THERE are a number of us who aren't quite ready to take the plunge and rush out to order a new fully electric car.

Maybe it's that total commitment and uncertainty about the infrastructure or a high mileage driver's range anxiety. Meanwhile a good 'half-way house' is a plug-in hybrid, which allows you to save cash by using battery power without fear of limiting your travel.

One of the more attractive PHEVs currently on the market is the BMW 530e which is good for around 60 miles on electric alone. Bearing in mind the average daily commuter run is 20 miles, this formula has obvious appeal.

For our review, we opted for the Touring version - an estate car to you and me - which not only looks great but has a blend of practicality and sportiness to match most SUVs.

With the designation of 530, you may think a 3.0-litre engine lurks under that long bonnet, but no - it's a 2.0-litre, 4 cylinder petrol turbo. Nevertheless, it pumps out a healthy 295bhp which endows the five-metre long estate with enough clout to dispose of the sprint to 62mph in around six seconds.

On the economy side of things, obviously it depends greatly on how often you plug in. Few, if any, can expect to reach the official combined figure of more than 100mpg, but our average of 43mpg seems pretty amazing for such a large car.

A further impressive feature is the driving range which at 600-miles is among the most generous available. And, of course, company car drivers gain tax advantages with PHEVs.

Despite its rakish hind-quarters, the Touring can absorb plenty of cases and family clutter. With the rear seats in place, there's space for 530 litres of cargo. Fold them down and this expands to 1,700 litres - ample for most buyers.

The cabin - with cream leather in the review car - smacks of serious luxury. Seats front and rear are well shaped and body-hugging with electric adjustment in the front. Legroom all round is good and there's no need for those in the front to compromise their space for back seat passengers' benefit.

BMW, famed for its driving prowess, continues its tradition in the frugal 530e. Not only is it rapid enough for fast long distance runs, but it feels athletic and well-planted on the road at all times. There's little cornering roll yet the suspension efficiently suppresses the shocks delivered by our shoddy roads.

Performance is effortless rather than exhilarating, which is appropriate for this type of family/business express. Four wheel drive - or xDrive as BMW calls it - guarantee secure handling and extra grip in unfavourable weather conditions.

The eight-speed automatic transmission does its job seamlessly and without intrusion providing quick and barely noticeable ratio changes. Noise levels remain subdued although, under hard acceleration, the four-pot engine makes its presence known.

4.7