2018 BMW 530e xDrive: 30 Extra MPG for $1200 [Video]

The 2018 BMW 530e costs just $1,200 more ($52,400 base MSRP, $54,700 for xDrive) than its non-hybrid brother ($51,200 base price). The EPA says you should be able to get 67 MPGe, an improvement of over 30 MPG from the gasoline only model. So, Andre and I took the car on our 50 mile MPG loop here in Colorado to test this claim and see if you can really get an extra 30 MPG for just $1,200.

[Photo: BMW]

Drivetrain

Powering the 2018 BMW 530e xDrive is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder that, combined with its electric motor, makes 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. BMW says this engine will propel the 530e to 60 MPH in just 5.8 seconds if you have xDrive AWD. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

[Photo: BMW]

Results

So, how did the 2018 BMW 530e xDrive hold up to its claimed MPGe of 67? Andre and I managed to get 64.5 MPG on our 50 mile loop (with a 1 mile detour due to construction). Over the 50 mile journey we managed to use just 0.79 gallons of gas, costing us a little under $3. Pretty good considering it only costs $1,200 to upgrade from the all-gasoline model.

For more efficiency tests, be sure to stay tuned to TFLcar.com.

For a better explanation of our testing procedures and to hear some driving impressions on the car, be sure to watch the whole video.