The M5 is an incredibly safe car. Although it hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP, the standard 5-Series saloon on which it is based scored the maximum five star rating. The M5 is fitted with driver, passenger, front and side airbags, Dynamic Stability Control Plus which is linked to the anti-lock brakes, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, brake assistant, brake fade compensation and brake disc drying.

The front head restraints have anti-whiplash protection.

The M5 offers identical practicality to the standard 5-Series model. Visibility is pretty good in the 5-Series and the standard front and rear parking sensors are very useful. We would add the rear camera as an option as it makes parking in town a cinch. In terms of load-carrying ability, the boot has an overall capacity of 520 litres – slightly less than the main alternatives – but it’s still useful thanks to a wide boot opening.

Storage space is ample: the glovebox is of a decent size and there’s twin cupholders up front. A small downside is that the door pockets are quite narrow and have little depth.