Why did BMW PH drop 530i M Sport for all-new 5 Series?

When the all-new 5 Series was launched a few days ago, we were expecting BMW distributor SMC Asia Cars Distributors Corp to reveal not one, not two, but three variants. But when they took the covers off, we only saw two variants, the 520i and the i5 eDrive40.

This comes as a surprise since the previous generation 5 Series used to be offered with another variant – the 530i M Sport. It has a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder under the hood like a regular 520i but it makes more power with 252 PS and 350 Nm of torque. And from its namesake, this particular variant comes with plenty of M Sport goodies like a sportier suspension, M Sport wheels & badges, and more.

Despite the extra equipment, BMW decided not to bring an M Sport variant for the G60. Curious, we spoke with SMC Asia Cars Distributor Corp boss Spencer Yu to know the reason why. According to the executive, the reason behind the 530i M Sport is no longer being offered is simple, performance. While the 530i is still a performer, the i5 eDrive40 is now the quickest and fastest current 5 Series in the local lineup.

With 340 PS and 430 Nm of torque on tap, it can go from 0 – 100 km/h in 6 seconds flat which is impressive despite the EV's hefty weight. It can also achieve a top speed of 193 km/h.

“The BMW i5 is now our performance model in the 5 Series lineup. That is the reason why the 530i M Sport was dropped,” said Yu.

We then asked the executive if they could bring other variants of the all-new 5 Series should customers prefer something besides the 520i and the i5 eDrive40. For now, Yu mentioned that they are only offering what they recently launched.

“Right now we have to maximize the efficiency and give the customer the best product offering. So we're only offering the 520i and the i5 eDrive40 for now,” added Yu.

For customers who are planning to get themselves a brand new G60 5 Series, your only choice (for now at least) is between the 520i and the i5 eDrive40.