BMW 530e 2021 decent PHEV or should you bother?

It's been a good year for cars in 2021, we've seen some proper competition come on the market and now BMW is completing it's range of PHEV models and Bob tests the new 5 series in Dublin.
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[@colinc.8742]

I have driven for 59 years and in countless cars. The 530e is the finest vehicle I have ever owned and driven.

[@nicknick2345]

Same here i love my new 530e I have same seats , self driving etch. My first Bmw. Did sell my merc c class. And I’m loving the bmw. I just want to tune it. But only 1 firm in Finland ho can open the cpu. So I’m waiting.

[@umer.durrani]

I’m planning to buy one can you please let me know what’s the combine mileage in real life and also just petrol mileage thanks

[@colinc.8742]

@@umer.durrani On electric with the 9 kv. Batt. Depending on the time of the year between 18-24 on pure electric. Petrol about 40 depending on what type of driving..

[@umer.durrani]

@@colinc.8742 thanks

[@doorrob]

I agree, I’ve had 520ds, 530d’s, and even a 440d, but best all rounder is the 530e. Comfortable, refined, and tons of power. Went down the full EV route recently and have managed to offload so picking up a fresh 530e Touring tomorrow….ahh the freedom 😊

[@richb326]

Picked up mine 3 weeks ago. Fantastic car, I’m currently getting late 50’s mpg with some steady driving and a little bit of hooning. Put it in sport mode with xtraboost and the thing flys!

[@cosso2007]

Great review as always Bob and the behind the scenes part was great 👍

[@mrsinn2642]

I just realized that I need something with a tinted rear end, this is a new need now, thanks Bob!

[@m3photo726]

“I didn’t mean to come this way”. Story of my life, Bob!

[@damiencasey]

Brilliant to see a review that's not PHEV bashing , most reviews I have seen of PHEV are through gritted teeth but for those of us would love electric but do regular 300+ klms a day a couple of times a month can't get range anxiety out of our heads. Good review pity I can't afford it , maybe I'll wait 2-3 years and but it second hand for half the 84k price tag . Great review

[@jonathandonnelly4991]

Thanks Bob. Picking mine up on Monday. Can’t wait

[@JP-sn7cd]

I have just put a deposit on a 172 330e Bob. Ironic then that I see you drive past my estate in citywest saying that its an ideal area for such a car! Great video, can’t wait to get my motor.

[@noelcxl2037]

Recently found your channel and TikTok Bob and really enjoying the content. Keep up the good work sir 👍👍

[@trebor70]

Great vid, thanks. Owned a 2014 520d and forever regretted changing it. The 2020 530e is definitely at the top of the list for the next change, once the prices have dropped.

[@bazosmarek7981]

what did you changed it to?

[@matrixsenior]

Another great review Bob. I hope you are feeling better.

[@sw2599]

Watched to the end first video I’ve seen from you 10/10 very entertaining

[@markscars1069]

Always watch right to the end :) Will be adding a BMW of some description to our Mini JCW daily, later this year. Love the current 5 very smart looking piece of kit.

[@bobhope8593]

Great review Bob, keep it up!!

[@seancoughlan14]

Hi Bob, keep up the good work , love this 👍🏼. It would be great if maybe next time you could a PHEV Car challenge to road test the car ( PHEV Roulette 😂😂) - Pick a destination just outside the 60KM battery range like Circle K Kill to Circle K Portlaoise - 🙈🙈and see how far you can actually go on battery only ?

[@CarsofGlasgow]

The 5 Series touring is a great car, apart from the price the 30e models are pretty decent. We ended up with a 2020 520d as it was about £10k cheaper than the 30e.

[@sig6394]

Yep I love them 09 corsa's too and yep I stay to watch the extra, love you videos on car keep them coming your fabulous 👍💪👊🙏

[@1976DJH]

Great vid as always

[@jzy0104]

I got the LCI x3 30e. Brilliant car. Cant fault it. So much more comfy than my Q5 and much much nicer inside. Brilliant adaptive suspension

[@brendanduffy1215]

Everything goes back to covid in the end Bob! Stay safe. Enjoyed the review

[@robertgraham8813]

Love your banter .priceless

[@jonathonbehan2900]

Hey Bob, thanks for the video! You mentioned “non fingerprint” gloss / piano black trim, is this something new BMW have started doing? I’ve got piano black trim in my 1 series and it scratches and fingerprints easily so would be great if they’ve done something about this!

