Describing a BMW 5-series with rear-wheel drive and about 400 hp from a V-8 conjures a specific memory for most car enthusiasts: the legendary E39 M5. But since that model went out of production in 2003, BMW has armed itself to the teeth in the horsepower wars, and these specs now describe a run-of-the-mill 550i.

Power comes from BMW's twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 4.4-liter V-8, and delivery of the 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque is so smooth and quiet when hooked to the new ZF eight-speed automatic (a no-cost option) that you'll need to have the radio off and your lead foot on to hear so much as a growl from the exhaust. The manual-equipped car, on the other hand, is not afraid to speak up, growing louder as you near redline.

Indulge yourself and rent one today!