IT’S A DIFFICULT DECISION, settling on which self-indulgent (some would say “selfish”) open two-seater you want to buy when you reach that difficult mid-life stage, but seniordriveraus has a suggestion for you: the new BMW Z4.
“The all new BMW Z4 is a triumphant return to our enduring Z model heritage,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Vikram Pawah.
“It is a real statement piece for the brand, combining stand-out styling and impressive engine performance with handling dynamics to really please the driver.”
“The BMW Z4 also appeals from a technology standpoint, with our latest driving assistance systems and stand-out infotainment interface.
“Best of all, it is a vehicle that rewards the driver. The chassis and powertrain are highly responsive, and the cockpit-style seating position really focuses the driver on the road ahead,” he said.
Bold exterior design by Australian Calvin Luk
Some earlier Z4s were criticised for being too extreme, while others thought the designs were not bold enough – car designers quickly learn that you can’t please all the people all the time.
The new BMW Z4 is Calvin Luk’s fourth BMW design, following his successful X1, 1 Series LCI and latest-generation X3 projects. He was inspired by one of the prettiest BMWs, the Z8 and most will agree that he has succeeded admirably (but given a choice, we’d still take the Z8!)
For the first time, the LED Headlights arrayed in a vertical fashion. The iconic kidney grille (can you imagine a BMW with anything else?) takes on a modern 3D-look mesh finish and sits wider and flatter than before.
The elongated bonnet, with its arrow-shaped contour lines, flows into the front kidneys, evoking memories of another iconic BMW, the legendary 507 Roadster. An integrated bootlid spoiler stands the BMW Z4 out from the rear.
From the rear, 3D taillights are slim and wide, while the lower half is dominated by the sharp breather sections, dual trapezoidal exhaust pipes and a specific diffuser design.
The fabric top weighs less than aluminium or steel alternatives, while also lowering the centre of gravity. It is automatically-operated, with the process to raise or lower the roof taking only 10 seconds. The roof can be raised or lowered at rest, or at speeds of up to 50km/h.
Finished in black as standard, an Anthracite Silver-effect soft top trim is optionally available.
Fixed rollover bars provide additional structural safety and are finished in high-gloss black as part of the standard M Sport Package. Cerium Grey, reserved only for BMW’s M Performance models, highlights the rollover bars on the Z4 M40i.
The new soft-top design and storage frees up 50 percent increase more luggage capacity, now 281 litres. As the soft top sits above the boot space, it has no impact on luggage space when lowered.
Light alloy wheels of 18 inches diameter are standard for the BMW Z4 sDrive20i, with a selection of 19-inch light alloys optionally available. The Z4 sDrive30i variant boasts 19-inch light alloy wheels as standard, while the Z4 M40i variant gains bespoke 19-inch light alloy wheels finished in M Performance Cerium Grey.
A choice of one solid and four metallic exterior paints will be offered, with the additional option of ‘Frozen Grey II’ finish from the BMW Individual collection.
Typically high quality BMW interior
‘Vernasca’ leather upholstery is fitted as standard on all variants including on the M Sport seats in all variants. Leather is available in white, black, red and cognac. Also available is an attractive leather and Alcantara trim, finished in black with blue contrast stitching.
BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional offers a 10.25-inch customisable instrument cluster. This not only displays traditional speed, fuel and engine information but can also display navigation and audio content, among other items, and will be familiar to anyone who has been in the new 3 Series sedans.
Augmenting this is the high-resolution (1920 x 720 pixel) 10.25-inch Control Display, featuring BMW Operating System 7.0offering an even broader range of customisation, as well as touchscreen operation. Other interaction options include a newly-designed centre console controller, or via the updated voice control interface. A BMW Head-Up Display is fitted for the first time on the BMW Z4.
The BMW Z4’s standard Connected Package Professional includes Remote Services, Real Time Traffic Information, wireless Apple CarPlay and Concierge Services, and Wireless smartphone charging and Extended Bluetooth connectivity add further engagement points.
Newly-developed four- and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines
The Z4 sDrive20i entry point houses the latest development of BMW’s 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
In sDrive20i tune this engine develops 145kW from 4,500rpm to 6,500rpm. This is backed by a strong 320Nm torque peak, ranging from only 1,450rpm to 4,200rpm. Fuel economy is a claimed 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle, with 148g/km of CO2.
The sDrive20i accelerates to 100km/h from standstill in 6.6 seconds.
Stepping up to the sDrive30i, the same core engine is tuned to generate 190kW from 5,000rpm to 6,500rpm, with a diesel-like 400Nm torque peak, supplied from 1,550rpm to 4,400rpm. Fuel economy is similar to the 20i, returning 6.5L/100km. CO2 is listed at 149g/km.
Zero to 100km/h acceleration is achieved in 5.4 seconds.
Heading the range is the M Performance-powered BMW Z4 M40i. This takes the traditional 3.0-litre straight-six engine layout BMW is famous for and adds a single turbocharger. Fresh technology includes a water-cooled exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head and a direct fuel injection system that injects fuel at a rate of up to 350 bar pressure.
Power hits a 250kW peak, available from 5,000rpm to 6,500rpm, with 500Nm from 1,600rpm through to 4,500rpm. This strong performance is matched by high efficiency, with 7.4L100km fuel economy and 169g/km CO2.
The 100km/h benchmark comes up in only 4.5 seconds.
