The new BMW Z4 is the latest in a long line of BMW roadsters that have stood out as icons of pure driving pleasure. It is a premium fabric soft-top convertible which combines its sporty on-road prowess with a wealth of highly advanced features for driver assistance, operation and connectivity.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Z4 is longer, wider and taller for more space while the wheelbase has been shortened and its track widened to sharpen agility.
The body structure and chassis mountings are more rigid, while the new front and rear axles give the car a far sportier edge at the same time as guaranteeing high levels of comfort. The central seating position lowers the centre of gravity and contributes to an ideal 50:50 weight distribution.
The exterior features a clear and precise design language and a number of signature details to give it a low-slung, sporty, compact appearance whether the soft-top is up or down. The profile features a character line that emerges from the large Air Breather and mimics the flow of air sweeping along the new Z4. The elongated bonnet straddles the wheel arches in the “clamshell” style characteristic of classical sports cars. The boot lid’s integral spoiler, slender L-shaped light units and diffuser set the tone for the car’s muscular rear end.
The fabric soft-top comes in Black as standard or Anthracite with silver effect as an option. It is electrically operated and can be opened or closed in ten seconds, even when travelling at up to 50 kmph. Boot capacity has increased by more than 50 per cent compared to the outgoing model.
The driver-focused cockpit design features lines that surge forward for dynamic effect while trim finishers that are restricted to just a few areas and electroplated detailing give it an understated yet refined look. The driver and passenger seats, with integral head restraints, are upholstered as standard in Vernasca leather in the sDrive30i variant or a leather and Alcantara interior in the M40i.
The variety of driver assistance systems on offer on the new Z4 is class-leading and underlines the highly advanced character of the new BMW Z4. Collision Warning, Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function and Lane Departure Warning system all come as standard. The list of options includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, distance information, the Lane Change Warning System, Rear Collision Prevention and Cross-Traffic Alert. The Parking Assistant takes care of steering, acceleration, braking while parking, even if the parking spot reversing over distances of up to 50 metres.
The display and operating system of the new Z4 have also received upgrades. BMW Live Cockpit Professional brings context-based and customisable graphics to the fully digital instrument cluster and Control Display, each of which has a 10.25-inch screen. Input can be done via the touchscreen, the iDrive Controller, the buttons on the steering wheel or voice control.
The engines available with the new Z4 includes a 3-litre straight-six unit featuring M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology which produces 340 hp. The power is transmitted to the road through the latest-generation eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
