The car has not been tested by Euro NCAP so it’s hard to give a definitive verdict.

Safety has been enhanced by the active bonnet system, which helps protect pedestrians in the event of a crash. At low speed the bonnet can be raised to cushion the blow if there’s an impact.

Other standard kit includes front and side airbags, an active roll -ver protection system and a tyre-pressure warning indicator.

All cars come with the dynamic stability control package that includes ABS, stability control, cornering brake control, brake force distribution and hill-start assist.

Finally BMW Assist automatically contacts the emergency services should the worst happen.

Technically a four-seater but offering only a small amount of room in the rear seats, the back of the M6 is only really useful if you want to carry a couple of bags. Anyone older than a teenager will start getting uncomfortable on a long trip.

The boot is a good size though, with 460 litres of space that should be more than enough for a set of golf clubs or a big shopping run.