BMW has tried rolling out a hybrid-engined version of its 5 Series executive express before.

Called the BMW ActiveHybrid 5, it had an all-electric range of about three kilometres, with its appeal running about as far as its battery-powered range.

But a new large-size flagship deserves some new fuel-saving hybrid tech. And here it is.

WHAT IS IT It’s the BMW 530e iPerformance, basically a petrol-engined 530i large sedan with plug-in hybrid bits plumbed in.

MAIN RIVALS There’s the more expensive, more powerful and poofteenth-heavier-on-fuel Mercedes-Benz E350e that won’t go quite as far on pure electric power alone. Or the equivalently priced Lexus LS450h F Sport that’s more about performance than frugality.

THE WHEELS VERDICT Kudos to BMW for encouraging buyers to try its plug-in hybrid tech for the same price as the 5 Series’ conventionally engined saloon. But while your hip pocket will be happier, it doesn’t quite deliver on the driver’s car demands that the BMW badge carries.

MINUS: Extra weight dulls handling; hybrid packaging robs boot space; doesn’t improve the 5 Series breed

THE WHEELS REVIEW A FIFTH member of BMW’s growing suite of iPerformance – read ‘plug-in hybrid’ – models has joined the Bavarian car maker’s showroom. This time, though, it wears the clothes of the G30-based 5 Series.

The 530e iPerformance is priced the same as the 530i and carries the same spec level, meaning buyers who want to take the plug-in plunge but don’t want to pay extra for it can do so without any of the hip-pocket hits the technology normally attracts.

The electrics also push weight distribution from the 530i’s 51:49 split to a more rear-biased 48:52.

Flicking the console-mounted toggle to switch the 530e into its automatic hybrid mode will allow it to shut down the 135kW/290Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine and tap the batteries exclusively at speeds of up to 90km/h, which can be stretched to 140km/h by nudging the switch into ‘Max’ mode. Another ‘Control’ mode will force the 530e to preserve anywhere between 30 to 100 percent of charge to use later. At speeds below 30km/h the 530e will hum to warn pedestrians it is nearby.

But a brief drive hints that all the 530e’s extra weight detracts from the regular 5 Series’ dynamic repertoire. You don’t so much notice the pork while stepping off the line, as the hybrid punch disguises it well, but more when braking and cornering where the centre of gravity shifts more harshly, or accelerating at speed where there’s a lot of noise but not as much mojo.

The tech beneath the 530e may add a green halo to the 5 Series, but for traditional BMW dynamic traits shop elsewhere in the range.

SPECS Model: BMW 530e iPerformance Engine: 1998cc 4-cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo + electric Max power: 185kW @ 5000-5600rpm Max torque: 420Nm @ 1350-4250rpm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Weight: 1770kg 0-100km/h: 6.2sec (claimed) Fuel use: 2.3L/100km Price: $108,900 On sale: Now

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