[@Dannyboy199500]

That was a lovely bridge, keep up the good work.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Thanks, will do!

[@dublinairportplanes]

hi bob i only live a few mins from citywest. great review as always.

[@isthkar123]

Again Bob nicely done review 👏 I'm thinking about lasting generations 330e mpg I'm normally motorway driving mostly the time is it good yes or no

[@eroche913]

Very nice update, looks more different than a typical midlife upgrade. I'm a big fan of the black trims over chrome, makes it much more youthful. Why anyone would buy a stodgy looking SUV body style over a handsome classic saloon such as this is beyond me.

[@paraicjoyce286]

Seen the end...great review...real world driving..

[@dalroth10]

Another excellent review Bob and the car looks superb ........... just the price tag that's an issue for most of us I reckon!🙁

[@lukedaunt4434]

Secondhand they are very reasonable, they depreciate like mad. I used to own one, loved it but mad depreciation. Great car if you want to keep it for 10 years.

[@gib321]

Out take is the best. Nice Pug 3008 passing to you on the right on the Tallaght bypass.

[@StevenGodfrey3956]

Great review Bob ! Lovely car. I've started saving 😁👍

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Good choice!

[@mso8190]

Lovely car. Looks really smooth and quiet.

[@rickypattersonymail]

Good to know that Transport Ministers everywhere make promises they won't always keep. Solid video sir.

[@LEARNINGMG]

Looks amazing, to be honest Bob. Like almost any five series with more than 250 horsepower, they just look amazing.

[@lulzimmuhaxheri1251]

I really like it also agree with what you said. Thanks Bob

[@bruts82]

Great review I’ve had one when it’s cold range is practically gone. Over time battery losses it’s capacity therefore depreciation is huge

[@adams7405]

My dealer changed mine after 5 years goodwill.

[@nicknick2345]

Ye u have guarantee on the battery for many years. How many miles hade ur car gone when he changed the battery?

[@user-vt7di5iu4p]

Great video. I’m driving the 530e for 4 years now and I’m loving it every day. The only problem is the size of the trunk. I just ordered a 530e Touring. More space. I assume and I hope the ride is the same. I was very lucky to get hold of the latest car of the G31 LCI model. I like it far more than the new one.

[@richyhardwick8014]

Was unsure, but not any more, buying ours tomorrow. Thank you

[@davidmccarthy6061]

If you're using turn signals you aren't testing a BMW as their normal customers use them.

[@brendanduffy1215]

🤣🤣🤣

[@LEARNINGMG]

hahaha i laughed my head off

[@timhorgan6843]

Was hoping you’d do a segment on the laser lights and some other extras in the car.

[@philiplee7604]

Yes!.. a tad superficial. A little more detail in the reviews would be ‘ icing on the cake’ because Bob is extremely watchable in the layback style!

[@leegreen67]

Hey Bob, if you get the opportunity to drive the 545e you might change your mind. Another stunning BMW is the 540D Touring although that one is probably best suited to trans continental European driving. Keep up the good work

[@joshoconnell164]

BMW website doesn't have the 540D listed for Ireland. You might be able to get a special order, but I don't think it's sold here.

[@anthonyoconnell5508]

Never seen a fella to get a bigger horn for the roads and bridges in tallaght! Bought a 545e it’s a ridiculously good car

[@kevinsayers771]

Picking up a 545e soon. Cannot wait.

[@paulrose8876]

Nice comment about others driving styles most reviewers seem to have a lead foot. PHEVs have the ability to cover long distances without stopping and can traverse metropolitan areas in electric only when required. Sure more costly to service but looking at the cost of fast charging away from home not much difference to liquid fuels and my motorcycle is cheaper to run in that comparison.

[@tdikeith]

Most PHEVs can't fast charge, limited to about 3.6kW charge rate so you'll never have to worry about inflated charge rates on these, its not possible.. No extra to service either, its just service the petrol engine side of things. Which tends to be cheap enough as they petrol engine has a relatively easy life as its not always working. I have a motorbike (honda blackbird so not the most efficient) and one of these 530e, and my 530e is better on fuel than my bike in all settings, motorway or around town.

