2018 BMW 530e Review and Road Test in 4K

For 2018 the 5-Series gets two base models, a 530i and a plug-in-hybrid 530e. With essentially identical price tags and nearly identical performance, which should you buy? Let's find out.
0-30 : 2.5 Seconds
0-60 : 6 Seconds
1/4 Mile : 14.7 Sec @ 94 MPH
60-0 Braking : 124 Feet
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[@colinc.8742]

At 76 I have owned and driven numerous cars, without doubt the BMW 530i E is the finest car I have ever owned. Silent, comfortable and 63 to the gallon

[@waldemarsantos8057]

shhhhh. keep it quiet until I buy my half price used 2018 530e :D

[@FaceLens]

@@waldemarsantos8057 haha same for me I love this car and I’m looking to buy one soon :)

[@locomoco4389]

A month ago a bought a certified pre owned 2018 530e for $28k with 36k miles. I love it! What an amazing balance of luxury, sportiness and efficiency. Not the best in any of these areas but not many combine all three attributes as well. I work approx 6 miles from home, I top off my battery in two hours for approx $1.60 and don’t use gas during the week, if I go straight home or makes stops along the way. I get more looks than the tesla folks and my mtn bike fits in the trunk, rear seats folded, front wheel off.

[@andresgutierrez3562]

@@locomoco4389 how many miles can you drive with the battery full electric?

[@locomoco4389]

@@andresgutierrez3562 I typically can go 11-12 miles in electric mode, about 8 if I’m using the heater, using the AC doesn’t affect range as bad, probably 10 miles. Those 11-12 miles involve at least half on a highway doing 80 mph.

[@blitzbbffl]

Alex, that was a tremendously comprehensive review. You are the very first auto reviewer to actually cite a 0 - 60 time (15 seconds) for a vehicle in "EV Mode". Thank you.

[@cavman1]

Your reviews continue to be the most comprehensive, most informative, and best edited. Well done. Thank you.

[@legendray2008]

No body comes close to the level of details you provide in your reviews, Alex.

[@swanblake]

legendray2008 Savagegeese

[@legendray2008]

Blake Swan I'm actually subscribed to him .. he's good too, but doesn't go into every single button and corner of the cars he review.

[@swanblake]

legendray2008 hmm I like them both alot. If you watched his latest ZL1 1LE review I learned so much. It's a 45 min watch. I was just saying if you didn't already know you should check him out. Both of these guys are just amazing

[@legendray2008]

Right :). Both are solid reviewers in their own way.

[@jsizzle7608]

I just got mine alpine white. I absolutely love it. Its beautiful inside and out.

[@frankiealexander1]

One of the best most detailed car reviews I’ve seen. Thank you for this video.

[@victimoffame2389]

Best car reviewer on youtube. Keep up the good work Alex. We would like to hear from you, comparison of operating costs over the years, like average cost of repairs, spares and regular maintenance between various cars. Also factor in re-sale value when choosing a particular car at the end, that will give your viewers a very detailed well informed decision.

[@rxonmymind8362]

You smashed this review. Awesome review Alex. Thank you for your effort and time to keep us well informed.

[@gideonz74b]

Surprised that the Mercedes E350e was not mentioned. Didn't it exist back then? It is usually put aside of the BMW 530e.

[@Jakesmusings]

I wish they would bring back the sports wagon, I loved the one I had in 2002.

[@ptafinishes4232]

Just leased a 2019 530E fully loaded. I freaking love this car!

[@colelockridge5816]

pta finishes LUCKY! Enjoy it, one day when I can afford it I want a g30 5 series. I got an e90 now, bmw makes great cars

[@Pedersen2k]

Sport or comfort seats?

[@ohnename1358]

Best review of this car, thanks a lot. Also for no bs music, for that RESPECT

[@davida9276]

I have owned a 2019 530e for a couple of weeks. It only has 500+ miles on it but I can share with you that the interior comfort and ride quality is exceptional. The combo electric and gas mileage has been averaging about 47mpge, with my normal daily commute being half highway and half back roads. The ONLY negative, and it’s a big one, is the braking system. When coming to a full stop from slow speed, the brakes give off a “nails on the chalkboard “ level of screeching. I’ve brought it back to the dealership who fed me a line of bs saying all bmw’s have this problem and there is no remedy. That’s bs. It’s a deal breaker. I’ll be dropping the car off at the dealership and leaving it with them until they figure out a way to eliminate the issue. It’s that bad.......

