BMW unveils more powerful 5 Series 550e PHEV
Bavarian automaker has completed electrification of entire 5 Series range
The upcoming 530e may already be a thrilling drive with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that makes 299 HP and 450 Nm of torque, but if you want something big with a bit more kick, then its soon-to-arrive sibling is the one you want, the 2024 BMW 550e xDrive.
One look at the powertrain and you get an idea of what this 5 Series trim is all about. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine connected to a 145-kWh battery. It has a combined system output is 489 HP and 700 Nm of torque, which is a lot of power. But thanks to BMW’s eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid systems, the automaker claims it returns a whopping 100 kilometers per liter.
Power goes to BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive layout using an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The result is 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds all the way to an electronically-controlled maximum speed of 250 km/h.
If you decide to cruise on pure EV (electric vehicle) mode, the 550e can go 90 kilometers without emissions thanks to a bigger 19.4 kWh while still achieving a 140 km/h top speed without the aid of the engine.
BMW added special panels and air deflection elements, optimized the underbody to minimize air resistance and increase the electric range by up to ten kilometers, while engineers installed the lithium-ion high-voltage battery in the vehicle underbody to maintain the cabin’s 520-liter storage space.
New technology gives the battery 7.4 kW of maximum charging power, which means it will have 100% capacity from zero in three hours and 15 minutes. Using a conventional household socket, the charging process finishes in 11 hours and 45 minutes.
Other features include 19-inch light alloy wheels, BMW IconicSounds Electric (soundscape in pure EV mode developed by renowned film music composer Hans Zimmer), Adaptive Chassis Professional, the BMW Interaction Bar, and touch-sensitive control panels for controlling ventilation and air conditioning and for activating the hazard warning lights.
