BMW 5 Series, 7 Series & X5 PHEVs get visual updates

BMW is planning to stress the cleaner character of the plug-in hybrid carlines and will start differentiating them further from the ‘regular’ models starting this summer. The Germans have announced that the BMW PHEV cars will have a few distinctive features starting next month. The update includes new lettering and BMW i Blue accents around the car.

Design

The Munich-based carmaker has announced that the plug-in hybrid variants of the BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series, and BMW X5 will receive fresh exterior and interior design accents that pronounce their hybrid credentials. In line with this goal, the BMW insignias on the hood, tailgate, steering wheel, and wheel hubs will carry a BMW I surround. A model that will get slightly more attention from the stylists is the BMW 5 Series Touring, which will provide the buyers with more customization options. Rounding up the updates of the three models are bigger 19-inch alloy options that will replace the current 18-inch units. These alloy wheels will be available in five different styles. 

With these changes, BMW will return to its original fashion when its first hybrid cars used to be a part of the company’s ‘iPerformance’ range and come with BMW i Blue accents and the ‘i’ logo on the front fenders. While these styling elements were dropped in the later models, they are making a comeback on the current crop of Bimmers that have plug-in hybrid setups to emphasize their eco-credentials.

2022 BMW 5,7, X5 PHEV Interior 

The cabins of the PHEVs will remain mostly untouched except for the new blue accents and the updated logo on the steering wheel. All the models will be kitted out with the latest generation of BMW’s iDrive interface along with a high-res digital 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The updated system offers haptic controls for the iDrive controller, an advanced tablet-like touch interface, rich graphics, and the largest displays ever seen on a production BMW.

Specifications

Not much is expected to change with the specifications of the vehicles. The BMW 530e saloon will continue to offer a maximum power output of 215 kW/292 hp along with a pure electric range of 32-37 miles*. The 530e Touring gets the same setup with an electric-only range of 32-35 miles*. The BMW 745e Plug-in Hybrid offers a 290kW/394hp setup that provides an all-electric range of 30-32 miles*. The X5 xDrive45e also offers 290kW/394 hp of peak power output but offers a pure electric range of 50-54 miles*.

*WLTP rating

Prices of the BMW 5, 7, X5 PHEV are expected to stay largely untouched with the introduction of the updated styling package.

2022 BMW 5,7, X5 PHEV FAQs

Featured image: BMW X5 xDrive45e with Pirelli 22-inch P ZERO tires