BMW M Performance steering wheel lights up enthusiasts

Trimmed in Alcantara with a carbonfibre centre trim piece, the BMW F1-inspired sports steering wheel has built-in shift light indicators, a lap timer, G-force indicator, and engine oil and water temperature read outs.

Look closely, and you can see the two small buttons near the thumb positions that manage the wheel’s various functions.

The new steering wheel also has a small screen at the 12 o'clock position, which shows information relevant to each driving mode selected – Eco Pro mode displaying fuel consumption, while Sport mode focuses on performance metrics such as lap times.

The BMW Performance steering wheel is available on 3 Series and M cars built since 2006, and with either manual or DCT transmissions.

BMW Australia is currently stocking the new wheel for between $1780-$1860, with installation taking approximately one and a half hours.

In the meantime, take a look at a video demonstration of the wheel by German race driver Tim Schrick.