[@williamumbach592]

David Goodman owned ours for 10 months, 12,000 miles. No braking noise ever.

[@Mokh7777]

You're the 4th owner I've seen commenting about the screeching braking. Were they able to fix it? B/c that is a big negative

[@chadyaknow5690]

What happened? Is the car fun to drive?

[@davida9276]

All good. BMW stood behind the defect and replaced the brakes. Car is a dream to drive.

[@er5490]

@@davida9276 late reply what's your current mpg now that you've had it for years

[@ColonelRHS]

At last. A real narrative evaluaton, done in English without someone driving from the right side, and speaking in meters and kilometers. I wasted a lot of time with reviews that only showed video with no narrative (which I can see in a magazine). Actually got a lot of information from this one.. Thank you.

[@JVBNorway]

Im not going to buy this car but i still watched the whole video, very thorough and interesting. thumbs up

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

you got this right with the 4k zooming... great work man!

[@michaelxie4563]

I am a bit confused because you gave the M550i 10/10 in terms of rear seat comfort

[@TheLoreNetwork413]

Alex who is this "6 foot 5 inch passenger" you always talk about?

[@fer557]

Kevin Covington 😂😂😂😂, answer him Alex

[@colelockridge5816]

Kevin Covington it's his camera man, he showed it in his rolls Royce ghost bb episode.

[@subabro2013]

Jessica Rabbit

[@thedevincrutcher]

His husband/boyfriend, I'm guessing!

[@jasong3009]

His wife she's mad tall 😆 🤣

[@pinoybrand]

I bought this today, 2019 one. You made my decision easier.

[@gabeneedschrist]

How are you enjoying the car so far? Thinking of buying one! Here in Miami

[@pinoybrand]

@@gabeneedschrist Enjoying life with this car very much. My commute has a charging station. Between 2 - 10 miles average. The car has a 10gallon Gas tank I fill up once every 13 - 14 days most of the time. When I do go for a long commute, It does give me between 30-40 miles per gallon. I drive this car in All sport mode when I am in freeway, comfort mode on highways. Fun to drive, a bit stiff and rigid but the info system make up for it. My car is metallic grey with all black tint around with sport carbon trims on spoilers, and side mirror. I also have blue trim color kidney grill for EV package.

[@iPat6G]

It took me the longest time to decide between the Volvo and the BMW. I somehow came down to choosing between those 2 cars by myself. Glad to know they're also your top 2 choices. Wish I had seen this video first before I made my decision though.

[@kchardrict2338]

I rented a non Hybrid S90, I had to make adjustments to have total control of the car. The back seats are roomy. I use to own a 535. I will test drive a 530e soon. Good Job...

[@warnercastillo6639]

Easily the best review I've ever watched. Bravo 👏

[@bikingmoments]

Alex, in case you don’t know, BMW is selling long wheelbase versions of 3 (4.3 inches longer) and 5 (5.5 inches longer) series in Chinese market, and they are much more popular than standard wheelbase versions. The increased wheelbase all goes to backseat leg room, making them much roomier for rear passengers. I just wish BMW bring these to US market!

[@bikingmoments]

@japanwatchconnection ??? Did you know 7 series in US market comes only the long wheelbase version? Standard wb is only available in European market

[@mattiaslindgren7311]

Was expecting the review to start with "The BMW....just kidding I'm going to talk about the Stinger some more!"

[@sergevivier2023]

WOW you nailed this review Alex considering how complex this vehicle is.

[@goons123flofy]

Great job Alex, especially presenting all the alternatives. You mention android auto in the BMW. I didn't think android auto was offered by BMW. Has this changed recently?

[@darexdarex]

TurgBurglar He was mistaken in saying that Android Auto is available.

