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I just happened to park next to a 530e at work yesterday and this quick photo op appeared to me. It’s interesting to me how different the two implementations of “mild Hybrid” are, with the 530e being a plug-in with an ICE, and the RLX not.
The two are about the same price, used. The 530e gets up to 27 miles on electric power, as opposed to “not very far” with the RLX. RLX has far more power (377 hp/341 lb ft vs 288 hp/310 lb ft) and is significantly faster (4.9 second 0-60 vs 5.8-6.0 for the BMW depending on RWD or X-drive 2018-20, this one is RWD), despite the RLX SH being heavier (4351 pounds vs 4222), not surprising given the RLX has a 6-cylinder and the 530e a turbo 4. Fuel economy is similar between the two.
They both have the same limitation of trunk size because of battery. Both have smaller fuel tanks than their pure ICE variants, the BMW 12 gallons and RLX SH 15 gallons.
Would love to take a 530e, either the RWD or X-Drive version, for a spin, as the reviewers indicated that either handles like a BMW. The RLX…doesn’t LOL.
I’d still take the RLX SH, mostly because the SH in particular has proven reliable over the years, and I additionally admit I’ve had a tough time leaving my safe Honda bubble.
Note: the battery in the new 2022 530e has been tweaked to provide extra boost…but acceleration is still 5.2 0-60, still slower than RLX SH.
Did anyone look at the 530e when shopping for a RLX Sport Hybrid? It didn’t occur to me to do so, unfortunately.
never considered it. I would only buy a used Japanese. the only advantage I see is that the BMW has a better front overhang. I admit our RLX is nose heavy in the looks department.
I can see the advantage of the BMW if work or your daily errands are 20 miles round-trip on city roads. You could probably go months driving on mostly electric power. I'm 4 miles round-trip from my job and the wife is 6 miles round-trip from hers. I can see the long-term mechanical issues BMW has with the gas powertrain being less of a factor having EV as a back-up. Having a Plug-in hybrid Acura would probably see 200,000 to 300,000 miles.
never considered it. I would only buy a used Japanese. the only advantage I see is that the BMW has a better front overhang. I admit our RLX is nose heavy in the looks department.
Right, I think Acura got tired of not having any "road presence" and made it look "nose heavy". When sitting side by side to the bimmer, you can tell the bimmer is a lot more understated
The RLX is a full hybrid, the 530e is a plugin hybrid. By definition, a "mild hybrid" is a system that provides re-gen braking, (instant) engine start-stop, short-term power boost, and maybe electric AC. Mild hybrids use a little electric motor in place of the alternator or bolted up to the crankshaft (in place of the flywheel).
The RLX is only a bit over an inch wider than the 530 and about 4 inches longer, but the difference in rear seat space is very noticeable.
it’s because the BMW is built on the 5 series body. so even though it’s a plug in hybrid it’s using the body of an internal combustion car that happens to use an inline engine that eats into interior volume. essentially they had to use what they already got.
10-12-2021 | 06:36 AM
