The now-famous chip shortage that lasted between 2020 and 2023 had made quite an impact on the automotive industry. As a result, some manufacturers went as far as discontinuing bigger engine options, especially in the US. And while BMW didn’t go that far, it didn’t remain unaffected either. For one, the 2022 BMW 530e Base had lost some very useful features found in much cheaper cars at the time. Some of those include remote start and wireless charging pads. However, the 530e still had some great redeeming qualities. For example, the drivetrain, including the hybrid system, didn’t lose anything to the earlier model year. And remember that the 2021 update brought along more power from the electric motor, a thoroughly refreshed exterior, and the latest infotainment system. At the same time, the resulting price decrease put the 2022 530e’s starting price very close to the pre-facelift model. But before we go into more detail on what the 530e had lost and what remained, check out the BMWs currently looking for a new owner here at Exotic Car Trader.
BMW first started offering a 5-Series hybrid in 2011 when the F10 generation gained an electric motor that served as nothing more than a boost to the ICE. However, a generation later, the G30 got the first plug-in hybrid system in the 530e, which could power the car for up to 21 miles on electric power alone. That was a huge step ahead, especially since it had the same starting price as the ICE only 530i. By 2021, the 5-Series was ready for a mid-cycle refresh, which brought along more power from the electric motor, putting it ahead of the 530i in terms of acceleration while the electric range remained the same. That said, the price also increased, which made it more expensive than the 530i. But that would change with the 2022 530e Base, which, as we mentioned, lost some of its standard equipment. That resulted in a price very similar to that of the 530i, which helped keep the sales up.
It’s not often that manufacturers remove standard equipment from existing models, but then again, BMW was forced to do so. Compared to the earlier model year, the 2022 BMW 530e Base lost wireless charging, remote start, and the onboard WIFI hotspot. Some optional equipment was removed, including the Parking Assistance and Executive packages. The Parking Assistance package included a rearview camera, 3D surround view, and active distance control, all of which are extremely useful. On a positive note, the 2021 update brought along a fully digital gauge cluster, contrasting stitching, and a bigger 12.3” infotainment screen running the latest iDrive 7, all standard. The new gloss black buttons also improved the overall look, while another redeeming feature was that they kept physical buttons for the AC and radio controls. The missing equipment makes a huge difference, but the interior is still one of its class's most functional and luxurious.
The 2022 BMW 530e Base didn’t change on the outside compared to the earlier model year. But that’s perfectly fine, considering that a mid-cycle refresh was introduced just a year before, and it put the G30 5-Series a generation ahead. The most notable changes include a new headlight design, which is now thinner and features L-shaped DRLs, while LED technology is standard. The kidney grille grew larger and is now more pronounced thanks to protruding slats, but at the same time, it doesn’t look comically big. The front bumper received the same sporty treatment with more pronounced edges and a more aggressive intake. Back at the rear end, the new LED tail lights are a huge improvement over the old design, while the dual square exhaust tips wrapped in a subtle diffuser further add to the sporty look. Overall, the 2022 530e looks much more attractive than the models that came before 2021 and is a long way from looking outdated in 2024.
The 2021 update also brought along more power for the 530e. As a result, the 2022 BMW 530e Base makes 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s 40 horsepower, more than the 530i and the older 530e. The extra 40 horsepower is only available at full throttle and for ten seconds before the hybrid battery is depleted. But on a positive note, it takes even less time to recharge, so in the real world, the driver will hardly ever wish for more. Ten seconds is also enough to improve the 530e’s 0-60 time from 6.2 seconds down to 5.7. That also makes it faster than the 530i. However, the 2022 530e gets a bigger battery pack to enable the power boost, adding about 100 lbs of weight for 4,050 lbs total. Another downside is that the electric range remains the same at 21 miles, while the combined MPG goes down from 74 mpg to 64 mpg as advertised by BMW. And since the extra power is only available for a set amount of time, the top speed remains at 146 mph. In other words, it’s still 10 mph slower than the 530i.
With the 2021 update, the 530e became $3,000 more expensive than the 530i, and while it was still more expensive in 2022, the gap went down to $1,500. And with a starting price of $56,545, the 2022 BMW 530e Base was nearly $2,000 cheaper than the 2021 530e. That said, a serious amount of standard equipment is missing, and it’s difficult to say whether or not the price decrease is exactly fair.
In the end, the 2022 BMW 530e Base remained one of the brand’s best-selling models in the US despite missing some essential features found in most modern cars. That’s because the 530e still has a ton of redeeming features, including an impressively powerful and efficient powertrain, a luxurious interior with cutting-edge technology, and an even more attractive exterior. Lastly, if you are looking to buy a BMW 5-Series or any other luxury vehicle, classic or supercar, Exotic Car Trader can help you out. With escrow protection, delivery, and first inspection, Exotic Car Trader leaves nothing to chance and makes the entire process as convenient as it gets. The same goes if you are looking to sell your car through Exotic Car Trader only in that case, you save even more time.
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