THE BMW M5 is powering into a new era and the new seventh generation model will come with an electrified drive system for the first time.

Although its M Hybrid system has been specifically designed and engineered for the sporting flagship of the latest Five Series range, the reveal of the new halo model comes just hours after the Five Series was named as Britain's best hybrid by leading motoring magazine, Autocar.

With 40 years of history under its belt, the latest iteration of the legendary high-performance saloon takes its performance to new levels.

The combination of a high-revving, 727bhp, 4.4 litre, twin turbo V8 engine and an electric motor, plus power transfer courtesy of an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and all-wheel drive provides neck-snapping acceleration with the benchmark 0 to 62 mph sprint ticked-off in a supercar-matching 3.5 seconds.

Top speed is limited to 155 mph as standard, but the limiter can be raised to 189 mph if the optional MDriver's Package is specified.

Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers is fitted as standard along with active steering, which can steer the rear wheels by up to 1.5 degrees. M-specific tuning, individually selectable settings, and the ability to adjust the dampers at each wheel independently optimise the vehicle's connection to the road.

This, says BMW, enhances the car's versatility, offering everything from everyday driving comfort to track-ready dynamic performance. The rear-wheel steering improves directional stability at high speeds, as well as agility and comfort when manoeuvring.

It looks the part too, with prominent wheel arch and side skirt extensions, a sculptured front apron and model-specific surfacing around the C-pillar - including an embossed M5 logo all helping to differentiate it more clearly than ever from the BMW 5 Series Saloon.

Inside, there's an M-specific control panel on the centre console and there are sporting features throughout the cockpit which features a newly designed, flat-bottomed leather steering wheel with illuminated buttons and multifunction sports seats with extensive electric adjustment options.

Merino leather trim, four-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic glass sunroof, a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, wireless charging tray, alarm system and automatic tailgate operation all come as standard.

Standard driver assistance features include front collision warning, lane departure warning including lane return with steering assistance, evasion and attentiveness assistance, an automated parking and manoeuvring system and a speed limit info system. Active cruise control along with steering and lane control, traffic light detection, automatic speed limit assist and active navigation are amongst a host of options.