[@rabit818]

Love the new intro graphics

[@elthamlad468]

I pick up my 2017 530e with 54,000m next week. Exact same interior as this car in video. I'm a little nervous as never had a PHEV but this video is really helpful. I have a very short city commute or an occasional 32 commute on motorway, so I am really hoping this vehicle works. I am fortunate and can charge at home so that really helps. My only concern is the batteries have a six year warranty so mine is just put, and it remains to be seen how they deteriorate long term. However I have spoken to a bmw technician who stated that generally they have not seen many issues with the batteries. They are prohibitively expensive to replace though should they need it

[@liamcotter2931]

I’d of thought a 7 series was at that price tag! Lovely car though

[@ukcarver]

Based on this great review I have just bought a new 530e and I’m sure I can make it work as far as efficiency is concerned. But listening to lots of other reviews I wonder have I done the right thing. I’m sure I have.

[@EmuGamesMaster]

Rubbish on mpg. 39.2 off 3200 miles since new. Plugged it in loads and its just pointless. Waste of time unless your stopping for a break. Then most places you have to pay parking charges on top!

[@ukcarver]

I have now had the530e for several months and average over 100 mpg.

[@tabban21]

I get the feeling Bob absolutely LOVES BMW lol

[@nudgenudgewinkwink3212]

lovely car , lovely colour too Bob.

[@Edvard.Munchkin]

Bob, you know this 2030 thing in Ireland, all new cars must not have an internal combustion engine? I think they should make all cars hybrid from 2030, it makes more sense. Even though it's 9 years away, I don't think folks will be ready to make that change. Give them the hybrid, let them see that it can work, and people will soon change. 2050 is a more realistic target for full EV in my opinion.

[@a4feksake]

I’ve one on the way after a 520i looking forward to it

[@tuccobuibui]

At the end of the day, what is left to the Lexus ES300h for instance ?

[@elliottkeen9933]

Bob your a true star

[@graham4843]

Looks a great car. Any info on the road tax cost

[@meethree6305]

I’m looking at one of these now, as a company car driver, compared to my current 520D I’d save £400 per month in BIK Tax in the UK. This is where the market is and for this reason PHEV is the way forward, until fully electric has the range and infrastructure for fast on the go wireless charging. Great video Bob

[@mamba101]

Rationalising cars because of tax incentives is a bit weird though.

[@Runawaygeekchannel]

@@mamba101 Been kinda doing it for years, mpg has been an economic standard for years, petrol tax is high in the UK, so lower mpg means you pay more tax.. 😆

[@mattwassall3524]

Hi, did you buy the hybrid?

[@alexandruneacsu2292]

Painted brake pads? Cool feature. Calipers Bob.

[@twostroketom]

Sergeant Major reporting for duty. I'm one of the poor people, so guess I can walk then! We all knew you were heading through Tallaght - listen carefully 14:02 😉👍

[@BobFlavinVideo]

You are the real warrior out there!

[@doorrob]

Does it have the adaptive dampers ?

[@Coolh2014]

What’s the suspension like?

[@McGeady78]

Good video Bob always watch till the end. Your filming not to far from me! Would love to know next time you film there and come round and watch. 👍🏻

[@ryanchadwick9100]

I have this car it’s amazing worth every penny

[@nicknick2345]

Same here i love my new 530e I have same seats , self driving etch. My first Bmw. Did sell my merc c class. And I’m loving the bmw. I just want to tune it. But only 1 firm in Finland ho can open the cpu. So I’m waiting.

[@lolopocho3490]

is the bmw 530 e better to save more money or the bmw 330e?

[@tonieveritt7045]

hi iam a prtrol head i love the 550 bmw the 4.4l petrol but that 530 phuv sounds amazing it really does what is the road tax on that 530 for the year you have the best of both worlds you use the electric for towns and petrol on long runs and it chargers the batterys up as well i have allways been a petrol head but that 530 have made me think a lot iyou are right it works it really does it was good to see this show thank you

[@micr75i]

any thoughts on the 545e?

[@v.k.7463]

Nothing very technical in this video, but I agree with everything stated. I just got this car 2 months ago, and it is awesome!

[@patconway7402]

The interior of the current 5 series is difficult to match , even by an E class. That electric adjustable memory steering wheel is class too. It’s just a good start to your day. The 520d is a miser on fuel.

[@EmuGamesMaster]

Mate the mercs are light years ahead of bmw’s bland dated interiors that haven’t changed for years!

