AFTER a brief hiatus in the Bavarian automaker’s line-up, the two-seater roadster is back. The all-new BMW Z4 is meaner, faster, and more agile. From styling to performance, high-tech features and comfort, the spunky little number delivers on all accounts. The new convertible will be available in three variants: the Z4 sDrive20i, Z4 sDrive 30i, and the Z4 M40i.
“The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster is our brand-new addition to BMW’s long history of engrossing roadsters,” said Hans-Christian Baertels, acting president of BMW Group India. “With dynamic proportions, emotional design and thrilling sportiness, this open-top two-seater takes the classic roadster into the world of tomorrow. When the roof opens, there are no limits to driving pleasure in the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster.”
Design
The resemblance to the outgoing bimmer is striking. However, the new two-seater also shares many of the familiar design cues seen on the BMW 8-series coupe. The wide stance, slim taillights, and fluid sides perfectly matching a sporty front without looking like it’s overdone. The overall proportion of the new Z4 has been altered; it’s now longer and taller. Its commanding presence starts from a powerfully sculpted front apron and headlights positioned at the outer edges, ensuring there is no mistaking the car’s lineage. The new-look, mesh-design BMW kidney grille sits low and broad, and it features an arresting honeycomb pattern with a three-dimensional structure.
Interior
Inside the roadster, the driver-focussed cockpit has advanced features to enhance driving pleasure, courtesy of state-of-the-art equipment in its cabin. These include the start/stop button, the iDrive Controller, the Driving Experience Control switch, the Electric Parking Brake button, the screens and the switch for the electrically-operated soft-top roof (it can be opened or closed in 10 seconds, even while travelling at speeds up to 50 km/h). These are all within easy reach so there’s nothing to distract the driver from the enjoyment of the task at hand.
Performance
On the road, the low centre of gravity, low weight, a perfect 50:50 weight distribution ratio, a rigid body and chassis structure, and optimised aerodynamic properties deliver remarkable control on both straights and turns. At the top of the line, the new Z4 M40i boasts a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine, featuring M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. Expect sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.