Best plug-in hybrid: BMW 330e vs BMW 530e verdict
BMW makes two of the best plug-in hybrids you can buy, in the shape of the 330e executive saloon and the plusher but more expensive 530e. So, which should you choose?...
Our verdict
With the regular 5 Series being our favourite luxury car and the 3 Series our favourite executive saloon, this was always going to be a close fight. And while they’ve been trading punches pretty evenly throughout much of this test, we just can’t ignore the 330e’s killer right hook.
Yes, the 530e has a little more room for passengers, feels a bit plusher inside and has a more cosseting ride, but the 330e has the massive advantage of being much, much cheaper to run, especially for private buyers. Given that it’s also more enjoyable to drive, spacious enough to accommodate four adults in comfort and still pretty darned classy inside, the 330e remains the best plug-in hybrid you can buy today.
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1st – BMW 330e
For Cheaper to run privately; lower BIK; sharper handling; stronger performance
Against Smaller boot; some cheaper-feeling materials inside; smaller fuel tank
Recommended options Adjustable lumbar support (£265)
What Car? rating Five stars out of five
Read our full BMW 3 Series review >>
2nd – BMW 530e
For Comfier ride; plusher interior; big discounts; more rear seat space
Against Heavier depreciation; thirstier; less agile; not really any better equipped
Recommended options Variable Damper Control (£985), lumbar adjustment (£275)
What Car? rating Four stars out of five
Read our full BMW 5 Series review >>
BMW 3 Series 330e M Sport
- Engine - 4cyl, 1998cc, petrol + electric motor
- List price - £41,450
- Target Price - £36,419
- Monthly PCP cost - £510*
- Peak power - 288bhp (combined)
- Peak torque - 310Ib ft (combined)
- Gearbox - 8-spd automatic
- 0-60mph - 6.2sec
- 30-70mph - 5.2sec
- Top speed - 142mph
- 30-0mph - 11.0m
- 70-0mph - 59.1m
- Official economy - 201.8mpg (WLTP)
- Test economy - 37.2mpg**
- Real-world electric range - 26.5 miles
- Battery capacity - 12kWh
- Charging time (3.7kW) - 3hr 24min
- Fuel cost per 12,000 miles - £991***
- Fuel tank - 40 litres
- CO2 emissions - 31g/km (WLTP)
BMW 5 Series 530e M Sport
- Engine - 4cyl, 1998cc, petrol + electric motor
- List price - £50,120
- Target Price - £42,155
- Monthly PCP cost - £611*
- Peak power - 248bhp (combined)
- Peak torque - 310Ib ft (combined)
- Gearbox - 8-spd automatic
- 0-60mph - 6.2sec
- 30-70mph - 5.7sec
- Top speed - 146mph
- 30-0mph - 8.5m
- 70-0mph - 45.0m
- Official economy - 166.2mpg (WLTP)
- Test economy - 33.1mpg**
- Real-world electric range - 23 miles (est)
- Battery capacity - 12kWh
- Charging time (3.7kW) - 3hr 36min
- Fuel cost per 12,000 miles - £1197***
- Fuel tank - 46 litres
- CO2 emissions - 45g/km (WLTP)
*Based on 36 months with a £4500 deposit and 10,000-mile annual limit
**With empty battery
***Based on Test MPG and real-world electric range, assuming average journey distance of 40 miles and an electricity cost of 14p per kWh
Weather conditions Damp (330e), dry (530e)
