The fact is, old habits die hard, and some (like this tester) still find it confusing, especially when you’re trying to explain the situation to a punter at the pub, who’s talking up a keenness for a 4 Series.

And, as of, well, now, with the introduction of BMW’s LCI models, it’s either more, or less confusing, depending on how you look at it. LCI BMW speak for Life Cycle Intermediate, or mid life update, to clarify matters.

Our 420i tester, is the entry-level variant in the 4 Series open-air model range, sitting under the 430i and 440i Convertibles. Of course, if you don’t desire that wind in the hair feeling, there’s always the Coupe or the Grand Coupe versions to choose from.

• VAT IS 5% OF RENT.
• If YOU WANT TO PAY RENT  BY A CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT THEN 3% TRANSACTION FEE WILL BE CHARGED
• RENT BY CASH AND DEPOSIT BY CREDIT CARD
• AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD IS NOT ALLOWED

TThe new M TwinPower Turbo engine for the BMW X6 M is the most powerful unit ever developed by BMW for an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Boasting innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology with a pair of TwinScroll turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, VALVETRONIC and High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, the 4.4-litre V8 produces maximum output of 423 kW/575 hp between 6,000 and 6,500 rpm. That represents a four per cent increase over the predecessor models. The step up is even clearer when it comes to the power development of the new engine. Peak torque has been boosted by 70 Nm / 52 lb-ft, which equates to a rise of 10 per cent. Its 750 Nm / 553 lb-ft can be enjoyed across a broad rev range between 2,200 and 5,000 rpm.

Fortunately, by the time BMW finished its technical presentation of the new 5 and there is indeed much tech to present the sun was flirting with breaking through the clouds and the weather provided no impediment to our drive of the 5-series.

Powered by BMW’s new B46 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four which also appears in the 330i and, transversely, in the and X1 the Mini Cooper S) the 530i exhibits almost zero turbo lag, and throttle response is natural and immediate both off the line and in higher-speed passing maneuvers. The B46 produces just a smidge more power and less torque than the previous N20 turbo four (248 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque from 1450 rpm, an increase of 8 ponies and a drop of 2 lb-ft). Still, the new 5-series feels notably quicker, thanks to extensive use of aluminum—including in the trunklid, doors, and suspension parts combined with other mass-reduction efforts that have yielded a claimed weight loss of 123 pounds for the 530i xDrive version that we drove. Given all that, we have no reason to doubt BMW’s claim that the 530i xDrive can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, if not more quickly.

The new BMW X5 and new BMW X6 see BMW GmbH setting the pace once again in the high-performance Sports Activity Vehicle  and Sports Activity Coupe  segment. When the previous generation of the two cars arrived in 2009, it was the first time the high-performance character distilled by BMW GmbH had been transplanted into an all-wheel-drive BMW X model. The result was class-leading dynamics. The new BMW X5 and BMW X6 pull no punches in writing the next chapter in this success story with another significant step forward in dynamic excellence, emotionally rich M design and outstanding efficiency.

BMW X5 and new BMW X6 M combine the characteristic features of the successful BMW X family – exclusivity, robustness, agility and everyday usability – with the commitment to high performance that defines an M car. The latter is resoundingly highlighted by the cars’ impressive performance figures. Both models complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds in conjunction with the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.