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Electric Car or Plug-in Hybrid – Expert Advice

Updated: July 23, 2025, 12:17 PM

Published: July 22, 2025, 09:45 AM

Electric cars have rapidly improved, and many can now handle all their driving needs with electric power, without compromising on space or comfort.

However, there are situations where choosing a modern plug-in hybrid might be a better option.

Magnus Lord Arenander, Product Manager at BMW Sweden, shares his advice for those struggling to decide.

The development of electric cars has accelerated in recent years, often described as a revolution in the automotive world. Cars now offer longer ranges, and technology enabling faster charging has been developed. An expanded charging infrastructure has also been crucial for the transition to locally emission-free mobility.

“Yes, we now have a good charging network. The combination of better range, charging infrastructure, and the car’s software optimizing the journey means that most people can now drive even longer distances with an electric car without having to adapt or worry about not reaching their destination,” says Magnus Lord Arenander.

Not Just Range

But the development is not just about range and charging. It also includes new smart features and architecture that enable both better driving experiences and larger interior spaces. Now, there are models that offer the same cargo and passenger space regardless of the powertrain.

A frontrunner here is BMW and the BMW i5 xDrive40 Touring, an electric premium wagon with all-wheel drive, is a clear example of this. The model has an electric range of up to 561 kilometers, and the battery can be fast-charged with a power of up to 205 kW.

In the latest generation of the 5 Series, all versions with electric drive (BEV & PHEV) have the battery pack integrated into the floor. This means – in addition to a centered weight that ensures good handling – that the batteries do not encroach on the space for luggage or passengers. The BMW i5 xDrive40 Touring loads a full 570 liters with the split rear seat up, a figure that applies to all versions of the 5 Series Touring.

Plug-in Hybrid

In parallel with the advancement of electric cars, plug-in hybrids have been developed. They combine combustion engines with electric drive, providing flexibility for longer journeys.

“There are different scenarios where a plug-in hybrid may be a more logical alternative than a fully electric car. For example, you may often drive long distances in areas where the charging infrastructure is not yet fully developed or have a holiday home where you do not have the opportunity to charge safely. Then it is a security to have a combustion engine while knowing that you can handle your daily driving on electric power,” says Magnus Lord Arenander.

Up to 98 Kilometers on a Single Charge

Three examples of how far the development has come are the three plug-in hybrid wagon versions in BMW’s 5 Series. These are the BMW 530e Touring, BMW 530e xDrive Touring, and 550e xDrive Touring. The first two have a system output of 299 hp and combine a modern turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor of 184 hp. Thanks to a battery with a net capacity of 19.4 kWh, an electric range of up to 98 kilometers is stated with rear-wheel drive and 92 kilometers with all-wheel drive.

The BMW 550e xDrive Touring combines a straight 6-cylinder engine of 313 hp with an electric motor of 197 hp. The system output of 489 hp and 700 Nm means that the sprint from 0–100 km/h is completed in 4.4 seconds, while the car has an electric range of up to 91 km.

For those who want to combine plug-in hybrid with maximum practicality and performance, there is something really special: the BMW M5 Touring, which with its 727 horsepower is one of the market’s most powerful cars.

Technology and Driving Pleasure

BMW has been careful to ensure that whether you choose an electric car or a plug-in hybrid, you should have access to the best possible driver support when you are behind the wheel.

This includes the latest version of the BMW infotainment system iDrive OS8.5, which in combination with the BMW Curved Display gives the driver easy access to all the car’s functions through two screens of 12.3 and 14.9 inches respectively. The system can be voice-controlled, which makes it even more user-friendly.

There is also Adaptive Suspension Professional (standard on i5 xDrive40 Touring, i5 M60 xDrive Touring and 550e xDrive Touring), which means active shock absorbers that adapt the car to driving style and driver preferences, as well as rear-wheel steering which makes the car both smoother and more fun to drive. Other examples are BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Curved Display, semi-electric sports seats, two-zone climate control and camera- and radar-based driver assistance systems as standard equipment.

BMW i5 Touring: Key Features

BMW has carefully selected the most popular options and packaged them into favorable Edition models in 4 different levels.

Standard equipment includes: BMW live cockpit plus with BMW curved display, BMW operating system 8.5 with navigation, Harman Kardon surround sound system, sports seats for driver and front passenger, electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger, automatic climate control with 2-zone control and compartment for wireless charging.
Active edition includes electric towbar and cars ordered from May 5th include Driving Assistant Plus which includes adaptive cruise control.
Options include M Sport Active Edition (which now also includes Driving Assistant Plus), Innovation Edition.

BMW 530e xDrive Touring: Key Features

BMW has carefully selected the most popular options and packaged them into favorable Edition models in 3 different levels.

Standard equipment includes: BMW live cockpit plus with BMW curved display, BMW operating system 8.5 with navigation, Harman Kardon surround sound system, sports seats for driver and front passenger, electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger, automatic climate control with 2-zone control and compartment for wireless charging.
Active edition includes electric towbar and cars ordered from May 5th include Driving Assistant Plus which includes adaptive cruise control.
Options include M Sport Active Edition (which now also includes Driving Assistant Plus), M Sport Business Edition.

This article was produced in collaboration with BMW.

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