[@yasgamer]

You can always install an MMIPrime

[@chrismalveaux7638]

Thank you this is a really awesome video you did the 530 E very proper your assessment is accurate I own one as my daily driver the fuel efficiency is good for a car this size & the power is wonderful it is supremely comfortable and luxurious I have the M sport package which is great so when using the adaptive sport mode it actually stiffer & fun to drive.

[@hl236]

Subscribed! How can I have missed your channel. Lots of good-to-know information married with brilliant clarity and flow.

[@alritealrite2061]

Alex is the best auto reviewer, period .

[@shashanksharma1065]

Hi Alex! Quick question on the 530e. What happens when the battery runs out of charge ? Does the car lose most of its power and torque and drive like a corolla ?

[@michaelv6870]

That`s exactly why I would never buy one. A 5 series with 180 hp drives worse than a Corolla.

[@maxnix346]

Very well articulated review including analysis of competitors. I a hybrid car with options galore, this is very comprehensive and clear. Do wish someone would drive and review these with the M Sport package with the better seats and staggered tires. Adaptive suspension should be included in the option list also.

[@achow617]

The 5 series always has fix height seatbelt...I had an E39 and F10 version and I am pretty sure about the E60 as well...

[@piroozeslami5795]

Alex I subscribed, best reviewer, awesome.

[@chrise202]

Awesome review. Great job man!

[@anncabading5509]

you are best car reviewer on youtube !

[@dummy09]

is it possible to touch up on the reliability of the car? 530e vs. s90 t8?

[@Trades46]

I'm going to say a toss; both cars have complicated hybrid powertrains & pretty new. If this is any value, both the similar 330e & XC90 T8 have been out on market for at least a year and I've yet to hear the horror stories of either.

[@baldheadlogic]

Hey Alex. Great Review.

[@omarspost]

Why is the engine only mode mpg so poor compared to other 2L engines? BTW the EV components are all last gen Toyota components. It was part of a deal struck between the 2 companies in 2010, in exchange for BMW diesel engines amongst other parts and projects. ... Reviewers seem to fail mentioning this. This car was put together for Europe mainly, as most people driving family sized cars here are diesels, and the gov want everyone to stop buying diesels due to environmental and health issues. The car is intentionally over priced compared to its non hybrid models because of a massive tax break incentive through work. I'm looking to pick one of these up off the used market. Been reading what 530i long term owners have to say. From what they say, its good for urban driving. And if do more than 40-50 miles daily and fuel economy is key, it's only worth buying as long as you can charge it up daily. If not then buy any diesel or petrol turbocharged variant.

[@luke_mann]

Great review again! Where did you get that blue ostrich wallet? I saw one at my favorite leather goods shop in Dallas, TX a few months ago but haven't been able to find one online.

[@sheridanbucket]

16 miles isn't much, about the distance worth of ½ gallon of gas. That being said, if the electricity to charge from empty cost more than ½ gallon of gas... is a hybrid really worth it in the end? Also, what might be the cost to replace the battery pack, once it begins to lose memory? When these batteries are recharged repeatedly after being only partially discharged, they gradually lose usable capacity. What would be a fair comparison for life expectancy: 530i vs. 530e?

[@killacamfoo]

sheridanbucket no it isn't worth it, no plug in cars are. the electric car is a bad meme.

[@Cesar-jh8kd]

Some plug in hybrids are worth it like the Prius plug in and Volt

[@jonathanjackson9208]

I wouldn't put my name on any prius! It all depends on how you drive it. BMW stated 31 miles on electric power when I first looked at this model; now that has been removed and for a 9.2 kw battery pack if you're gental you probably could do it. The battery is lithium ion and BMW give it an 8 year 80,000 Warranty. The range is truly about 400 miles, but one thing Alex didn't mention is the gas tank is much smaller in this than a 530i it's only 12.10 gallons. Plug in hybrids still have a long way to go. But id own this no questions

[@ttiwehde]

sheridanbucket i

[@Ydkoll]

The first part to your question is yes, it is worth buying in the end. And the reason for that is because the price of crude oil never stays the same. It could dramatically change from one month to the next. As for replacing the battery, there is a warranty of 8 years/80,000 miles. You also asked what would be a fair life expectancy for the two. My answer to that question would be it all depends on the driver himself...... how he maintains the car, how drives the car and so forth. Just out of curiosity, do you own any type of hybrid vehicles?

