BMW’s ‘S68’ engine lies under the (G90) M5’s bonnet, a 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 that alone makes 430kW and 750Nm. Along with a 145kW electric motor slotted in with the eight-speed automatic, the total outputs are 535kW and 1000Nm.

While the M5’s drivetrain normally powers all four wheels, the fronts can be decoupled for rear-drive only when in its 2WD performance mode.

The M5’s interior looks like it’s aiming to be sleek, with a wide unit housing the driver display and multimedia touchscreen, joined by a central panel of buttons and a control dial. The materials, many of which depend on buyer’s choices, all look premium and feel like it to touch.

The BMW M5 can hit 100km/h from stand-still in just 3.5 seconds in sedan form, or 3.6sec in Touring wagon guise. While normally limited to a 250km/h top speed, the M5 gains the 'M Driver’s Package' as standard in Australia, removing the electronic limit and allowing it to theoretically hit its 305km/h top speed.

The M5 scores a raft of worthy features, including a Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 18 speakers, four-zone climate control, a big sunroof, four heated seats and ventilation for the fronts. Outside, there’s 20- and 21-inch wheels, a lip spoiler, a power tailgate for the Touring and BMW’s ‘Iconic Glow’ kidney grille light.

The BMW M5 seats five people in sedan and Touring wagon guises, with two electrically adjustable sports seats up front and a row of three in the rear, able to split 60/40 for folding down.

The M5’s 18.6kWh lithium ion battery allows a claimed 61km electric driving range (WLTP tested) and has a 60-litre fuel tank that requires filling with minimum 98 RON petrol. BMW’s claim of 3.2L/100kmg under WLTP testing is unrealistic for a long drive given quirks in the criteria for testing, but you can reasonably expect well over 500km of driving on a full tank and battery even if you’re not deliberately aiming for efficiency.