M, RS, V, F, AMG. The alpha alphabet represents five manufacturers’ best efforts to create something unique, exciting and memorable from their more prosaic mainstream motors. The resulting “performance tuned” sports sedans are so powerful, so capable, so versatile, that they’re the ground based equivalent of the all-weather fighter jets that battle for control of the skies. While the shibboleth “there’s no such thing as a bad car” applies here, there are always going to be winners and losers. And it’s our job to sort the wheat from the chaff.

The BMW Mini rides and handles superbly, soaking up small and long amplitude bumps and lumps like a car with twice the wheelbase. Mid-corner bumps don’t faze it, and you can squeal around a hairpin with the same confidence as a long 80mph sweep. The old generation’s handling balance was maybe a little cheekier, but there’s no doubt that this new version is the more accomplished performer.

The new car little longer than the old one and barely any wider so space is still tight. Those sitting in the back need to be small because legroom is limited and access can be awkward. The boot is a little bigger than that of the car it replaces, but at 160 litres it’s still small, just enough for just a pair of squishy bags.

The new Mini has an interior that clunks and thunks more convincingly than before. Where the old Mini’s silver-finished plastic stalks felt brittle, the new car’s ones are soft-touch with a BMW’s damped tactility. The dinner-plate centre speedo and heater controls in the shape of the Mini emblem are a bit Liberace, but the car now feels better assembled.

It may not look it, but the new Cooper S has grown up. It rides, turns in and holds a line better than the old car and mid-corner bumps don’t faze it. You can squeal around a hairpin with the same confidence as a long 80mph sweeper. The new 1.6 turbo is also sweeter to rev.

The BMW 750i can go from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and can achieve 150mph (electronically limited). Such impressive performance can be attributed in part to its brilliant engineering which includes an aluminum block and cylinder heads, aluminum front suspension and aluminum front and rear subframes. Less brilliant is the fuel efficiency rating posted by the E.P.A.: 15mpg city and 23mpg highway.

If your commute is at all entertaining in terms of challenging road conditions, equip your 7 Series with the optional Adaptive Ride Package to put that terrain in its place. The Package keeps the car level and prevents bottoming out regardless of the road with the air springs and height sensors. Automatic Damping Control adjusts shock absorbers to accommodate any road condition.

The M6 Convertible takes full advantage of the high-revving, 500 hp BMW V10 engine. With a redline in excess of 8,000 rpm, this engine delivers its power in a way that feels like nothing else. With its 5.0-liter capacity, this normally aspirated engine delivers a genuine 100 hp/liter, once exclusive racecar territory. This engine combines state-of-the-art electronics, including double-VANOS variable valve timing, with technology straight from motorsports like ten individual throttle butterflies.

The variable, speed-sensing M Differential Lock gives the M6 Convertible outstanding traction in all driving conditions, particularly when accelerating out of a bend. Even in the most demanding situations, this intelligent differential provides a decisive edge in traction. This is especially beneficial when accelerating with the drive wheels on surfaces of varying coefficients of friction. Here, the M Differential Lock immediately builds locking force with the increasing difference in speed between the drive wheels. Power is then able to get to the drive wheel with greater traction.

The interior of the BMW M6 Convertible retains the luxurious look and feel of the 650i Convertible and has been enhanced with special touches that distinguish it as a product from BMW M.

It is the fixed-roof version of the Z4 Roadster, which was introduced first. Because of its enclosed roof, the coupe has more structural integrity, meaning it provides a more composed ride than the roadster, which can shake and rattle over imperfect pavement.

The coupe’s sweeping hatchback design and lack of convertible top storage creates more cargo space than the Z4 Roadster affords. The BMW Z4 Coupe will hold two moderately sized golf bags.

The six-cylinder engine in the BMW Z4 Coupe uses lightweight magnesium construction. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. A six-speed automatic gearbox is optional. The automatic can be taken through the gears manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The BMW Z4 Coupe has a stiff but corner-hugging suspension. Run-flat tires add to the borderline harsh ride quality, but allow a driver with a flat to keep driving at a reduced speed to reach a safe place to pull off the road and/or to reach a service facility where the tire can be repaired.

BMW’s responsive Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering is standard. An optional sport package includes Dynamic Driving Control, which allows the driver to select quicker throttle action, reduced power-steering assist and a sport mode for the automatic transmission (if so equipped). It also comes with different front and rear tire sizes, a tauter sport suspension and a lower ride height for crisper cornering.

BMW’s stability control system is standard. It uses throttle and brake control to help minimize wheel spin and prevent a loss of control during extreme handling maneuvers. This system also incorporates a range of braking functions. Brake Standby reacts when the driver suddenly lifts off the accelerator, anticipating hard braking, and moves the brake pads against the rotors. Start-Off Assistant automatically engages the brakes on an incline to prevent the car from rolling back when the driver lifts off the brake pedal to depress the accelerator.

Options include heavily bolstered M Sport seats and a navigation system.

tire-squealing understeer, torque is quickly sent to the rear wheels (up to 100-percent, actually). xDrive is constantly working to be two steps ahead of you, so it’s really rare to plant a wrong tire, even if the weather conditions are fowl. A solid set of winter tires will make the 535xi just about unstoppable in even the worst winter storm.

Bundled in with xDrive is Hill Descent Control, a feature normally found on SUVs. Although in no way was the 5-Series designed to be driven off-road, and I can’t for the life of me figure out when such a feature could be used (maybe on a really steep, icy grade), I suppose it’s nice to know that it’s available when you need it. Much more useful, however, is the Hill Start Assist, which holds the brake pedal and therefore the car in place for a couple of seconds after letting off, giving you time to switch over from brake to throttle when heading up steep inclines.

As for the engine, nothing new has changed; the 300-horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque strong 3.0-liter inline-six is as good as ever,silky smooth and always game. This is a nice step upwards from the non-turbo 530xi in terms of power; it’s progressive, quick, and has the guts to thrill. Due to its two small turbochargers smearing torque clear across the rev range, they literally eat the 170-pound weight gain caused by the differentials and gubbins that make the car all wheel drive; the 0-60 mph acceleration difference between the xi and the i has narrowed to 0.1 s, down from the 0.2 s gap in the previous car, with an overall improvement of 0.6 seconds between the 530 and 535. Power is always there when you need it.

The 535xi is a fantastic all-round sedan, verging on perfection. Comfortable, spacious, beautifully crafted, advanced and in perfect control 100-percent of the time, I really can’t think of a way of improving on it, except, perhaps by ordering it as a wagon. This car, then, is like Radiohead. It’s quirky and progressive, and with every passing generation it becomes a little more quirky and a little more progressive, always staying on the very forward front of cutting edge. But beyond the dividing styling and unique interior, there’s no hiding that this is one of the best sedans on the market. With each passing model, the 5’s following gets stronger and stronger, with cars like the 535xi proving why.