BMW M5 Competition (2017-2023) review

As per the new 5 Series, there’s a whacking great 12.3in screen betwixt driver and passenger. But technophobes needn’t worry, as it’s a doddle to operate. Touch the screen itself, or scroll the iDrive wheel to keep your eyes on the road. 

Remember when iDrive launched in the old (old) 7 Series, baffling all who got near it? Well, now it’s beyond reproach. Choosing between screen or button control is a welcome luxury. Forget the (optional) gesture control, which just confuses things and makes you look like you’re displaying rude hand signals to your fellow road users. They hardly need an excuse to fire one back…

It’s not the classiest place inside the M5 Comp – far too many red buttons and Transformers'-knuckle gear selectors for that. But the materials are all delightful, a step up from the 520d your neighbour has, and there’s tonnes of space front and back. You’ll want to add the £2,495 Comfort Plus Pack that brings front and rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a few other bits though, and then there’s the £4,995 Technology Plus Pack for the brilliant Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

Not cheap then, but it’s a car that’ll slip into your life devilishly easy. Our one room for improvement? The fact BMW still only offers a four-door F90. What we’d give for the M5 to join the latest M3 in offering a Touring version…