{"id":1623,"date":"2020-08-11T19:49:36","date_gmt":"2020-08-12T00:49:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evglobe.com\/?p=1623"},"modified":"2020-08-11T19:49:36","modified_gmt":"2020-08-12T00:49:36","slug":"2020-bmw-545e-xdrive-test-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evglobe.com\/2020\/08\/11\/2020-bmw-545e-xdrive-test-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"2020 BMW 545e xDrive – Test Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"
The BMW 5 Series model range has already been out on the market for a few years. Worldwide sales of the current generation just recently topped the mark of 600,000 units. Starting July 2020, the revised version of the 5 Series went on sale as well. Next to design changes and technology updates, we also see new models coming to global markets. Especially the plug-in hybrid range has been extended to a total of five models. And that\u2019s also the main reason why we came to Munich.<\/p>\n
BMW invited us to test drive the all-new BMW 545e xDrive Sedan, BMW’s flagship PHEV (plug-in hybrid electrified vehicle) model within the 5 Series model range. The new BMW 545e joins the BMW 530e<\/a> which went on sale in early 2017. While the 530e is available as Sedan and Touring (either with or without xDrive), the 545e will solely be offered as a Sedan and comes standard with the xDrive all-wheel drive system.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Over the course of the last year, we saw the introduction of the BMW 745e<\/a> and the BMW X5 xDrive45e<\/a>. Both cars are powered by the marvelous BMW B58 engine<\/a>, a turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine with a total power output of 286 HP. Although the B58 is capable of producing even more power in other models, the engine has been modified and adapted for the cooperation with an electric motor. Consequently, also the BMW 545e xDrive is powered by combination of the B58 engine and an electric motor.<\/p>\n The electric motor is integrated in the drivetrain of the car and uses a 12 kWh battery to generate a maximum power output of 109 HP. If you are driving on pure electric power, BMW claims an electric range of 54 \u2013 57 km (34 \u2013 35 miles). Both systems are able to generate a combined power of 394 HP or 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Our pre-production test car came with the refreshed design of the M Sport package and featured the new exterior color Bernina Grey with an amber effect. Since the car was a pre-production model, some parts of exterior were still hidden with a camouflage tape.<\/p>\n At the front, a new taller and wider kidney grille stands out and is framed on the left and right side by the optional BMW laser lights. The laser light technology is available for the first time ever for a BMW 5 Series and features a new design with L-shaped light tubes arranged next to each other.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Our test drive with the BMW 545e xDrive started in Garching at the BMW press department. An instructor would be leading the way for the next one and a half hours. We will spend some time cruising through the Bavarian countryside and head back via the Autobahn.<\/p>\n For the first part of drive I kept the BMW 545e in the HYBRID mode, which is also the default driving mode of the car. The HYBRID mode allows the car to choose the way of generating its power. You can either run on pure electric power or, if needed, use the petrol engine. The additional use of the petrol engine happens smoothly and effortless, although you can feel the boost in power immediately.<\/p>\n Alongside the HYBRID driving mode the driver can also select an ADAPTIVE driving mode which is automatically adjusting the vehicles settings. In combination with the active route guidance of the navigation system, the car is able to anticipate upcoming driving situations.<\/p>\nEngine and Technology<\/h3>\n
The Exterior Design<\/h3>\n
Driving the BMW 545e xDrive<\/h3>\n