I agree... If he goes electric now, there is no way the car will have that value in 5 years, to add that electric will be alot better by then... Look at what BMW is doing with BMW i.
Untill then battery change time would come 100%.
The Ride quality just sucks of that. I don't think 525 would be much fun to drive, but at least It's got alot of comfort and looks.
Just Tell him to make decision from the point; how he is treating himself.