[@nicknick2345]

No they don’t. I just sold my merch for the 530e. I did love the merch. But the bmw is in another class. M sport package. Full loaded. I love it. Sure I wish 545e hade come out with a combi version. Then I might hade buy it. Have friends that tube it and got over 400 hp out from the 530e. BMWs interior, design etch nobody can beat it.

[@florian3934]

Any idea what that color is called?

[@googletop1989]

530D for me thanks!

[@googlereviewer2743]

After trying out the Mercedes E class PHEV and the BMW 5 Series PHEV, which car would you choose if both were same price? As in ride comfort, quietness. Thanks!

[@NathanTeskey]

Bmw hands down, feels sportier to drive. E class seems like a slug and is cramped in my opinion.

[@ukcarver]

By using the petrol engine to charge the battery up doesn’t that trash the fuel consumption.

[@fogh]

Looks like a lovely car - even to the end of the video! Do you think they’ll do a 530E Tourer?

[@RickSanchez__642]

Yes already available

[@newbeginnings8566]

There appear to be only 2 problems 1. The price 😵😵😵. 85,000€.... Even for a BMW that is crazy money... Then I saw and found out about the Irish registration tax.. A tax on a vehicle already taxed.. You people need to change your government and demand that this tax is abolished.. 2... Lack of standard equipment - and that's on this 85,000€ vehicle.. I imagine few people but new in Ireland?

[@dennisthapa4486]

What color is that car? Phytonic?

[@johnprendergast7085]

Cool Bridge. 😂👍🏼

[@kingGar27]

Nice review, as usual. 03:02 diesel hybrids don't make sense. Diesel's have to be driven on motorways to keep the emission controls clean. A PHEV is aimed at shorter commutes and urban driving where you're stopping/starting a lot. Stop/start is what kills fuel economy, not motorway cruising. The added weight of a hybrid drive system on a diesel cruiser would likely hamper, not improve, fuel economy.

[@thomashestbech7758]

What is the name of the Colour?

[@roboHare73]

Bob, excellent review again sir. I’m actually in the great situation of being able to order both the 530e msport saloon and the msport 330e (touring/saloon) as my next company car. Brilliant I know. Currently driving a 2018 520d. Considering I’m 6 ft 3 and a bit on the large size (due to lockdown) would you recommend staying with the 5 series or going down the 3 route? Cheers mate

[@ludwighedman4097]

The 5 series feels like a better verision of the 3 series. My family actually have one 330e and one 530e. The 3 series feels almost like any other new car. It has okay dampers, the volume in the cabin is okay but it is no way near as quiet as in the 5. I would say go 3 series if you like sportyness and don't care about comfort. Otherwise the 5 series is an easy pick!

[@nicknick2345]

The 5 serie. Nothing to even thinking about!! I did change from merch c class to Bmw 530e. So much bigger. Best car ever. My first Bmw and I love it

[@nicknick2345]

Ye the 5 serie have the comfort and so quiet. The c class was more sporty. But in the winter it was the worst car I ever driven!! I was afraid when I drive it. It was an amg so low. A lot of noise. The 5 serie is luxurious and so quiet. U don’t know when the engine start it do it so we’ll

[@aidenneill4693]

Is there any difference aside from battery output between the 2017 model and 2021 model?

[@tdikeith]

2017 had about 250hp in comfort mode but gave the 290hp in sport mode (the sales reps will confirm this and also if u use the built in power meter on the dash in sports mode u can see the hp / nm etc. The 2020 onwards had the 290hp quoted as the norm but essentially both give the same and both are the same speed and acceleration.and the likes.

[@sw2599]

Idrive 6 and 7

[@1MrErling]

Missing the temperatur wheel for cold / varm!!!!

[@krokuspokus2403]

I haven't tested the sedan, but the estate (touring) sacrifices too much boot space for the batteries, making the car a bit too impractical for my own taste. The performance was decent, but not stellar. Though it was a really comfortable ride, even if it's a really heavy car. 😊

[@terrywright9765]

Am new to and really liking this channel. Well done. 🍻 Too bad you can't review the crap we get in Canada.

[@frankmetcalfe9391]

Niccce one Bob

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Thanks Frank!

[@drluisgoncalves]

Make a test drive to the new BMW 520e 2021.

