BMW Z4 Roadster

BMW has just updated its classy Z4 Roadster. Its distinct characteristics of a sweeping hood, long wheelbase, low beltline and low-slung rear remain untouched. 

BMW Z4

Its low seating position just ahead of the rear axle gives the driver and passenger a particularly intense experience of the longitudinal and lateral forces working on the rear wheels. This sense of being "part of the car" also allows the driver to feel more in touch with the road. The hardtop roof also blends seamlessly into the car's form. As it closes, it seals a smoothly flowing roofline, while large window surfaces optimize all-round visibility and the feeling of space inside the car. Once opened, the two roof elements are accommodated, one on top of the other, in a compact package inside the Roadster's trunk.

M Steering

The hardtop can be opened at the touch of a button while the car is moving at a speed of 40 km/h and below. The process takes only 19 seconds. The distinctive four round headlights team up with the broad BMW kidney grille to give the car its unmistakable face. New standard Xenon headlights have a slim design that extends into the front wheel arches.

With new front

They feature LED light rings which emit daytime driving light. Cutting across the tops of the headlights are LED accent lights. At the side of each headlamp are integrated turn signals that have chrome-coloured surrounds that help to emphasize the new headlight design. The rear of the Z4 remains generally untouched.

Powerful xenon headlamps with LED

Under its long bonnet is a choice of numerous engines fitted to particular models. First on the list is the BMW sDrive28i. This particular Z4 comes with a 2.0 litre four cylinder engine that produces 240hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 100km/h in this particular roadster takes just 5.5 seconds with a 6 speed manual or 5.6 seconds with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is pegged at 9.04 litres per 100 kilometers. Next on the list is the BMW Z4 sDrive35i. This comes with a 3.0 litre TwinTurbo inline-6 engine that produces 300hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. It propels this particular Z4 from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.0 with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission and 5.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual.

Rear lights remain unchanged

With the manual transmission one will need 11 litres of fuel to cover 100km. With the DCT the Z4 will need 12.3 litres of fuel to cover 100km. The top of the range Z4 roadster is the sDrive35is. This comes with a powerful version of the inline-6 engine with an output of 335hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It’s married to the 7-speed DCT. 0 to 100km/h is over in just 4.8 seconds.

Side profile

Fuel consumption remains at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometers. It’s sheer driving pleasure remains unchanged thanks to the inclusion of the Driving Experience Control system. This uses a control switch between the three driving modes COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+. It can also be used to adjust the responses of the of the engine and DSC stability system. 

i-Drive system

Inside the new aesthetic design package helps to improve the interior. The black leather seats have contrast stitching in Valencia Orange and an accent stripe running down the central section of the backrests and seat cushions. This stripe is likewise orange and is flanked by two thin white lines. The door panel trims and lower section of the instrument panel are covered in Alcantara. The door-panel trim and lower section of the instrument panel can also be specified in black as an option. Another exclusive element of the Hyper Orange package is the metal weave trim strip, which can be combined with further decorative elements in high-gloss black for the door openers and the gearshift or selector lever.

Exotic materials adorn the interior

New interior additions to standard specification include high-gloss black surrounds for the central air vents and the iDrive control system's folding Control Display, which comes as part of the optional navigation system. Elsewhere, exquisite Fineline Anthracite wood has been added to the selection of interior trim strips available as an option for the new BMW Z4. The BMW Z4 sDrive28i, BMW Z4 sDrive35i and BMW Z4 sDrive35is are offered with Kansas leather trim. The range of light-alloy wheels includes a newly designed V-Spoke 18-inch wheels combined with staggered front and rear tire sizes.

Sports seats

An M package is also available. This adds an adaptive Adaptive M suspension, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M aerodynamics package with large air intakes in the front wing and a rear bumper. Inside occupants will enjoy dose of M equipment like an M leather steering wheel, M driver's footrest, M door sill finishers and an anthracite-colored roof liner. The M package is fitted to the Z4 sDrive35is.

Its design characteristics remain generally unchanged

The Z4 come fitted with a host of standard equipment like heated glass rear window, the Soft Close Automatic function for the boot lid and runflat tires with a tire pressure monitor. The standard Z4 sound system includes CD player, AUX-IN socket and 11 loudspeakers. A Premium Sound Equipment is also available with higher output and 14 loudspeakers. The optional navigation system enables high-resolution map graphics which are displayed on the 8.8-inch iDrive monitor. 

Rear profile

The new Z4 goes on sale mid next year at a price yet to be released