9 February 2011
New Car Report; BMW transforms the Z4.
With classic sportscar proportions, stretched bonnet and low slung seats pushed as far rearward as is practically possible, the new Z4 is a real head-turner.
And it's much more than just a good looker. The 3.0 litre twin turbo Z4 sDrive35i we drove this week is a very capable performer too. With a neatly folding hardtop, the new Z4 has a much wider appeal than its predecessor.
Gone are the Bangle trademark razor-edged lines of old, to be replaced by cleaner, more muscular contoured sheet metal. With a wide, more aggressive looking BMW kidney grille, bi-Xenon headlights, up to the minute LED rear lights and indicators and a more purposeful stance, the Z4 has truly evolved.
Weight is kept to a minimum
Use of lightweight materials, including magnesium for the engine and aluminium for the front axle assembly and hard-top roof, makes for improved efficiency and a lower centre of gravity, enhancing driving dynamics.
Available with a six speed manual or seven speed sport automatic double-clutch transmission with steering wheel mounted paddles, power delivery through the rear wheels from the straight six 225kW twin-turbo 3.0 litre powerplant gets you to the open road speed limit in a smidgeon over 5 seconds.
With a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, handling is nimble and predictable, and in typical BMW fashion, steering is more precise than just about anything you care to mention. The body shell is super rigid with the top either up or down.
Dynamic Driving Control allows the driver to vary the set up of the car for the desired characteristics. Three set-ups are available; Normal, Sport and Sport+.
At the touch of a button, shifting from Normal to Sport, the engine becomes noticeably more responsive, the steering and adaptive M suspension becomes tauter and the sport automatic transmission reacts quicker.
We found the Sport setting a joy on twisty back roads
Selecting the Sport setting raises the ejoyment level a notch or two on twisty back roads, enhancing the driving experience and smile factor.
The Sport+ setting automatically turns off the Stability Control, and while it would undoubtedly produce quicker times around a track or when driving at the limit, we found it a little too aggressive for road use.
Creature comforts are well catered for too. The car we drove was fitted with the optional wind stop, which kept cockpit draft to a minimum, even at open road speeds with the top down.
For the first time in a Z4, BMW has installed iDrive, and it's a much more user-friendly system than iDrive systems of old. The iDrive allows you to scroll between the various communication, navigation and entertainment features in an intuitive, easy to follow manner.
MP3 players, USB sticks and iPods can communicate with the audio system, and an internal hard drive operated by a USB 2.0 interface provides huge storage capacity, which can be navigated through via the iDrive button or via the multi-function steering wheel.
A USB connection in the centre console allows players and iPhones to be operated directly, and Bluetooth interface is standard equipment.
Headlight range control adapts the light beam according to the vehicle's speed and adaptive headlights ensure the road ahead is illuminated on winding roads.
A full range of safety equipment includes a multitude of electronic braking and stability aids, head-thorax airbags positioned in the seats, ruthenium-look steel roll-over bars and reinforced windscreen pillars
BMW EfficientDynamics comes to the party to ensure maximum performance and minimum fuel usage
The precisely controlled High Pressure Injection (HPI) ensures optimum fuel-air mix, electric power steering reduces energy sapping power loss and lightweight materials with a focus on aerodynamics equate to better efficiency.
Combined cycle fuel consumption is quoted at 9L/100km for the Z4 sDrive35i seven speed double clutch auto we drove.
With the best of both open top and fixed roof motoring, the Z4 combines luxury car equipment, build quality and convenience with performance car power and handling.
For now, the twin turbo Z4 sDrive35i rates right up there. We can only imagine the thrill of the forthcoming Z4 sDrive35is!
The Z4 sDrive35i is priced at $121,500 for the six speed manual or $125,500 for the seven speed double clutch auto.