The earlier BMW 530e sold extremely well thanks to a low starting price and excellent plug-in hybrid technology for the time. That same hybrid system has been improved for the 2020 BMW 530e xDrive Base, which extracts 40 more horsepower through BMW’s XtraBoost feature. As a result, the 2021 530e is noticeably faster than before but also more expensive. That said, extra power isn’t the only thing new for the 2021 model year. All 5-Series BMWs got a mid-cycle refresh, which included a virtually all-new front-end design, while the rest of the exterior has been noticeably modernized. And while the interior didn’t change much in terms of design, it did get some new premium touches and the latest BMW infotainment, including a fully digital gauge cluster. That said, the starting price increased noticeably as well, but it’s largely justified, as we will discover by the end of this review. But before that, have a quick look at the BMWs that are looking for a new owner here at Exotic Car Trader.
The 5-Series BMW first got a taste of hybrid technology with the F10 generation, which had a mild hybrid system. But with the automotive industry moving toward electrification faster and faster, the following generation, the one we are talking about, got a plug-in hybrid system. And while it didn’t do much apart from improving fuel consumption, that would change with the mid-cycle refresh, which came about in 2021. With it, the hybrid system in the 2021 BMW 530e xDrive Base got a power boost, which, for the first time, made it faster and more powerful than the 530i. But even without it, the 530e sold much better than its ICE-only counterpart, with over 20% of all 5-Series sales coming from the 530e. The high sales continued after 2021 despite the 530e costing more than the 530i from that point on. And that’s not surprising, as we will soon find out.
The 2021 BMW 530e xDrive Base gets more standard features thanks to the infotainment system update. It unlocked Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for no extra cost, and the latest digital gauge cluster also came as standard. The infotainment system screen grew from 10.2 to 12.3 inches, and the buttons got a gloss-black finish, making the interior look more premium. And yes, the buttons. The 2021 530e keeps physical AC and radio controls, which is something a huge number of buyers will appreciate. Furthermore, contrasting stitching became standard on all models, coupled with SensaTec leather seats (heated as standard), a leather dashboard, and a leather center console. Overall, the interior is extremely luxurious, even without any additional options. It’s packed full of technology, useful features, and a generous screen surface, even by today’s standards.
The 2021 update was so extensive that it’s impossible to mistake the 2021 BMW 530e xDrive Base for the older model. The front end received the most drastic change with a new headlight shape, a new kidney grille, and a new bumper. Headlights now feature much more aggressive L-shaped DRLs, while the housing has become thinner for a more focused look. And while the kidney grille grew bigger, it doesn’t look out of place by any means. On the base model, the front bumper still features a single intake, but with protruding edges, it complements the other changes perfectly, and it even made the 5-Series 1.2 inches longer. The side profile received no notable changes apart from new wheel designs, but the rear gets new LED lighting elements with a black background, further adding to the new sportier look. Overall, the 2021 530e looks much more modern and attractive than the earlier model.
With 40 horsepower more than the earlier model and the same model year 530i, the 2021 530e becomes substantially quicker than before. Its total maximum power output of 288 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque is enough for an advertised 5.7 second 0-60 run. Mind you, independent journalists managed consistent 5.2 second 0-60 runs, which wasn’t the case with the earlier model. That said, the extra 40 horsepower is only available at wide-open throttle and only for ten seconds at a time. Releasing the gas pedals recharges the new 12.9 kWh battery in around five seconds, and the system is ready to go again. That makes it more than sufficient for on-road use. The top speed remains the same at 146 mph, but some 10 mph slower than the 530i. Also, the bigger battery pack adds another 100 lbs., and so does the xDrive system, resulting in a total of 4,321 lbs. That makes it about the same weight, if not heavier, than the diesel-powered M550d, so the driving dynamics are definitely compromised to a certain extent.
But that doesn’t come as a surprise. With the newfound power, the 530e is considerably faster than the 530i, and since it’s much more efficient as well, it only fits that it becomes more expensive. With a starting price of $60,495 with the optional xDrive included, the 2021 530e xDrive Base is $3,500 more expensive than the older model and $3,000 more expensive than the same model year 530i. But, at least in our opinion, $3,000 is a small price to pay for all the extras.
With more power, new infotainment, a more luxurious interior, and a new exterior that’s a generation ahead of the older model, the 2020 BMW 530e xDrive Base is pretty good value. Even when compared to its competitors, it still comes out on top when we consider the standard equipment and the price. Not to mention that its hybrid system makes it much safer for the environment and for the driver’s wallet, which is always a huge plus. Lastly, if you are looking to buy a used 5-Series or any other luxury vehicle, classic, or supercar, consider buying it through Exotic Car Trader. 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 a car through Exotic Car Trader, only in that case will you save even more time.
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