BMW’s successful executive sedan series – the 5-Series – has received updates for the locally assembled 530e M Sport and 530i M Sport. The two models are not on sale yet and registrations of interest can be made on the BMW Shop Online platform. Estimated retail pricing (on the road, without insurance) is RM343,000 for the new 530e M Sport and RM396,000 for the 530i M Sport.
The new variants will be available in Alpine White or Carbon Black, paired with either the Black or Cognac Leather Dakota upholstery; or in Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey or Bluestone paired with Black Leather Dakota upholstery.
Two powertrain choices
As the ‘e’ and ‘I’ in the model designations denote, one has a plug-in hybrid powertrain while the other is conventional combustion petrol engine alone. Both have the familiar 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo 2-litre engine, with the 530e M Sport having the latest generation of the BMW eDrive electric motor as well. An 8-speed Steptronic transmission system is standard for both variants.
The 530e M Sport’s total system output is 292 bhp/420 Nm of torque, of which 37% is contributed by the electric motor. With a fully-charged battery pack, the car can run on electricity alone up to a claimed distance of 67 kms. In daily driving, the fuel consumption is claimed to be as low as 43.5 kms/litre while still having a top speed capability of 235 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds.
Electric drive up to 140 km/h
The standard AUTO eDRIVE setting enables all-electric driving up to a speed of 110 km/h; using MAX eDRIVE mode enables all-electric speeds up to 140 km/h. The BMW Xtra Boost mode is also available giving the vehicle additional power of up 40 bhp during acceleration. Of course, increased performance demands would also have implications on the range. Depending on the charging method use, the battery pack can be fully recharged within about 3.5 hours or no more than 6 hours with a conventional power outlet.
As for the 530i M Sport, the engine output is 252 bhp/350 Nm, which gives claimed 0 to 100 km/h capability of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is said to be up to almost 15 kms/litre, which means the 68-litre fuel tank can allow for a range of about 1,000 kms.
Updated cosmetic features
Apart from the M Aerodynamics package, the latest versions have larger kidney grilles and slimmer headlights with a new daytime running light (DRL) design. The 530e M Sport has Adaptive LED Matrix headlights, in addition to the standard LED headlights, while the 530i M Sport uses BMW Laserlight. Both include the anti-glare BMW Selective Beam high-beam assistant with turning lights, and adaptive cornering function.
Additional visual enhancement is provided by the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line for the 530e M Sport while the 530i M Sport has the BMW Individual Exterior Line Aluminium Satinated. The front and rear bumpers on both variants are also redesigned with larger air intakes, alongside new LED taillight elements in the signature BMW L-shape. For the first time, the light source is integrated directly into the taillight’s outermost layer, maximising the 3D effect.
New for 2021 are 19-inch M light alloy Y-Spoke 845 M Bi-Colour Jet Black wheels with both mixed and run-flat tyres. The new cars also come with Adaptive Suspension and the M Sport brake with blue-painted M Sport brake calipers. Along the Double-sided exhaust tailpipe finishers with a trapezoidal design and a distinctive diffuser insert identify these models.
Sporty, premium interior ambience
The interior of the two cars continues to include M-specific items with interior trim finishers in Aluminium Rhombicle, Dakota Leather upholstery and the BMW Individual anthracite headliner. Illumination within the car is provided by ambient lighting while the electrical glass roof offers overhead lighting which enhances the ambience of spaciousness. The dashboard includes a lighter-coloured contrasting seam, which continues onto the door trims, as well as control buttons in the centre console in high-gloss Black magnifies the interior design language.
As with most other BMW models, there’s BMW Live Cockpit Professional running the latest BMW Operating System 7. This infotainment concept is distinguished by its restructured display set-up, consisting of a user-configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an equally large touchscreen Control Display. BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is included,
taking interactions between driver and car to the next level. Various functions can be accessed and controlled via the system, including sunblind activation and automatic lowering of all windows.
Exclusive to the 530i M Sport is BMW Gesture Control, Head-Up Display, BMW Display Key and a Harman Kardon surround sound system. For additional convenience and comfort the new variants have Comfort Access with contactless tailgate operation as well as automatic air-conditioning with 4-zone control, and electric roller sunblinds for rear windows.
Audio warning to pedestrians
Besides advanced active and passive safety systems, the 530e M Sport also has a feature which emits a sound via a loudspeaker system when the car is moving in electric mode at speeds up to 30 km/h. This is to alert pedestrians and cyclists ahead as the car will be running quietly when using the electric motor.
Financing schemes available
BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia offers financial schemes for the vehicle purchases and for the new 530e M Sport and 530i M Sport, monthly instalments can start from RM3,808.00 and RM4,398.00, respectively (terms and conditions apply).
New owners are assured of a premium ownerships experience with benefits such as BMW’s 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card, and BMW Service Online.
BMW Group Malaysia was the leader in the premium automotive segment in 2020
