Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 520e 2021: 5 Series gets new entry-level plug-in hybrid drivetrain

New BMW 520e announced, set to sit below 530e and 545e in the range, but only in Europe

BMW 520e

BMW has announced a new plug-in hybrid option for the 5 Series executive saloon and Touring estate. Revealed alongside a similarly powered 3 Series, the new 520e will be the entry point to plug-in hybrid 5 Series ownership in European markets.. Order books open in March 2021, but the new car will not be coming to the UK.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Power comes from a 2.0-litre petrol engine plus an electric motor and battery. Its total output of 201bhp is down significantly from the 292bhp of the 530e and 387bhp of the 545e. It's also identical to that of the new, smaller 320e. 

Performance is adequate, with 0-62mph taking 7.9 seconds, or 8.2 seconds for the Touring estate. Both are rear-wheel drive; those looking for a four-wheel-drive version will have to step up to the 530e.

BMW 520e

The car's 12kWh battery offers an electric range of 33-38 miles in the saloon and 32-35 miles in the Touring. CO2 emissions are reassuringly low – an important factor for company-car users – with the saloon emitting 39-43g/km and the Touring estate outputting 42-46g/km.

Just like the new 320e, the 520e can be charged at a maximum of 3.7kW, with BMW claiming a full charge in around three-and-a-half hours from a home wallbox, with an 80% charge completed in just over two-and-a-half hours. 

A new feature added to both the 520e and 320e is BMW Live Cockpit Plus with Connected Package Professional – a system that includes a 'BMW Points' system, whereby every kilometre covered under electric power equals one point, or two points if you drive within predetermined inner-city 'BMW eDrive Zones'. These points can then be used against the cost of public charging. 

The new 530e joins the wider BMW plug-in hybrid range in Europe. Other models include the 225xe family car, X1 and X2 compact SUVs, larger X3 and X5 SUVs, as well as the 530e and 545e. The 745e luxury saloon sits at the top of the range.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best hybrid company cars 2023
Best hybrid company cars 2023
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid company cars 2023

25 May 2023
BMW 530e hybrid review
BMW 530e xDrive
In-depth reviews

BMW 530e hybrid review

24 May 2023
BMW i5 breaks cover as 5 Series EV
BMW i5 - eDrive40 dynamic front
News

BMW i5 breaks cover as 5 Series EV

24 May 2023

Most Popular

Nissan’s masterplan: 6 new cars by 2026, including next-gen Micra, Leaf successor and revamped Juke,
New Nissan Future models - Picture 1
News

Nissan’s masterplan: 6 new cars by 2026, including next-gen Micra, Leaf successor and revamped Juke,

Nissan has set itself a target of introducing 30 new models globally over within the next two years
25 Mar 2024
New Genesis Neolun concept paves the way for the GV90 SUV
New Genesis Neolun concept - picture 1
News

New Genesis Neolun concept paves the way for the GV90 SUV

With a host of new technology, the Neolun is the brands first step towards a full-size electric SUV.
27 Mar 2024
Rolls-Royce Spectre review: almost the last word in fully-electric luxury
Rolls-Royce Spectre - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Rolls-Royce Spectre review: almost the last word in fully-electric luxury

The Spectre is Rolls-Royce’s admirable first step into the world of electric cars, but it’s not quite perfect
26 Mar 2024