. Choosing between the straight six and the plug-in four will be tough, so click the button below to drive them both, then tell us which one you prefer in the comments below.