[@TheWrongBrother]

Considering trunk space seems to be an issue for most plug-in hybrids, can this concern be sorted by going for the wagon models of this type of car? Is there a difference in any of the specs? Would those be better options?

[@jonathanjackson9208]

TheWrongBrother if you live in America, wagons are dead

[@CompanyBusinessCards]

This is awesome. Love your style.

[@shrimpman8422]

great review, I really enjoyed it

[@jimdieselsgarage]

Can you one-pedal drive these cars like a full electric or is it impossible because of that drivetrain layout?

[@chaff5]

I know I'm in the minority here but I wish they would make PHEV M cars. Why can't I have the high performance when I want it and then 100% EV when I get my groceries?

[@DJIDroneTravel]

Great review I ever seen 👍 for the BMW 530e

[@Trades46]

I find it BS is the fact BMW offers the 530e in both RWD & xDrive configurations, but the similar powertrain in the 330e can only be had with RWD (no xDrive is offered). If the 330e xDrive was actually a thing, it could possibly be my next car.

[@swanblake]

Trades46 then get a 5 series or learn to drive properly. RWD is a great thing

[@maxnix346]

New G20 330e is your car then. 50 mile battery range.

[@danielbuckley7793]

Moonroof? What do you call that if you're driving during daytime? :)

[@yngvethomassen9508]

Sunroof ?

[@zad937]

can you please answer one question how many litres will fill the tank and how many miles do you get with a full tan

[@smovol1847]

It's large sedan (E segment), not mid-size. It's not full-size car, which is 7 series (F segment), but also not mid-size, because the last one is 3 series (D segment).

[@akg4y]

Alex, Stinger or 5 series?

[@lolopocho3490]

would you recommend this car to drive for uber and save money

[@borninhk1]

There needs to be a 540e! At the price it is at, 0-60 should be at the same as the S90!

[@louisvl10]

They listened and made the 545e! 6 cylinder plug-in 🤤

[@theoneandonlyhere]

The best review sir

[@tarassu]

I was waiting for that one!

[@bluedream916]

hey Alex, ty for this review and it was very usefull.

[@cls63amgwagon34]

Is this worth it if you’re not going to plug it in ever?

[@rolandsv8]

Definitely not- you will have same performance , bigger boot and 200kgs less weight in 530i. This drinks petrol as Godzilla if you are out of charge and in battery charge mode.

[@MrConor159]

Why would you ever do that.

[@jadpal9428]

How many kilowatts does a BMW 530e need to charge?

[@NaNslx]

Soooo in length, this car is longer than a Honda Pilot. Wow.

[@anthonymillett16]

You should review the 330e!

[@llewrek]

Please review the 330e! I would devour that video!

[@binelampic5620]

Beautiful explained

[@edgarsanjurjo7156]

Excellent Review..

[@Mr-E.]

Toyota Camry has more space in the back as well, since you mentioned the Volvo s90

[@ericcalistro]

I find a fully loaded Camry and Volvo to be in the same category.

[@sporla3]

530e vs 330e. which one would you buy.

[@lukastaraila]

yes

[@josephjohn907]

330e

[@stephenr6194]

How long does the battery last? 2 years 3 years and the replacement cost?

[@VSS1]

Johnny L BMW iDrive usually guaranteed for 8 years, so at least 8 years I’d guess.

[@bird718]

the 530e is interesting, i wish it had a bigger motor, for improved performance or mpg to make it stand apart from the base 5 series. then again they configured the car so it can get more sales cafe and all that

[@TheDrunkenSovietCat]

the 530e has a counterpart that is only sold in europe which is the 545e

[@Babythinkbig]

Great review

[@martinlintzgy1361]

520d 55mpg. Why would anyone prefer petrol 530i, 26mpg?

