TWO plug-in hybrids are joining the new BMW 5 Series range which was launched only recently as an all-electric i5 and a mild-hybrid saloon.

The new 530e and 550e xDrive will be priced from £59,455 and £76,605 respectively.

Both models feature the latest BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid systems, which is combined in the BMW 530e Sedan with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine and in the BMW 550e xDrive an in-line six-cylinder 3.0-litre petrol engine.

Performance figures for the 530e are a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 6.3 seconds and a maximum of 143mph with the powertrain developing 293bhp.

It is rear wheel drive and has an eight-speed automatic transmission which results in an official - but fanciful in the real world - 470mpg fuel return with an all-electric range of up to 62 miles.

The all-wheel drive 550e has a 482bhp powertrain which gives it an acceleration time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph but with a lower official fuel return of up 353mpg and an EV range of 56 miles.

Both plug-in models come in M Sport trim and the cars have the same boot capacity as the combustion engined variants at 520 litres.

BMW says recharging can be done to 100 per cent capacity in three hours 15 minutes from a 7.4kW charger. A home recharge from a domestic socket takes 11 hours 45 minutes.

Emissions are rated as low as 13g/km for the 530e and 19g/km for the 550e xDrive.

The 530e and the 550e xDrive come with extra features compared to the mild-hybrid 5 Series and come with BMW's IconicSounds Electric system which provides an enhanced sound under acceleration.

The cars are also fitted with electronically controlled shock absorbers and a lowered suspension as well as active steering.

Meanwhile, BMW is making a series of upgrades across its line-up which include the introduction of a new iDrive system which comes with an easier to use QuickSelect function on X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer models.

Other changes see extra digital services being made available for a large number of current models via a remote software upgrade as well as improvements to the My BMW smartphone App.