[@martino9134]

"Poor people can walk .." this is what happens when you spend more than 5 minutes in a Beemer 😉

[@MrShadowhearth]

Irish Market is flooded with UK 530e ( or at least was ). Ironically cheaper then 520d due to vrt favouring hybrids. From what I heard so far, mpg numbers don't even go near claimed ones on pre facelift models. I would go with 530e, because i prefer petrols over diesels and because there is F all 530i's in Ireland, but not sure about reliability of 530e.

[@cube1us]

This guy from Wisconsin USA says you need to come here to see what driving in the snow is really like.😂

[@ericrochford3134]

8:35 almost 30% of the total price to the government.....shocking and its only going to get worse!

[@evanbhufinn623]

It's a robbery

[@richboy900]

Rip off Ireland

[@alexmat106]

"Why would you buy anything else?"...I wonder myself!

[@yeahyeahyeahyeahwhatever]

I just can't understand the tinted rear windows...it makes a lovely car look like a van. I'm a regular late 2018 520i owner and these are fantastic cars that will give 40 to 44 mpg unless you drive like a nut all of the time. while I would never buy a hybrid unless forced by being drugged and whipped, a 5-Series is a majestic machine.

[@tdikeith]

Its the same engine as u have with a kick up the arse from an electric motor to make u think u are driving a 530i

[@hfugmann]

Awesome car

[@danwhelan]

The 530e is phenomenal! Totally agree the steering wheel is *chefs kiss* perfect. Always enjoy your BMW reviews Bob! My 201 has the 12kWh battery too. I haven't needed any petrol yet since I got mine! Anyone on the fence about one of these, go for it, if your average mileage isn't too much they're fantastic.

[@jsouto77]

Surelly the whole point of these is for people that do mega miles or have range anxiety. You could just buy a full electric for the price of this and never look back.

[@danwhelan]

@@jsouto77 Yeah I guess you could look at it that way also. I personally don't like any EV's that are out there right now in terms of their styling...I wanted a 5 Series that could run on electric for 95%+ of my journeys (most of my daily driving is within 30km). But it's great having the ICE for when I need to go further.

[@jsouto77]

@@danwhelan I respect everyone has a preference but unless you really need a hybrid for most of your journeys its just a given that you are in a no mans land situation. Petrol does not last very well these days unused and you are still subjecting yourself to emissions tests when they are due plus DPf's plus all other associated risks with mechanical components and still needs servicing just like normal ICE. Being that you use electric for 95% of the time, imho I dont think its the right car for you but I certainly won't go as far saying you made the wrong choice since Im sure you made you're choice based on what made you confortable and im not here to brainwash anyone :)

[@danwhelan]

@@jsouto77 If there was a full electric 5 series with say 350-400km range I would have preferred that for sure. Next time :)

[@jsouto77]

@@danwhelan Its well within BMW's grasp to do so. Its just a matter of time until they are forced to do so. I hope you dont have to wait long. As you can see, life is and can really be to short :)

[@yang5159]

great car

[@alisharifi8054]

i m 23 years old and i drive a BMW 530E out 2018

[@fulwell1]

What sort of mpg are you getting from this car? How does it compare to running a diesel, especially taking into account electricity cost please?

[@tdikeith]

I have one 2years now a 2017 model. Gets 48mpg with no compromise on driving. Have not been too good about charging in work but when i did last year mog went to about 60mpg. I do ~50km a day so motorway it makes sense to use petrol but electric kicks in to help. Its all dependant on ur driving though. Some people charge before work and at work and dont use petrol at all.

[@fulwell1]

@@tdikeith thanks, that is really useful info - easily equal to my diesel Jag even with your charging pattern. If I go for it, I suspect I would be almost religious about charging daily, but that should be easy as I have a driveway. Much appreciated, thank you

[@tdikeith]

I had a 2011 520d for 4 years before that and i can say that its better on fuel than that. The app on your phone is handy to monitor electricity usage so even electricity costs factored on top of petrol is lighter on use than my 520d. Also its a lot more fun as its a whole load faster 😀

[@williambellingham2024]

Seen to the end.. was funny

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Thanks William!

[@John-px4uk]

Great when there not broke , dirt box had a new one 2 years ago never again

[@nickdeverot883]

The 2021 is a much better improvement over the first generation I traded in my 2018 530 E for the 2021 Huge Difference Way better miles per gallon more electric range and more horsepower plus I got M sports package this time around

[@richarddastardly6845]

One day I want a 520d