All variants are offered with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission with launch control fitted as standard. This gearbox has a wider ratio spread and can provide even faster gear changes. Shift paddles on the steering wheel allow full manual control.
A genuine sports car chassis
Agility, dynamic performance and precise handling were listed as ‘top priorities’ when developing the BMW Z4’s body structure, powertrain response and chassis dynamics.
The BMW Z4 is 85mm longer than its predecessor, yet its wheelbase shrinks by 26mm. Front track is up by 98mm while the rear is 57mm wider.
Making the most of these taut dimensions is a newly-designed double-joint spring-strut front suspension. Aluminium control arms and swivel bearings have reduced unsprung mass while suspension mountings are particularly stiff for increased response.
The five-link rear axle makes its BMW roadster debut in the all new Z4. The combined aluminium/steel construction is lighter and stronger, with stiffer bushings further aiding wheel control.
An electronically-operated limited-slip M Sport Differential is standard on the Z4 M40i and optional on sDrive30i, for even greater traction and dynamic control.
Latest-generation variable sport steering is fitted as standard and adjusts both power assistance and steering ratio based on driver inputs.
The M Sport Package that is fitted as standard to Australian-specification BMW Z4 sDrive20i lowers the car 10mm for even sharper control.
Adaptive M Suspension, BMW’s variable damper system, is fitted as standard to sDrive30i and M40i variants (optional on sDrive20i).
The BMW Z4 M40i and sDrive30i also feature a 17-inch M Sport Brake package with blue- painted calipers. This system is optional on Z4 sDrive20i.
The BMW Z4 sDrive20i sits on 18-inch light alloy wheels fitted with performance tyres. These measure 255/40/ZR18 on the front axle and 275/40/ZR18 on the rear.
Moving to the Z4 sDrive30i brings a 19-inch light alloy wheel as standard. The performance tyres are sized 255/35/ZR19 on the front axle and 275/35/ZR19 at the rear.
The same size wheels and tyres are fitted to the Z4 M40i, and all variants include a Tyre Repair Kit as standard.
Standard specification highlights
- 18-inch light alloy wheels with performance tyres
- M Sport Package
- Eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission with paddle shifters
- Tyre Repair Kit
- Wind Deflector
- Interior and driver’s side exterior mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function
- Heated M Sport Seats, electrically-adjustable with memory function
- Through-loading system
- Storage Compartment Package
- Interior trims in Aluminium Tetragon
- Instrument panel in Sensatec
- Two-zone Automatic Air Conditioning
- Cruise Control with Braking Function
- High-Beam Assistant
- Driving Assistant
- Parking Assistant including Reverse Assistant
- Active Guard
- Head-Up Display
- DAB digital radio
- HiFi Loudspeaker System with 10 speakers and 205W capability
- Connected Package Professional, including Apple CarPlay
- M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional
- Wireless Charging
- LED Headlights
- ‘Vernasca’ leather upholstery
- Chinese Language Display (no-cost option)
BMW Z4 sDrive30i (where different):
- 19-inch light alloy wheels with performance tyres
- Comfort Access, including Digital Key to enable remote smartphone locking/unlocking and engine start from wireless charging tray
- M Sport Brakes
- Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Adaptive LED Headlights
BMW Z4 M40i (where different):
- Specific M Performance engine and suspension tuning
- M Sport Differential – electrically-controlled limited-slip differential
- Lumbar support for driver and passenger
- Ambient Light
- harman/kardon Surround Sound System with 12 speakers
Value-added option packages
The new M Sport Plus Package ($3,500 for sDrive20i, $2,600 for sDrive30i, $2,100 for M40i) adds:
- Tyre Pressure Indicator
- M Seat Belts
- 19-inch M light alloy wheels, Double-spoke 799 Bicolour (sDrive20i)
- M Sport Brakes (sDrive20i)
- Adaptive M Suspension (sDrive20i)
- M Sport Differential (sDrive30i)
- Metallic Paintwork (M40i)
Comfort Package ($1,800, sDrive20i only) adds:
- Comfort Access
- Lumbar Support
- Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function
Precision Package ($2,600 for sDrive20i, $2,400 for sDrive30i):
- Ambient Light
- harman/kardon Surround Sound System
- Adaptive LED Headlights (sDrive20i)
- Metallic Paintwork (sDrive30i)
By Variant: Performance and efficiency
| Model | Engine | Power/
Torque |
0-100km/h | Fuel Use | CO2 |
| Z4 sDrive20i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo- petrol | 145kW / 320Nm | 6.6sec | 6.5L/100km | 148g/km |
| Z4 sDrive30i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo- petrol | 190kW / 400Nm | 5.4sec | 6.5L/100km | 149g/km |
| Z4 M40i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo- petrol | 250kW / 500Nm | 4.5sec | 7.4L/100km | 169g/km |
Dimensions
| Dimension | Measure | Difference |
| Length | 4,324mm | +85mm |
| Width | 1,864mm | +74mm |
| Height | 1,304mm | +13mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,470mm | -26mm |
| Front Track | 1,609mm | +98mm |
| Rear Track | 1,616mm | +57mm |
| Luggage cap. | 281L | +101L |
BMW Z4 launch range pricing
BMW Z4 sDrive20i $84,900 (plus on road costs)
BMW Z4 sDrive30i $104,900 (plus on road costs)
BMW Z4 M40i $124,900 (plus on road costs)