BMW M5 (G90) – interior and tech

Compared to the previous M5, the G90’s interior is more minimalist and more tech heavy. There’s a bank of physical controls on the centre console for accessing drive modes and media functions but very few on the dash, with BMW’s curved dual-screen infotainment system taking their place. The graphics are crisp and the response times quick, but sifting through the various menus and submenus can be fiddly while driving. Elsewhere there’s an M-specific head up display and switchable M coloured ambient lighting that seeps through the dash and door cards, which will either be striking or tacky, depending on your tastes.

Merino leather trim comes as standard, as well as four-zone climate control, heated front seats and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. A panoramic sunroof is included, too, but if you go for the optional carbonfibre roof you’ll save 30kg and, crucially, lower the centre of mass. 

The steering wheel has a flat bottom and a red 12 o’clock stripe, with further flashes of red for the M1 and M2 drive mode buttons. The seats, meanwhile, have a more generous, less defined cut than those of the M3 and M4 (and M5 CS), though you can adjust the side bolsters for a torso hug. Essentially there’s a less overtly sporty feel to the cabin, though you can order silver, orange or luminous red trim. 

The Touring will be the version of choice for 717bhp furniture transportation. With the seats down it can carry up to 1630 litres, although its 500-litre boot capacity isn’t all that impressive next to the saloon’s 466. In fact, the smaller M3 Touring has just as much load space with the seats up.