[@danielbuckley7793]

7:11 wait, android auto? You must have the only BMW with android auto support in the world

[@noelodwyer]

Great Review.

[@tarassu]

Prius economy in luxury sedan with best ride quality on the market.

[@CMCNestT]

Hoping to see a Honda Clarity PHEV review. Always great reviews.

[@90OscarS]

Really well-made review, thanks!

[@quonston]

What does lugsury mean?

[@SumanGantaMr]

Hello Alex, when are you going to review 2018 sienna?

[@phych]

Hey Alex! I couldn't find any information that BMWs support Android Auto.

[@swanblake]

phych it doesn't support it

[@maxnix346]

That is what I was wondering.

[@ClinicaCosmedicaBaiaMare]

Hi, Great presentation! I have a 2020 530e for a couple of months and I’ve encountered a strange thing when wanted to cool the interior on a hot day, by using gas, not the electric and not the preconditioning. I wanted to use only the gas to cool the interior, but the car after you turn it on, works only on electric mode, even if you switch between the autodrive, emode or battery control and I wanted to turn the gas engine on and leave it running so that the interior will cool, without staying inside, but it seems it doesn’t work like that. This was to save the electric battery since I was in a place where I couldn’t plug it in and had a few miles left on the battery itself. Can you suggest how I can do that? So, when I’m home and have the cable plugged in I don’t have to use the climatisation and preconditioning because the car is in a garage, but when I’m in a place that doesn’t have a socket and the car needs to be cooled or heated, how can I do that without staying inside? Thanks

[@hughbrown6023]

Step on the gas pedal and it will start the motor. Then you can get out and leave the car running it honks the horn to let you know it's running but it will stay running until it runs out of gas. I figured this out by myself by accident even the bmw genius didnt know this.

[@ClinicaCosmedicaBaiaMare]

@@hughbrown6023 I will try this and let you onow if it works for me. Right now the only way to turn on the gas engine is if I position the shifter into D-mode and then pit it into Manual, but I have to stay inside. So you say that after I turn on the car, I should press the gas pedal and then from the electric mode (which is automatically activated if I have some battery power left) it will turn into gas mode in the parking state and I can get out of the car while running. Thanks a lot for your advice.

[@hughbrown6023]

@@ClinicaCosmedicaBaiaMare Yes. When you stop put the car in park then push the gas petal until it starts the motor then get out and lock the car it will honk and continue running. That's it!

[@lukimy2704]

Love it

[@Gez492]

Strange that when Audi bring out a new but "evolutionary" model the Jourmo's criticize it for being too much like the outgoing model but here we have an arguably cloned and more than a little boring looking 5 series and it gets an ok for being evolutionary. Just a point really, its ok but there are more exciting choices

[@maxnix346]

The differences between the F10 and G30 5 Series are much deeper than mere body styling.

[@dlobrown024]

2018 model have android auto???

[@nevermindless6794]

It does

[@Ostentatious24]

Oh my God, can you imagine an aging hybrid/electric BMW ... I'm getting stressed out just thinking about it...

[@PaschaChilla]

The problem is, they don't age anymore. Life expectancy of new cars are like 7-10 years. And after 5 years the electronical problems are already appearing and you are most of the time out of manufacture warranty after 2-5 years.

[@geraldbennett7035]

BMW has to STOP MAKING EACH NEW GEN BIGGER! This car is a land yacht. Yuck

[@freed14760]

What about s90 t8 reliability? V4 turbo supercharged engine...

[@kennycasillas901]

No such thing as a "V4". Inline 4 Russ.

[@maxnix346]

@@kennycasillas901 Oh no, there have been and are V4.

[@kennycasillas901]

@@maxnix346 v4 on a motorcycle yes. Cars... Not since the 80's. And it was rare then.

[@EdwinLLLLL]

When are you going to test 2018 accord？thanks

[@jaylee8703]

How about 530e vs the badass 540i..... Well..... which one would you choose? www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=38754&id=39230

[@roryridge4242]

Does anyone own this car and could comment on the actual charging time (on 110V as well as on 220V)? And on the actual range you are getting (in all electric and in hybrid mode)?

