Photo by Nathan Adlen Likes - Driving dynamics
- Design
- Option packages
- Driving enjoyment
- Elegant hardtop convertible
Dislikes - Pricy with options
- Tight trunk
- Awkward driving position for some
- Placement of the iDrive components
Tech Specs - 17 city/25 highway
- 300 hp, 300 lb feet of torque (turbocharged
- 255 hp, 200 lb feet of torque
- 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds (manual, turbocharged engine)
What's New/Changed - Just about everything (for the better)
The Vehix View - The new BMW Z4 is one of the most rewarding vehicles in its bracket and an outstanding sports car and grand touring machine. Bravo BMW.
First Impressions
A pearl takes a long time to gestate from grains of sand to radiant magnificence. I liken the mature pearl to the changes of the 2010 BMW Z4. What was once a disconnected, unloved design has matured into voluptuous beauty.
The new Z4 is just as alluring with the (hard) top up or down – rare to say the least, like a natural pearl.
Overall, the new design is classy and contemporary. Despite the changes, no one would mistake the new BMW Z4 for anything other than a BMW. The profile is fuller, more mature and the body lines accentuate the soft curves from the fenders front and rear.
BMW finally eliminated the chunky rear and nonlinear character lines found in former models. The taillights are simple, yet attractive, and the headlights look menacing, yet alluring. The new Z4 has physical character to spare.
From the driver’s seat, the eye is treated to a striking hood that features swoops and creases and seems to stretch to the horizon. I found myself deliberately puling the driver’s mirror unnecessarily close so I could glace at the curved side of the body in reverse. Call it a bit of narcissistic joy as I reveled in my cool-looking reflection thanks to the Z4).
I will say it now: This is the most beautiful BMW currently built.
Pricing, Trims and Options
Prices for the Z4 sDrive30i start at $45,750 and top $65,000 for a fully loaded machine. The Z4 30i is the less-expensive model, based on the smaller 255 horsepower, 200 lbs feet of torque inline 6-cylinder. More power and higher prices comes from the Z4 sDrive35i's 300 horsepower, which features 300 lbs feet of torque, and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine.
Options like the Premium Package cost $2,500 and come with power front seats, power lumbar, auto-dimming mirrors, universal garage opener and BMW Assist. Other options like the $2,300 ‘Sport Package’ and $2,100 ‘Navigation System Package’ are just a few of the several upgrades which can add thousands of dollars to the overall price.
Interior Features
This is where BMW truly combines its new aesthetic with its old ideals. One of the most interesting, controversial, beloved and despised components is BMW’s iDrive. This is a multimedia system that combines nearly every electronic gizmo a vehicle can utilize.
Unfortunately, the overly complex, original iDrive system was universally unloved.
The new system is far easier to use and the only noticeable flaw is its location, which is where some driver’s arms rest. Having brushed the control knob by accident once, I quickly grew accustomed to the placement.
Other bits of the interior are very pleasing to touch and behold. Even for tall folk, the seats are very well bolstered and comfortable. The driver is treated to a deep, low seating position and soft (optional) leather.
This is a hard top convertible, meaning that the top will compromise trunk space. It is a thrill to watch the top go up or down with its nifty dance. There is enough space in the trunk for a few, small overnight bags or one good-sized suitcase.