I think the majority of the technology does go to the ability of the car in relation to the road. I still admire BMW for keeping the driver engaged without electronics and chassis rethinks/4wd. Sure idrive is annoying but it suits germans fine. what annoys me more is merc and audi copy with a similar layout (even if they make their MMI etc easier to use). The previous 5-series was verging on perfect. I'd love to have a late 535i. excelent car (Note the V8 engined M5 had the less tactile recirculating ball steering) - so many ask "how can bmw progress?" my answer is ugly/controversial styled cars and copy others.Maybe its the only way a small profit margin industry can sell. Mind you, Richy Hammond says that a dead cat with a bmw badge would sell.