- Pros – Strong performance, comfortable cabin, refined at high speeds, sharp handling, metal-folding roof
- Cons – Limited boot space with roof down
BMW has made some key improvements to the Z4 as it looks to make the two-seater more appealing to people considering a Mercedes-Benz SLK or Porsche Boxster. The biggest difference compared to the previous Z4 is the introduction of a metal-folding roof which means it is much quieter at motorway speeds.
Performance
Three petrol engines are available in the Z4 line-up and all are six-cylinder units. The range kicks off with the sDrive23i, but despite the name, this is actually a 2.5-litre with 204bhp. It may be the least powerful engine in the line-up, but it’s a real gem with good pace and a free-revving nature. A 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds ensures it’s quick enough for most, while fuel economy of 33mpg makes it affordable to run. If you’re after more power there’s an sDrive30i, which is a 3.0-litre with 258bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds. Impressively it’s equally as efficient and economical as the 23i model. Top of the range is the excellent sDrive35i – a 3.0-litre engine that’s fitted with twin-turbochargers and delivers 306bhp. This propels it from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds, making it faster than a Porsche Boxster S, while economy is a respectable 31mpg. It’s a hugely enjoyable engine to exploit with superb response out of slow corners and masses of low-down pulling power to make overtaking simple. It’s not easy to drive as smoothly as the 23i, but the twin exhausts have been tuned to give it a more sporty sound when accelerating. The standard gearbox on all three is a slick six-speed manual while an optional six-speed automatic is available which features steering wheel-mounted gear change paddles. The 35i model goes one better with a seven-speed double clutch automatic, again with paddleshifts on the steering wheel.
Handling
Thanks to responsive steering and minimal roll in corners, the Z4 is great fun to drive on open and twisting roads. Like all BMWs, it is rear-wheel drive, but even with the more powerful engines, it’s never unpredictable – instead feeling composed and reassuring. There’s huge amounts of grip and the electronic stability control rarely has to intervene, even in very wet conditions. Compared to the previous Z4, the ride is more forgiving over rough and bumpy roads, aided further by the Drive Dynamic Control system. Standard on all models, this allows the driver to alter the throttle and steering response as well as the gear change times (on automatics) between normal, sport or sport+ settings.
