2021 530e offers all the fun and comfort you expect from BMW

2021 BMW 530e: A question I never thought I’d be asking: Can the BMW beat the Hyundai Sonata?

Price: $70,485 as tested. Premium Package, $1,850; Driving Assistance Plus, $1,700; Parking Assistance Package, $800; M Sport brakes with blue calipers, $650; blue paint, $550; heated steering wheel, $190. More below.

Conventional wisdom: Car and Driver liked the “seamless hybrid operation, satisfying acceleration, sport-sedan agility,” but contemplated, “If only the steering had some feel, X5 plug-in is quicker and has more electric range.”

Marketer’s pitch: “Experience more with the executive plug-in hybrid.”

Reality: It’s closer than you’d expect.

What’s new: The 5 Series is all new for 2021.

Interesting comparison: The 2021 530e showed up in my driveway at an interesting time; I was checking out the Hyundai Sonata N Line the same week ($34,590 as tested). Their horsepower numbers are almost the same (BMW’s 530e is two shy at 288), but taking them on the same trips back to back made for some eye-opening comparisons.

Up to speed: The 2.0-liter twin-turbo with integrated electric motor in the 530e can’t keep up with the Sonata N Line, getting to 60 mph in a half-second slower 5.7 seconds, according to BMW. The 530e’s 288 horsepower almost splits the difference between the lesser 530′s 248 and the 540′s 335.

» READ MORE: 2020 Hyundai Sonata redesign hits almost all the right notes

But the BMW wins for super smooth power delivery. Front-wheel drive does the Sonata no favors while the 530e’s rear drive provides the power with profound smoothness and just a certain aura of calm.

All this awesome happens in Sport or Sport Plus modes. If you just plunked down $70K and would rather drive a much slower car (and save some fuel), EcoPro mode offers a sedate version, but it’s still quite nice for everyday cruising.

Bonus: You really have to be paying attention to notice the switch between gas and electric; it’s really seamless.

On the road: The handling on the BMW is far superior than on the Hyundai, providing not just a stable ride but a sense of joy and serenity. It feels as if the 530e could never possibly lose its grip. I’m sure the M Sport package ($2,500) helped out here. I’d love to check out the xDrive version.

Shifty: The 8-speed automatic transmission is operated with BMW’s Sport joystick, which has become standard. Shifting has just the right feel and gear changes are delivered smoothly.

Driver’s Seat: Here’s where BMW engineers really throw down the gauntlet. The Luxury Seating Package ($1,000) provides for multi-contour seats with front ventilation, which are then covered in Ivory White Nappa Leather for another $2,500. But the $3,500 result makes me wish I could snap them off and bring them in the house. BMW’s seats have been (mostly) hit and (a few) misses for me, but these reside in the Lexus Cuddles category.

Being able to drive back-to-back trips in the 530e and the N Line made the seats comparison that much clearer. The N Line seats are really firm.

Also, the 530e interior sports Aluminum Rhombicle trim. I just liked the name. Rhombicle. Rhombicle. I feel like I’m turning into English actress Miranda Hart. Or a rhombecile.

Friends and stuff: The rear seat passengers will enjoy a pretty solid portion of the BMW experience, as well. The seat provides comfort and support, with plenty of room to stretch out legs and to grow tall, and wiggle toes.

Cargo space is 14 cubic feet, a little on the small side.

Play some tunes: BMW doesn’t mess around. The usual 12.3-inch touchscreen controlled by the dial and button setup on the armrest continues as it has for the entire life of the Driver’s Seat column. Keep it up, designers.

Sound from the system is primo, an A.

Keeping warm and cool: The HVAC controls also look just as they always have, with dials for temperature and buttons for source and fan control in between.

Fuel economy: I averaged close to 30 mpg in the 530e, with a lot of plug-in time. I even spent an hour driving country roads and highways into Lancaster County for an evening.

Further, recharge mode helps add back electric power while driving, and saves on plug-in time.

Where it’s built: Dingolfing, Germany

How it’s built: Consumer Reports gives the 5 Series a predicted reliability of 3 out of 5.

In the end: If the comparison had been more ridiculous, I never would have put the Hyundai up against the BMW. The Hyundai Sonata N Line has all the numbers, but BMW just makes it all feel so much nicer. But, if you can’t pay double, be happy in your N Line.