BMW is dead serious about its electrification ambitions. And to prove the use of electricity isn’t solely justified by a bump in performance - a la Porsche, if you wish - the Bavarians just dropped the 545e xDrive 5 Series, a PHEV version of its core model, one than can run purely on electricity when needed. But, yeah, it will also pull its own weight and more on the Autobahn, so no need to worry about sluggish behavior. Here’s all you need to know.

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These resources reach the asphalt through an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive setup, generating a 0-100 kph (62 mph) sprint cleared in 4.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 250 kph (155 mph). In pure EV mode, the BMW 545e can reach a top speed of just 140 kph (87 mph).

Speaking of EV mode, BMW claims its 545e can travel for anywhere between 54 and 57 kilometers (33.5 and 35.4 miles) relying solely on the power generated by the electric motor, which in turns feeds from a 400-volt Lithium-ion battery pack positioned under the rear seat, which can store up to 11.2 kWh. Overall fuel consumption is rated at 2.1-2.4 l/100 km, roughly around 98 mpg U.S.

Looking at the performance numbers, there’s a serious increase compared to what the 530e xDrive has to offer. The latter combines a 2.0-liter straight-four gasoline engine with an e-motor to produce 215 kilowatts (288 horsepower) and 420 Newton-meters (310 pound-feet of torque), while the 545e ups the ante with a 3.0-liter straight-six ICE and an e-motor for 290 kilowatts/389 horsepower and 600 Newton-meters (443 pound-feet).

The 530e xDrive is also tad slower from a standstill, with a 0-100 kph (62 mph) time of 5.9 seconds, and can reach only 230 kph (143 mph).

BMW 545e XDrive PHEV Full Specs

Any changes inside the cabin?

Yes, there are a few mods, but nothing too consistent. In fact, these adjustments are only normal during the conversion from pure ICE propulsion to PHEV. Normally, the regular 5 Series offers 530 liters (18.7 cubic feet) worth of cargo space. The 545e, however, is good for only 410 liters (14.4 cubic feet).

This being badged as an eDrive model, the pre-set drive modes differ from the regular, gasoline-only 5ers. For example, the default setting is Hybrid, which mediates the interaction between the ICE and e-motor. Keep in mind that in this mode, the e-motor is used as much as possible, with the ICE only kicking in at high speeds or under heavy acceleration/load.

Drivers can also select the Electric mode, which cuts the ICE entirely, letting the car run solely on the electricity stored in the battery. Alternatively, users can activate the Hybrid Eco Pro mode by pressing the Hybrid button twice. This activates the coasting feature and the braking energy recovery process is tweaked for better efficiency.

Last but not least, you can enjoy the 5 Series’ appetite for dynamic driving by engaging the Sport mode. When selected, it allows the e-motor to support the ICE whenever you need the full band of power and torque. The eight-speed gearbox also gets nippier in Sport mode, for quicker, preciser shifts.

Last but not least, the 545e is fitted with a sound suite developed by Hans Zimmer, what works two-fold: on one hand it generates a range of exterior sounds for pedestrian protection (at speeds of up to 30 kph (18.6 mph) and on the other, the Active Sound Design feature turns on while in Sport mode for a more intense engine sound to match the car’s dynamism.

FAQ

Q: What is this BMW 545e?

Essentially, the 545e is your 5 Series fitted with a hybrid powertrain. It can also be charged like an electric car. This, of course, isn’t BMW first sting at PHEVs.

What’s more, BMW will launch the more practical (i.e. wagon-shaped) derivatives of these models in November 2020 - we’re talking about the 530e Touring and 530e xDrive Touring.

Q: What powers the 5 Series 545e?

The 545e is the range-topper in BMW’s PHEV club. That status comes courtesy of a synchronous electric motor (80 kilowatts, 107 horsepower) that assists the straight-six gasoline mill (210 kilowatts, 282 horsepower)