Я РАССКАЖУ ВАМ, ПОЧЕМУ ГИБРИДЫ БЕССМЫСЛЕННЫ!

Are plug-in hybrids a waste of time? Or do they offer the best of both worlds? Well, to find out, we’ve tested all versions of the new BMW 5 Series – petrol, electric and plug-in hybrid – and put them through their paces! The question is, will a plug-in hybrid deliver the best efficiency for the average consumer? On paper, hybrids sound almost too good to be true! Not only are they cheaper than equivalent EVs, but they also offer huge tax breaks and are supposed to be better for the environment than their petrol counterparts. They also have HUGE efficiency figures, but have manufacturers overstated them? Well, Mat takes three cars on a 100km test drive to find out for himself. But let’s take a closer look at the cars on display. The plug-in hybrid is the 530e M Sport. It has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 19.4kWh battery. Claimed all-electric range is between 59 and 64 miles (91.5 and 100 km) and has a suggested retail price of £59,655. Next up is the petrol 520i M Sport. It has the same engine as the 530e, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 208bhp and 330Nm of torque. The suggested retail price is £52,285. Finally, there’s the i5 eDrive 40 M Sport. It has two electric motors, an 81.2kWh battery and a claimed range of up to 600km (374 miles) on a full charge. The suggested retail price is £74,205. So will the plug-in hybrid win? Or in the real world, will electric or petrol be better value? You and Matt will find out the answer at the end of the review, LET'S GO!