Plug-in hybrid BMW 530e Sport launched for Malaysia

BMW Group Malaysia launched the first-ever BMW 5 Series Hybrid with eDrive Technology in a ceremony held in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, just now. The new BMW 530e Sport is the fifth BMW iPerformance model to be introduced in the country, further reinforcing the premium automaker's expertise in Plug-in Hybrid Technology.
Company head of sales, Raymond Tan, said: "The all-new BMW 5 Series now offers eDrive Technology, an innovation taken from the Mobility of the Future – BMW i. More than this, however, is the fact that the all-new BMW 530e Sport also increases our portfolio of premium plug-in hybrid vehicles here, enabling us to offer the largest portfolio offering by any automaker in the country and to further demonstrate our commitment to Visionary Mobility in Malaysia."
Starting with its signature feature, the air stream kidney grille is designed to further empower aerodynamics – opening and closing to adapt to different situations. This new model is offered in Sport Line and features LED headlights for both low-beam and high-beam, side lights, as well as daytime running lights. The "530e" badge is its most noticeable identifying feature, other than the highly visible "i" logo – indicating its technology know-how from the BMW i sub-brand – above the air breather as well as the eDrive logo at the C-pillar.
Other features include Comfort Access – providing a seamless owner experience without having to reach for your car key. From unlocking your doors to starting your engine, the car is designed to be aware of the car key's unique sensors, which resonates solely with the car's internal system.
Accentuating its sporty vibe to the rear is the double round exhaust tailpipe on both left and right. Fitted with 19-inch V-spoke light alloy wheels, the 530e Sport hints at an agile driving experience.
Dynamic interaction = Powerful delivery
Under the bonnet is the latest-generation inline four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre petrol engine with 184hp and 320Nm of torque. Combined with the BMW eDrive system's electric motor, an overall system output of 252hp and 420Nm of torque is achieved, enabling the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. With a top speed of 235km/h, the 530e Sport enjoys segment-leading figures of consuming only two litres per 100km of fuel with a significantly low CO2 emission of 46 grams per kilometre.
The electric drive boasts powerful efficiency with its combination of electric motor, lithium-ion high-performance battery, and intelligent energy management. The latter optimises the effectiveness of the electric drivetrain and the high-performance battery with a predictive operating strategy. The 530e Sport offers an all-electric driving range of up to 48km with a maximum speed of up to 140km/h – the best in its segment.
The eDrive system can also be tailored even more precisely for the journey ahead through three innovative driving modes: Auto eDrive, MAX eDrive, and Battery Control. Auto eDrive combines the power of both the petrol engine and electric motor, which allows driving at a top speed of 80km/h on electric mode only. For an extra boost, switch to the Max eDrive mode which solely depends on electric power, to reach a maximum speed of 140km/h. Battery Control allows the driver to manually engage the use of the high-voltage battery by setting the charge value to be availed for pure-electric driving later in the journey.
In terms of charging options, the new 530e Sport can be charged at home via a domestic socket outlet. The BMW iWallbox, however, reduces charging time to approximately three hours. Meanwhile, the BMW iWallbox Plus enables charging control via smartphone app which also provides a record of the charge history. For an even faster charging time, the BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable which is also compatible for public charging, achieving up to three times the charging speed compared to the standard charging cable. This standard-compliant plug ensures owners can connect the car to any public charging station. The fast charging cable comes with the registration of the ChargeNow Card online.
Elevated driving experience from the inside out
The illuminated sill panels bearing "eDrive" lettering welcomes you when the door opens, as the interior mirrors the sporty elegance of the exterior design in high-gloss black, while ambient lighting highlights its premium interior. Equipped exclusively for the 530e Sport is the BMW Sport leather steering wheel and hi-fi system with 12 speakers.
Other than the common active and passive safety features we are familiar with, the 530e Sport also has Lane Change Warning, Blind Spot Monitor and Dynamic Damper with Adaptive Mode. The latter is the fourth of the Driving Experience Control system which includes the Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro driving modes. The Adaptive Mode works alongside Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) and Navigation System Professional wherein the steering, DDC and Steptronic systems automatically adapt to the current driving style and route ahead.
Additionally, Park Assist is an intuitive driving assistance system which offers convenience with parallel and reverse parking perpendicular to the road. This system is hassle-free, offering Level 2 autonomous technology.
