Key Points: Ultimate Package, M Carbon Ceramic Brakes with Gold Calipers, M Carbon Fibre Exterior Package.

The new G90-era BMW M5 is a potent contemporary plug-in hybrid super saloon, powered by a 577hp/553lb-ft 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged ‘S68’ V8, supported by a 194hp/207lb-ft electric motor. Together, they deliver a combined 717hp and 738lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with paddle shift. The xDrive all-wheel drive system is rear-biased, and includes a rear-wheel drive only mode.

BMW claims it can achieve a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds using launch control, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 160mph, which can be raised to 190mph with the optional M Driver's pack.

The hybrid system offers multiple driving modes, including ‘hybrid’, which balances performance and efficiency, ‘electric’, which allows speeds of up to 87mph on battery power alone, with a claimed electric-only range of 42 miles, ‘eControl’ mode, which optimises energy recuperation to preserve battery life, and the ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Dynamic Plus’ settings, which can either maintain peak performance over an extended period of time, or maximise performance in short bursts.

Design cues include flared wheel arches, a sculpted front end, illuminated kidney grilles and staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels. Inside, the G90 M5 offers 20mm more rear legroom than its predecessor, and also boasts a curved infotainment display loaded with the updated iDrive system.

Alongside the M Driver’s package, this particular car was specified with the optional carbon ceramic brakes and the Ultimate Pack, which includes all the individual interior options available, plus Alcantara headlining and a full carbon visual pack on the exterior.