First drive: 2020 BMW 545e xDrive prototype

The taped-over BMW badges give the game away. We’re driving a 545e xDrive prototype here – a remarkably well-sorted one at that. We’re told it carries all the latest developments that will be incorporated on production versions, which will begin running down the line at BMW’s Dingolfing factory in Germany in November.

The exterior reflects all of the various detailed design changes brought to the facelifted 5 Series line-up, including a new-look grille, which is now wider and positioned lower than before. In keeping with other recent new BMW models, it receives a new single-frame design, with a central element in chrome, and sits within a reprofiled front bumper.

Changes have been made to the headlights as well. They receive distinctive new graphics, with L-shaped daytime running lights and indicators located at the outer edges. They are LED as standard, although buyers can also specify the Matrix main beam and laser light options – as fitted to our test car – to give the 545e xDrive a highly technical look.

A flap within the left front wing hides the port for charging the battery, which can be topped up from empty in a claimed 3.6hr at a rate of 3.7kW.  

The interior is more subtly evolved. The reworked digital instruments offer up a bewildering amount of information, although thankfully they can be tailored with different skin options via a button on the multi-function steering wheel. There’s also the latest, seventh-generation version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, along with either a standard 10.3in or optional 12.3in central display, and an optional head-up display unit. The air conditioning controls are reworked, gaining a new display alongside revised materials and gloss black centre console details.

It’s an appealing and comfortable driving environment with generally intuitive controls that can be enhanced through optional speech and gesture functions. Despite being a prototype, the finish and overall feeling of quality throughout is excellent.

There’s a choice of three main driving modes: Electric, Hybrid and Sport, each accessed via buttons on the centre console, which also houses a separate control labelled Battery that allows you to use the combustion engine as a generator to top up the battery.

The 545e will only be offered in saloon guise at the start of sales. However, BMW suggests a more versatile Touring model is likely to join the line-up in time. Unlike the 530e, which comes as standard with rear-wheel drive but can also be ordered in four-wheel-drive form, the 545e only comes with four-wheel drive.

Even so, it is well worth a look, not only for its tax benefits for company car drivers but also for its enticing combination of performance, dynamics and refinement, all of which set new standards for plug-in hybrids in the class.

It’s a highly complex car, granted. But it’s also one that rewards on many fronts. The best 5 Series model of the facelifted range? We’ll need to drive all the various petrol and diesel models, not to mention its 530e sibling, before coming to a definitive conclusion, but as far as plug-in hybrids go, the 545e is far more enjoyable to drive than most.