BMW Z4 review
The BMW Z4 mixes stunning looks with luxurious build quality, to rival the Mercedes SLK
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The second-generation BMW Z4 was launched in the UK back in 2009, having swapped the old car’s divisive looks and fabric roof for a much sleeker design and a complicated folding hard-top. The new roof makes the Z4 quieter and more secure than soft-top rivals like the Porsche Boxster and Audi TT, although it also makes it much heavier. Every model comes with rear-wheel drive and a choice of four or six-cylinder petrol engines. Standard cars offer a good balance between dynamics and comfort, but the more expensive M Sport models have a very harsh ride and are best avoided in our opinion. A facelifted model was revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2013 and went on sale in April. The biggest changes were a set of revised LED headlights and the introduction of a new entry-level model, the BMW Z4 sDrive18i, which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that develops 154bhp and returns 41.5mpg. The Z4 shouldn’t be more expensive to run than its rivals, but it is best to avoid the options list as ticking a few boxes can quickly push its price sky high.
Our choice: Z4 sDrive28i manual
Styling
While the original Chris Bangle-designed Z4 divided opinion, the latest model has a much sleeker shape. The long bonnet and stubby boot give it classic sports car proportions, while the metal folding roof ensures it looks just as smart with the top up or down. It was facelifted for the second time in 2013, with new circular LED running lights, subtle chrome trim for the grilles and side indicators, plus a slim white ‘eyebrow’ line that has been added to the top of the main headlight cluster. The changes are subtle but do just enough to keep the Z4 looking fresh. It’s just a shame, then, that BMW hasn’t done more to the interior. The snug wraparound dash design is still stylish and it’s all made using high-quality materials, but it feels older inside than the Audi TT and miles behind the beautifully made Porsche Boxtser. Specs depend on the engine you go for, but you’ll need to opt for the 20i or higher if you want leather, climate control and automatic wipers and headlamps. M Sport models get big 18-inch alloys, sport seats and an M Sport chassis, suspension and an aerodynamic bodykit. The options list includes a Comfort Pack, which comes with cruise control, parking sensors, extra storage and a wind deflector, a Media package that adds internet connectivity and a Design Pure Traction styling pack, which adds black and orange contrasting trim to the interior.
Driving
The rear-wheel-drive Z4 isn’t as engaging as a Boxster or Audi TT, but it is a surprisingly good cruiser, thank to its supple ride and refinement. The steering is a little vague and lifeless, though, which makes it difficult to place the car accurately on the road. Unlike the Mercedes SLK, the Z4 is only available with a range of petrol engines. The range kicks off with the sDrive18i, which uses a detuned version of the four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo engine from the 20i and 28i. According to BMW it can complete the 0-62mph sprint in 8.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 137mph, but the reality is that it feels wheezy and underpowered. The sDrive20i is a much better bet in terms of performance and equipment, as although it has a modest 181bhp, it still pulls strongly even from low revs. There’s also the sDrive35i and a range-topping six-cylinder sDrive35is, which goes head-to-head with the Boxster S and SLK 55 AMG, with a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds. It comes with the same seven-speed M DCT transmission as the M3, allowing for smooth and quick shifts using the paddles on the steering wheel. Every other model comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while an eight-speed auto gearbox available as an option.
Reliability
The latest BMW Z4 hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but the previous model received a four-star result when it was tested back in 2004 and there’s no reason to doubt the new car wouldn’t go one better. Standard safety kit includes the manufacturer’s Driver Stability Control system, which includes traction control, anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution to keep the car stable under committed driving. Run-flat tyres are also fitted as standard, along with protective rollover hoops and a whole host of airbags, including a pair in the seat headrests to protect you in the event of a side-on smash. As for reliability, the previous-generation Z4 had an excellent reputation in this area and this latest model is proving just as impressive. It has been the subject of one recall, though, which was for a potential fault with the electric power steering. The Z4 hasn’t yet featured in our Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, but BMW finished 14th overall in 2012, just ahead of archrival Audi.
Practicality
Two-seater sports cars aren’t known for their practicality, but even by class standards, the Z4 doesn’t fare well in this area. The complex hood system takes 21 seconds to fold down and 20 to fold back up again, which is considerably longer than the TT’s 14 and 10 seconds respectively. Lowering the roof also has a big impact on luggage space. Boot capacity drops from 310 litres to 180 litres with the hood stowed, while the TT offers 250 litres whether the roof is up or down. It’s still big enough for a couple of large holdalls, but getting them in and out is the one of the biggest problems, as the roof mechanism leaves you with a narrow opening when you raise the bootlid. Such compromises are part and parcel of living with a convertible, but if you load the boot with the hood up and try to unpack with it stowed, the chances are you’ll have to raise it again before you can get your luggage out. An optional ski-hatch allows you to carry longer items, though, and there are plenty of handy luggage nets and a couple of big central cupholders in the cabin itself.
Running Costs
No matter which version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine you go for, whether it’s the new sDrive18i, 20i or 28i, it has a claimed average fuel economy figure of 41.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 159g/km. These numbers are impressive for a car of this type, and are only slightly down on the Audi TT 2.0 TFSI’s 43.0mpg and 154g/km. It’s also worth noting that opting for the eight-speed automatic gearbox has no impact on these numbers. BMW doesn’t offer a diesel model, though. The range-topping sDrive35i will be much more expensive to run, as it can only manage to return 30.1mpg and emits a hefty 219g/km of CO2. Newer rivals like the SLK 55 AMG and Boxster S both do better in this area, with emissions of 195 and 206g/km respectively.
For an alternative review of the latest BMW Z4 Convertible visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
