BMW Z4 [2013-2018]

Summary

Aiming to appeal wider audiences, BMW introduced the facelifted version of its popular roadster - the Z4 - in 2013. The car gets foldable hard-top, larger dimensions and better visibility, coupled with adjustable chassis, throttle and steering settings. It’s more mature, and improved than before. Available in two trims - sDrive 35i Prestige and sDrive 35i Design Pure Traction - the Z4 roadster is power-packed with the same 3.0-litre, 24V DOHC direct-injection petrol engine that did duty to the old model. The car received a few cosmetic changes in 2013, though the interior remains largely unchanged.

Exterior

The current Z4 is larger and heavier (180kgs) than its predecessor.  It ditched the fabric rooftop, and gets a flodable hard-top. The updated model features an indented ‘V’ into the hood, new grille, revised front and rear bumpers auxiliary LED indicators, exterior mirrors in body-colored, headlight with black surround, electric retractable hardtop and light alloy wheels with new design. The gloss black finish on the A-pillars makes them appear thinner, and the rooftop lighter. The aerodynamics, too, are much improved than before.

Interior

The interiors of the Z4 are more spacious and comfortable than most of its rivals. The headroom, shoulder room and elbow room of the car have been increased by 44mm, 20mm and 43mm respectively. The large rear windscreen and two rear side windows that make it more airy and comfortable. It also aids to its visibility. There is significant improvement in the material quality. The car gets a new iDrive system and new interior trim options (only for Design Pure Traction variant).  That said, the overall interior design and equipment remain largely unchanged.

Engine & Transmission

Power for the Z4 comes from a 3.0-litre, 24V DOHC direct-injection petrol engine that comes mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine delivers a whooping power of 306bhp at 5, 800rpm, while yielding a peak torque of 400Nm at 1, 300rpm - 5, 000rpm.

Performance & Handling

The 3.0-litre engine delivers a strong throttle response, and accelerates 0-100kmph in 5.0 seconds. In Sport mode, the twin-clutch automatic gearbox results rapid power progress. Despite heavier body-built, the car maintains weight balance, and has lower carbon emissions. It runs smooth, and remains balanced in straight-line. It is capable to attain a top seed of 251kmph. The strong grip and minimal body roll aid to its high-speed performance. The driver dynamic control system with adaptive dampers offers three settings - Normal, Sport and Sport+. In Normal mode, the ride remains composed, and suspension absorbs most of the ridges and bumps. Though, it gets much better in Sport and Sport+ modes.

Braking System

Braking performance of the Z4 is simply superb. With inner-vented disc brakes on front and rear, the car stops instantly without losing the balance. Features like dynamic stability control with ABS (anti-lock braking system), DBC (dynamic brake control) and DTC (dynamic traction control) further improve its braking capabilities, and ensure a safe drive.

Mileage

The 2979 cc Petrol - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 8 kmpl in city and 10 kmpl on highways.

Safety Features

The Z4 isn’t just a powerful machine, it’s safe too. The roadster hosts a bunch of advanced safety features such as frontal airbags, thorax side airbags in the seats, traction and braking controls, rollover safety system, crash sensor, side impact protection, central locking, dynamic stability control with ABS, DBC and DTC, headactive knee protection, tyre pressure monitors, optional park distance control and many more.

Verdict

The BMW Z4 is more powerful, and a better driving machine than several of its rivals. The stunning design and spacious cabin are certainly extra perks. With more cabin space and better visibility, it makes a perfect choice for buyers who want a roadster as well as a tourer.

Competition

The new BMW Z4 roadster competes against the Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Nissan 370Z. 

Pros

1. Robust built quality
2. Stunning design
3. Comfortable
4. Powerful engines

Cons

1. Boot space
2. Expensive
3. Less practical
4. No diesel option

Awards

1. Red Dot Design Award 2009