BMW Z4

The Z4 has undergone significant changes over the years. The latest release is a stunning looking car and exhibits beautiful clean lines and style. It's approximately 148mm longer than its predecessor with extra space due to the cabin sitting much further back towards the rear axle of the car. This gives the BMW Z4 a more sophisticated and elegant look than the previous model. The most advanced development sees the new Z4 take a leaf out of its rival Mercedes Benz whereby it now boasts a real tin-top convertible roof. However, this is the only form the BMW Z4 come in as there is no option of the former soft top. Interestingly, the newer "retractable roof" will allow you to flip between the lid-on and lid-off in a mere 20 seconds.

Interior Space & Appearance

Possibly the most important development here is in the terms of actual space. There is an additional 44mm in headroom, 20mm more in shoulder room and 43mm extra elbow room which provides you with a more comfortable and liveable environment. You really do notice this with long-distance driving say from Sydney to Brisbane.

The cabin also balances the joys and excitement of open-air driving. Greater visibility over the previous model gives you a feeling of traditional lid-down motoring. Another big plus is only the most heaviest of rain showers will encourage you to put the roof up.

Vehicle Equipment

The standard features on the newer Z4 includes sDrive 23i, 17-inch (431.8 mm) light alloy Star-spoke wheels, brilliant Xenon headlights, Drive Dynamic Control, Combination state of the art CD/radio, variable two-zone control air conditioning and handsome leather steering wheel. The BMW Z4 "sDrive3.0i" comes standard with leather upholstery, automatic variable windscreen wipers as well as headlights. The Z4 sDrive3.5i also boasts aluminium trim both inside and out. You also get electric seats and polished chrome door sill finish. You do have the option to choose automatic double-clutch transmission, adaptive sport suspension which actually lowers the ride height by 10mm.

Vehicle Performance

You can purchase the Z4 with one of three six-cylinder petrol engines that are suited to either a six-speed gearbox or as an option, a seven-speed double clutch transmission. The engine is the 3-litre twin turbocharged 306Hp BMW Z4 sDrive 35i which boasts 0-99.78 km/h time in just 5.2 seconds, and 5.1 seconds for the automatic. The Z4 has a (electronically-limited) top speed of 249.45 km/h with guaranteed pulling power of 400Nm (295Ib/ft).

On the other hand, the 258hp 3-litre BMW Z4 sDrive 30i covers the distance in 5.8 seconds and 6.1 for the automatic version. It also boasts a top speed of 249.45 km/h top speed with pulling power of 400Nm (295Ib/ft). In addition, the 204hp 2.5-litre Z4 sDrive 23i takes 6.6 seconds and 7.1 for the automatic version. It also can reach a top speed of 243.01 km/h with pulling power of 250Nm (184Ib/ft).

The Z4 35i is considered the "flagship model" BMW Z4. The marketing CD released by BMW makes a bold claim that you won't want to hand the keys back after driving the car. However, for the most part (and for day-to-day driving) the entry-level 23i (although, minus the firepower of the flagship at top end speed) is not shy when it comes to thrills in the third and fourth gear range.

Vehicle Practicality

Usually with tin-top folding roofs it will mean compromising the cars boot space. This also holds true with the BMW Z4 as the decent "310 litre" boot size does shrink to a mere 180 litres, and you will notice this especially when you want the roof down. Nevertheless, the Z4 is shaped extremely well and cabin storage is more than adequate for most drivers.

The Z4 has 10 litre glovebox space, and the door pockets do fold inwards. You have adequate storage between yourself and your passenger, and the standard through-loading system boasts enough space to accomondate a pair of snow skis or a set of professional golf clubs. As an added bonus, the Z4 doors are now 26mm longer making it much easier to get in and out of the car.

Vehicle Ride & Road Handling

The official word from BMW is that they aimed to broaden the Z4 rear-wheel drive roadster's appeal by reducing the actual "steering sensitivity" at the initial turn and anybody who have driven the BMW Z4 will tend to agree. This improvement actually makes the Z4 more liveable while still retaining a sense of fun and excitement. However, if this is a concern remember that the choice of normal, sport and Sport-plus settings allow you to adjust the throttle and steering response to suit your own personality and driving requirements.

It's also interesting to note that the Z4 bodyshell is 25 per cent stiffer than the previous model and the retractable roof adds just 30kg to the overall weight over the Z4. In addition, traction control comes in the form of "Dynamic Stability Control" with the ability to brake the Z4's individual wheels and also switch grip between either of the cars wheels.

Vehicle Running Costs

The 35i Z4 returns on an average 9.4 litre/100km and generates 219g/km CO2 on the manual version and 210g/km for the automatic version. The 30i Z4 returns 8.5 litre/100km and generates 199g/km CO2 on the manual version and 195g/km for the automatic version. The 2.3i returns 8.5 litre/100km and also generates 199g/km on the manual version and 192 g/km for the automatic version. As a side point, the Z4 holds its value well, and its not unlikely that it could be worth about 45 per cent of its original price say 36 months down the track.

Vehicle Reliability

BMW can boast a long and active history of roadster production. The latest Z4 now has an international award-winning engine which comes standard in its flagship model. Owner feedback is considered to be positive and excellent all way round.

Vehicle Safety

All z4 models feature both front and side airbags. Driver Stability Control is also standard along with a host of other safety features such as Dynamic Traction Control, Anti-Lock Brakes and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. The Z4 also has improved visibility and comes standard with run-flat tyres.

Vehicle X-Factor

When you way up all of the facts, figures and driver benefits it truly has few contenders. The retractable electric roof is a major benefit and the Z4 engine options are also impressive. Plus when it comes to the latest design most would agree that it's not only a great looking sports car but a car which offers you so much more.