BMW has had a fiddle with the way you can configure its M models, with the first machines to get the new system being the incoming M8 quartet - namely, the M8 Coupe and Competition Coupe versions, and also the M8 Convertible and Competition Convertible models. It's pretty much what we've seen before - adaptability of parameters like the engine response and noise, how the DSC functions, the firmness of adaptive dampers, the weight of the steering and, on these M xDrive cars, how the four-wheel-drive system splits the torque front-to-rear - but now you can add in brake control. Switch between Comfort and Sport. New digital displays mean that this configurable information is neatly presented on the main iDrive screen, while the cluster and Head-Up Display can be cycled through Road, Sport and (on the Competition cars) Track as well. All of this is accessed by Setup and M Mode controls on the centre console, while the familiar M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel remain - you can save two of your favourite set-ups of all parameters, and then assign them to and access them from these two switches.

Matt Robinson - 21 May 2019