New vs Old: 2021 G30 BMW 530e PHEV LCI – Now with CarPlay, but it ain't free

The new 2021 G30 BMW 530e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) facelift (LCI) was launched in Malaysia a couple of days ago, alongside its 530i sibling. Like the 530i, the new 530e is locally-assembled (CKD) at BMW’s Kulim plant.

At launch, BMW Malaysia is offering two variants of the facelifted 5 Series, which are the 530e and 530i. The 530e is the current entry point into the 5 Series line-up.

The G30 530e is priced at RM 334,353 (on-the-road, without insurance and SST, with extended warranty and service package).

Also Read: G30 2021 BMW 5 Series facelift (LCI) launched in Malaysia; from RM 334k

Exterior

Just its pricier sibling, the new BMW 530e gains new LED headlights with simpler L-shaped motifs. Yes, the 530e gets LED headlights, not the full-blown BMW Laserlights like the 530i.

Also Read: G30 2021 BMW 530i M Sport - What's so special about Laserlight?

The 530e LCI also gains a new front bumper. Like the 530i LCI, the 530e LCI also sees the deletion of the front fog lights, now repositioned into the main headlights, as part of the High-beam Assistant system.

Also Read: New vs Old: 2021 G30 BMW 530i LCI – Changes where it matters

Changes round the back include the revised LED tail lights, now with a more prominent lighting signature, as well as a mildly restyled rear diffuser piece.

The 530e shown in these photos wear the optional M Performance Parts package, which includes the bumper insert.

Completing the exterior are the new Style 845 M alloy wheels, similar to the 530i LCI. These new wheels replace the multi-spoke Style 664M units found on the pre-LCI car. As before, the wheels are 19-inch in diameter.

Interior

Stepping into the cabin and the most noticeable change is the infotainment display. BMW has swapped out the old 10.25-inch unit with a larger 12.3-inch unit.

The new BMW 530e also gains rearranged steering wheel control buttons, a sleeker-looking 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as gloss black finishing on the centre console.

Apple CarPlay connectivity is supported, though owners will need to fork out a one-time fee of RM 1,299 to enable the feature.

Powertrain

The BMW 530e M Sport features a petrol-electric hybrid featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, which does a maximum output of 292 PS and 420 Nm of torque. This is courtesy of the XtraBoost function that allows a temporary boost of 40 PS. 0-100 km/h is rated at 5.9 seconds.

BMW has also increased the capacity of the high-voltage battery, from 9.2-kWh to 12.0-kWh, thus allowing for an electric driving range of up to 67 km.

The high-voltage battery is backed by an 8-year / 160,000-km warranty.

Safety

The new BMW 530e LCI is fitted with the Driving Assistant package that includes Lane Change Warning, front collision alert with brake intervention (AEB), rear collision prevention, crossing-traffic warning, and Parking Assistant Plus.