BMW Z4 Roadster

Overview

One of the most practical convertible cars on this planet, the BMW Z4 got a major revamp in 2018. In this new generation version, the Z4 has grown into a more mature offering than ever before. With the low slung stance kept intact, the Z4 has gone under the knife, thus sporting a number of aesthetic changes in and out. The BMW Z4 is available in UAE in three different variants – sDrive 20i, sDrive 30i, and M40i.

Interior & Features

The BMW Z4 sports one of the most modern and futuristic looking cabins in the BMW’s entire lineup, which is completely different from its other stablemates in terms of layout.

The steering wheel is all-new in BMW family, and comes with rounded square centre boss and silver spokes with controls for audio and iDrive – a refreshing change, we must say. Another change which looks very refreshing is the all new virtual cockpit in place of instrument console, which shows the conventional data and doubles up as reverse camera and navigation. The infotainment screen stacked in the centre console hollow is vastly different from the popped out hanging screens as seen on other BMWs, and acts as an interface to the retuned iDrive system from BMW, as well as navigation and camera as well.

The hexagonal shape for the centre console below the infotainment screen has unique looking buttons for climate control, with piano black surrounds as well as chrome garnish on the AC vents increasing the premium appeal of the interior cabin. The Z4 comes with a host of interior upholstery options, just like other BMW offerings, however, we do personally like the all black leather upholstery the most.

Exterior

The BMW Z4 has always managed to be one smashing looking car, and this new generation model continues to take the tradition ahead in a stronger fashion. The sheet metal changes are now sharper and make the car look even more aggressive than what it was.

At the front, the double kidney grille has become bigger and wider with sharper outer edges. The Bi-LED headlamps, though curvier as before, are now stacked in a vertical manner as compared to the horizontal styled headlamps of the previous generation model. The front bonnet houses many aggressively styled air dams which complete the sporty front end.

The low slung side profile of the BMW Z4 is further complemented by the long frameless doors, which enhance the appeal of the car. There is a sharp kink in a rising upward manner, flowing all the way from the front fender to the rear fender.

The rear profile of the BMW Z4 appears broader than before, thanks to the presence of sleeker LED tail lights and bulging rear bumper. As before, the Z4 continues to come with a retractable roof, blackened A-pillar and silver elements behind the headrests of the two seats.

Ride & Handling

It’s a low slung BMW car, so it is pretty obvious that the German marquee has left no stone unturned in making the Z4 a true-blue driver’s car. In its best possible avatar, the Z4 is equipped with adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering, M-sport brake, and dynamic 18-inch alloy wheels, all of which provide unmatched dynamism to the driving capabilities of this sports car.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

BMW has equipped the Z4 with two engine options. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is available in two states of tune – 197 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque as well as 258 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque. The top of the line 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 petrol mill generates 304 PS of power and 500 Nm of torque. All these engines are coupled to a common 8-speed automatic transmission.

Braking & Safety

The BMW Z4 is adequately equipped with all the safety essentials like front, side, curtain and knee airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, cornering brake control, dynamic traction control, and hill start assist

Verdict

With this new generation model, BMW has managed to make the Z4 more visually captivating as well as practical at the same time. The sportscar’s revamped styling makes it visually bigger as well as more stylish while packing more goodies and technologies. On the other hand, the driving dynamics for which the Z4 was famous for has become even sharper, enabling it to retain the tag of an excellent driver’s car.