INTELLIGENT ATHLETE, ELECTRIFIED

THE BMW 530e iPERFORMANCE ISN’T JUST THE WORLD’S MOST SUCCESSFUL EXECUTIVE SALOON – IT’S ALSO THE MOST ADVANCED.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

THE BMW 530e iPERFORMANCE ISN’T JUST THE WORLD’S MOST SUCCESSFUL EXECUTIVE SALOON – IT’S ALSO THE MOST ADVANCED.

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It is often said that the best athletes aren’t just the strongest or fittest individuals, but the most intelligent, too.

After all, the ability to run the fastest or lift the heaviest weights isn’t achieved through physical training alone. The best athletes know that this sort of prowess is only possible if their minds are as strong as their hearts.

This is exactly why the BMW 5 Series has continued to be the benchmark among executive saloons. It is a view shared not just by drivers, but the model’s rivals, too.

When you walk up to a BMW 5 Series, its dynamism is reflected in its taut lines and planted stance. It’s like a sprinter whose muscles are tensed, ready to release their explosive potential once the starting gun is fired.

Ever-ready to harness this power is this model’s properly honed chassis and well-tuned suspension. This lets the BMW 5 Series waltz its way through corners.

On board, the BMW 5 Series is equipped with a long list of features that enhance the driving experience and aid in the driver with his or her daily routine. From Driving Assistant to BMW Connected Drive and the BMW Connected app, the BMW 5 Series caters to a variety of needs.

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Now imagine accomplishing all this while simultaneously delivering a powerful and eco-friendly drive. It may sound impossible, but that’s what the BMW 530e iPerformance is capable of.

The BMW 530e iPerformance is a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid, but don’t let that definition lull you into thinking that’s it’s a meek performer. Its drivetrain, which consists of a turbocharged 2-litre engine paired to a state-of-the-art electric motor, pumps out a total of 252hp and 420Nm.

These figures enable the BMW 530e iPerformance to zip from rest to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds. That’s hot hatch territory.

Unlike regular cars, this sort of capability doesn’t lead to hefty petrol bills. With its hybrid drivetrain, the BMW 530e iPerformance manages a combined economy figure of 2.3 litres per 100km for the petrol engine and 14.5 kWh/100km for the electric motor. It can cover up to 650km on a full tank of fuel.

Even more impressive is how the BMW 530e iPerformance caters to eco-conscious drivers keen on zero-emissions motoring. With its lithium-ion battery fully charged (under five hours using a domestic socket), the BMW 530e iPerformance has a range of up to 50km on electric power alone.

The BMW 530e iPerformance isn’t just strong and advanced. It also has the mental and physical stamina to go the distance. That’s what you call an electrifying intelligent athlete.

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