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Richard Ingram of Auto Express UK reflects on his time with the BMW 530e Touring plug-in hybrid, covering more than 7,000 miles of school runs, long-distance drives and family holidays. His conclusion is simple: this estate car blended practicality, comfort and hybrid efficiency so seamlessly that parting with it feels like losing a trusted family companion.
Initially sceptical about whether a plug-in hybrid could genuinely suit his busy lifestyle, Ingram admits the BMW quickly won him over. The ‘My BMW’ app played a central role, offering not just charge status updates and cabin pre-conditioning, but also monthly driving summaries that nudged him towards better efficiency. With figures showing he achieved an eDrive share higher than most other 530e drivers, even the app’s psychology became part of the experience.
June alone delivered 33 journeys, almost 600 miles completed on electric power, and impressive fuel efficiency figures. For Ingram, this constant feedback encouraged more conscientious driving, turning what began as a small gimmick into a meaningful motivator to plug in at every opportunity.
Beyond the technology, the Touring body shape proved invaluable. Family holidays to Cornwall and the Isle of Wight highlighted its cavernous boot and effortless comfort, while daily chores and even tip runs showed off its practicality. Long hauls from London to Yorkshire reinforced its credentials as a consummate cruiser, with ride comfort and performance easily on par with petrol-only models in the range.
No car is flawless, and the 530e Touring had its quirks. The infotainment system could be more intuitive, and the interior gloss trim demanded constant cleaning. Some of the numerous drive modes also felt more like marketing than meaningful tools. Yet these were minor complaints in an otherwise polished package.
As the keys were finally handed back, Ingram concluded that the BMW 530e Touring had passed its long-term test with distinction. A hybrid estate that combined usability, comfort and genuine efficiency, it proved to be a family car capable of meeting every demand placed upon it. The next test car, he noted, has very large shoes to fill.
