New-look Z4 gets set to power in

By Luke Madden

14th December 2009

THE Z4 has gained some extra muscle! BMW has released these first official images of an M Sport styling pack which is available across the Z4 range, as well as details on the most powerful model yet.

Badged the sDrive35is, the new car boosts the current flagship’s output by 33bhp and 50Nm of torque, taking the headline figures to 335bhp and 450Nm. Using a reworked version of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre direct-injection six-cylinder engine, the new, more powerful roadster sprints from 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds. That’s three-tenths faster than the current sDrive35i.

But despite the increased performance, the German firm has used its EfficientDynamics technology to keep economy and emissions figures at 31.4mpg and 210g/km.

Priced at £43,885, the sDrive35is comes with a host of performance enhancements as standard. Its seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission has been developed to produce quicker changes than the normal unit. There is also a sports exhaust specifically tuned to give a throaty soundtrack, while adaptive M Sport suspension is fitted, too. From the outside, the beefier Z4’s performance intentions are reflected in a new aerodynamic M Sport bodykit, which features a revised front spoiler and additional air intakes.

The racy touches continue inside, with new M-badged sports seats and door sills, plus an M steering wheel complete with paddleshifters.

The optional M Sport stylingpackage will be available on every Z4 model. It adds all the body and cabin tweaks from the sDrive35is without upgrading performance. UK sales for both the sDrive35is and the design package will start in March.

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