The 530e Sport is also outfitted with BMW ConnectedDrive features – an all-encompassing digital concept designed to aid personal mobility which integrates the vehicle into the user's digital life via multiple touchpoints. The multifunctional instrument display is specially designed for both the instrument cluster in front of the driver and the central information screen.
Command over the car can be achieved via the BMW Connected app which allows one to not only monitor its performance, but also dictate the interior atmosphere. Through the BMW Connected app, the driver can govern interior comfort by controlling the auxiliary air conditioning function from a smartphone. The app also empowers one to monitor charge levels of the high-voltage battery, the locations of charging stations, and the distance covered on electric power alone as well as the consequent amount of petrol saved.
Colour options for the 530e Sport are Bluestone Metallic, Mediterranean Blue, Alpine White, and Black Sapphire. While Leather Dakota Black pairs well with all the exterior colour offerings, Leather Dakota Cognac is best paired with either Black Sapphire, Bluestone Metallic, or Alpine White.
This latest 5 Series will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships across the country from today, and with monthly installment plan starting from only RM3,588 with the BMW Credit Malaysia Balloon Financing 80% loan financial plan. The BMW Full Circle Programme from BMW Credit Malaysia is also part of the package.
Offers, special programme
Additional special ownership programmes for BMW vehicles and BMW iPerformance range is also offered at BMW Malaysia's ongoing nationwide campaign, held at all authorised BMW dealerships. This includes special financing interest rates from 0.88% as well as attractive rebates across a wide range of BMW models. New owners will have unlimited, complimentary access for a whole year for the ChargeNow mobility services via the ChargEV platform in collaboration with GreenTech Malaysia if they register their new 530e Sport by March 31.
2017: BMW Group Malaysia's finest year
Charting more than half of BMW Malaysia's total sales volume in 2017 with a profound 55% units of BMW Hybrid with eDrive Technology delivered, BMW Group Malaysia has a stronghold as the most successful premium hybrid brand in Malaysia. Tan said, "In terms of model mix share, we are also proud to share that 55% of our total models for the country are hybrid vehicles with eDrive technology. This also makes us fifth in the world in terms of deliveries of plug-in hybrid vehicles," said Tan.
In the details, BMW Group Malaysia set an all-time high sales record for the X5 xDrive40e by delivering over 3,000 units in 2017 alone, making Malaysia the second largest market after America for the model. Malaysia is also the third largest market for the 330e and 740Le xDrive with over 2,400 units and over 450 units delivered respectively in 2017. "The all-new BMW 530e Sport will be a meaningful addition to our iPerformance portfolio and we are confident it will further underpin us as leaders in shaping mobility of the future here in Malaysia," he added.
BMW Group Malaysia continues to be committed to Malaysia's plan of reducing its carbon intensity by 40% by 2020. This was first announced in 2014 at the UN Climate Summit in New York and reiterated in 2016 at the Paris Agreement of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21).
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr. Mohd Azman Zainul Abidin, Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Green Technology Corporation said, "A key strategy for Malaysia to move towards low carbon mobility is through industry-wide cooperation and partnerships. We at GreenTech Malaysia are pleased to have BMW Group Malaysia as a partner from the very beginning, to ensure necessary and sufficient infrastructure is provided to support the new innovation of plug-in hybrid technology and eventually electro mobility. This will increase consumer confidence in the viability of electric vehicles and plug-in-hybrid vehicles. It is reassuring to see BMW Group Malaysia taking initiative to further propel Malaysia into a futuristic future of electromobility, while we continue to grow the number of ChargEV charging stations across the country."
Other than the 530e Sport, new owners of the BMW iPerformance models – 330e M Sport, X5 xDrive 40e and 740Le who register their cars by March 31 – will also have unlimited, complimentary access for a whole year for the ChargeNow mobility services via the ChargEV platform in collaboration with GreenTech Malaysia. The special offer also comes with a complimentary BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable. Specifically for new owners of the X5 xDrive40e and 740Le xDrive, the new programme by BMW Malaysia offers a complimentary BMW i Wallbox Plus, with RFID detection and can be managed and controlled remotely using the BMW iV smartphone app.
The 530e Sport's retail price is RM343,800 (on-the-road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia's latest five-year unlimited mileage warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme).