Have SUVs killed the sports car?

The BMW X3 SUV is so good to drive, what’s the point of the Z4 roadster again, asks Larry Printz.

Is the sports car dead? It’s a fair question. While many scribes are moaning about the demise of the sedan, they still sell in small numbers. In reality, it’s the sports car that is truly nearing extinction – at least in the mass market.

Sad, I know.

But two recent vehicles by the same manufacturer prove why: the BMW Z4 M40i and the BMW X3 M40i. It may seem strange to think that the two-seat Z4 convertible and the X3 crossover as being competition for each other – until you drive them back-to-back.

‘‘You can get the same level of engagement and driving fun in an X3 or X4 as you can in a Z4; maybe not as much, but pretty close,’’ says Rebecca Lindland, automotive analyst and founder of automotive consultancy Rebeccadrive.com. ‘‘And you have to ask, is it worth it?’’

But Lindland says there are other things contributing to the declining interest in sports cars.

‘‘Part of it is expense. A sports car is usually a luxury; it’s usually a second, third or fourth car, and Baby Boomers are not retiring particularly wealthy. Another thing that comes into it is the safety aspect. Remember, this was the Baby on Board generation.’’

Think younger buyers might fancy a sports car? Guess again. She adds that while Generation X may be approaching midlife crisis stage, they married later and don’t have the financial resources to afford that little red sports car.

‘‘And, you know, we want to bring our stuff with us. The idea of going on a Sunday drive is not who we are any more. All of these bring challenges to the sports car world.’’

Of course, it’s not as if carmakers aren’t trying.

Undoubtedly, the BMW Z4 M40i is a remarkably good sports car. It’s beautiful to behold, a modern iteration of BMW’s classically conservative look updated for a modern world.

The M40i badge signifies that under its hood resides a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 285kW/500Nm.

The result is a 0-100kmh run in a brisk 4.1 seconds, more than quick enough for banishing your fears of growing older.

It’s the perfect dance partner to this roadster’s new chassis, which is shared with the new Toyota Supra sports coupe.

Its double-joint spring strut front suspension, a new five-link rear suspension and a perfect 50:50 weight distribution make the Z4 car an absolute thrill to drive.

Credit is also due to the Adaptive M Sport suspension that rides 10mm lower and its electronically controlled dampers allow for firm handling, yet provides a comfortable ride.

The instrument panel is typical of modern BMWs, easy to use once you know how, and impeccably assembled.

The seats are comfortably firm, and the convertible roof lowers more and storage situation is far better thought out.

But more importantly, it too has a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline sixcylinder engine, delivering 100kmh in 4.5 seconds, less than half a second slower than the Z4. And let’s face it, when was the last time you noticed a half-second difference in speed?

Like the roadster, the crossover has an eight-speed automatic transmission.

But the biggest surprise is what the M40i delivers. Launched last year as the first performanceoriented X3 (there are now even full M Competition versions), it delivers ride and handling that any car enthusiast can appreciate, with the same adept mixture of quick nicelyweighted steering, adept handling, and comfortable ride that makes the

Z4 such a delight.

Of course, the X3 is heavier, longer and taller, all of which you’ll notice. But it delivers the same end result. Almost as much driving thrills at a lower base price: $124,500. And you can bring along your family and/or friends.

Yes, the BMW Z4 is smaller, lighter and perfect for a track day or the occasional twisting country road, if such a place exists near you.

But the X3 is a far easier car to live with day-to-day given its utility and driving chops. Considering the

X3’s lower starting price, and the realities of modern traffic and highways, it’s not hard to understand why sports cars are such a hard sell these days.

So it’s no surprise that in this battle of the BMs, 3 beats 4. Given, the reality of today’s car market, get used to it. – TNS

This Z4 sports car is driving away from the sunset. But maybe it should be going the other way.

Truth is, the X3 is almost as much to drive as the Z4 – but you can do more things and go more places in it.

The Z4 has more finesse and involvement for a Sunday morning blast. But do modern drivers want that kind of indulgence?

The X3 M40i is just 0.4 seconds slower to 100kmh than the Z4 M40i. Would you really notice?