It all boils down to this – excellent engines and technology but awful aesthetics and style. The BMW Z4-M is a car of substance but not appearance. If parked alongside a Lamborghini, a Ferrari, a Mustang or a Viper, the BMW Z4-M looks downright boring. It is not sexy, outrageous or breathtaking. It loos like a car your father or grandfather could drive. But slide into the seat and purr down the road and you will know why it’ in a class of its own.

The Germans are not well-known for their superior technology for nothing. The engines get on with the job of going smoothly and fast. There is nothing that weighs you down or hampers your communication from the seat to the steering wheel to the engines and tyres. It moves like a bullet – straight, smooth and fast. The V5 in the M5 combines the best in speed with environmentally friendly features.

The car is also fitted with antilock brakes, but quite unlike in any other cars. The antilock function only springs into action when you’re in real trouble and not prematurely. Speed is in your hands at your command. The car is huge, heavy, solid and almost bulky. You wonder how it moves so fast and effortlessly especially round corners. The ABS plays an essential role. Of course the handling power has declined significantly from the earlier models so it’s not so exciting to drive a 3-series now compared to years past. But it’s also less dangerous.

You get pleasure from driving this thing though it won’t be love at first sight. BMW Z4-M is a mechanical and technological marvel. It’s even a masterpiece in driving and control. But for £33,420, its looks can be a pain in the butt. It’s a car for the wife, not the mistress.