2018 BMW M5 Interior Spy Video Reveals New Gear Shifter with Intensity Control

Zooming in on the center console, we notice a new shifter. Truth be told, the gear selector the Bavarians currently use on the new models, such as the 5 Series or the fresh-out-of-the-oven X3 doesn't look all that sporty.

The shifter we see on the M5, however, easily gives one the impression of power, using strong lines and an angular design. And this form is not without added function - notice that the area in front of the shift patter seems to hold a pair of buttons.

We expect these to be the shift intensity control, which have migrated from the center console. So you can now choose how intense the gear changes of the eight-speed automatic tranny are while keeping your hand on the shifter.

Rumor has it that the F90 incarnation of the BMW M5 will allow the driver to toggle between the exhaust modes independently of the car's driving modes. As such, the plethora of buttons on the center consolde could hold buttons controlling the voice of the car, but we can't really tell just by watching this clip.

We're also interested in the key fob of the almost-ready M5. As you know, the German automaker now allows you to park the car by sliding your finger across the smartkey. And while it would be ridiculous to expect the M5 calibration to allow the thing to be quicker in this finger-driven mode than, say, a 520d, the sheer idea of being able to play with this 600 horsepower monster as if it were an RC car is enough to give us the giggles.