[@kennycasillas901]

Own it. 2.5 hrs on 240v and 5.5 hrs 110v. Range varies on conditions. I average about 18 miles all electric and 60mpg hybrid auto edrive

[@williamumbach592]

Owned for 10 months, 12,000 miles. 110V (home plug in) is 9hrs. No idea for 220V but would guess half that time. Range is probably 360 miles. Again, smaller fuel tank due to batteries, and cruising 80 on Interstate will average around 30mpg. All electric mode (I call golf cart mode) is 17 miles traveled total. Our Round trip to work is 50 miles, so full electric charge each night then 50 miles hybrid drive each day (batteries will be empty) will show around 48mpg. I don’t know how much 9hrs charging costs me. Great Car all around for road trips, but again then only going to get 30mpg and 360 miles of range. If your daily commute round trip is 17 miles total or less, and that’s all you usually drive the car for each day, you may only use gas when you take the vehicle out for more miles in a day.

[@gilbertreynoso6155]

Junk. 2018 toyota camry le hybrid gets 52mpg city for half the cost around 27k and it will last you for ever and has a range of about 700miles on a full tank.

[@111danish111]

Your thinking is junk . Not a sports car .

[@kennycasillas901]

Comparing a Camry to a 5 series. Really.... Not even close. Camry is nothing but plastic noisy tin can.

[@chrisosullivan3836]

16 miles range on electric, what a waste of time 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@nischintr]

I really can’t get over two things about BMW 5 and the new X3 1. The dashboard design and quality. They just feel and look cheap, squeak if you slightly press on them. 2. Run flat tires 👎🏻 I wish Audi comes out with a plug-in hybrid of their new A6/Q7 which, for all practical purposes, I felt were better vehicles than their BMW counterparts. This coming from a BMW fanboy who owns a 335xi.

[@jonathanjackson9208]

Nischint Ramesh, Audi/VW/Porsche have a long way to redeem themselves after Diesel gate. I hope they can come up with something

[@nischintr]

Probably true, but that doesn't mean that their gasoline cars are not good and they are in fact great cars for the money. I've always believed BMW were better overall cars but with the new generation of Audis, I don't think that is true anymore. Just see Alex's 2018 Q5/A5 reviews.

[@swanblake]

Jonathan Jackson let it go

[@jonathanjackson9208]

Blake Swan, what am I letting go exactly?

[@Ydkoll]

Agreed! the new generation of Audi's are awesome. A3, A4, A5, and the new A8 look brilliant. I just feel that they kind of fell behind with the A6 A7 interior. Its been like that since 2011. Its long overdue. As for BMW, I have to disagree with you about the quality. They are one of the best when it comes to fit and finish. Maybe you came across a BMW that was a lemon. Although i can't wait to see if Audi will bring out A6's new generation this year with quattro. If they don't, my money is going on BMW.

[@maxncathy44]

Where do you find a 6 ft 5 person for all your car reviews? Your son?

[@user-xt8pw4jn6e]

Max Mitchell his wife

[@natannatan2378]

best!

[@hamzaalabdali2118]

Nothing new .... all its new electric features similar to ford fusion energi and it begins from 2013!

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

Toyota has the best system

[@charlesschuster7963]

right side tail pipe is a dummy, not functional

[@BokehEffectABC]

Ultimate Drive Machine, or, Ultimate Gas Saving Machine, or, neither?

[@user-xt8pw4jn6e]

wwu124 ultimate sex machine baby

[@SPHINX144]

In conclusion, buy the Volvo s90 t8.

[@swanblake]

BMWs today are really starting to look quite unattractive.

[@tommytexter4054]

damn, bmw is still giving you yankees only the half-ass shit of dash? even now in 2018? lol....anywhere else in the world, full digital dash is standard.. Here in Canada too, even M sport pkg is standard. convert to US dollar still cheaper than a US version. go figure!!

[@jeremyswaggboy1]

..

[@terrancel1786]

clown cars the gas engine car is done