New Z4 has sporty intent

BMW clearly intends its new Z4 roadster to feel much more sporting than the outgoing model, giving the newcomer what it calls “a far sportier edge”.

That comes partly from pulling front and rear wheels closer together and pushing all four outwards to widen the track as well as redesigning the suspension.

Compared to its predecessor, the new BMW Z4 has grown in length by 85 millimetres to 4,324 millimetres, is 74 millimetres wider (now 1,864 millimetres) and 13 millimetres taller(1,304 millimetres). The new Z4 goes on sale from March with a choice of three model variants, including a BMW M Performance option.

The engines available for the new Z4 send that power to the road through the latest-generation, eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

Top performer is the BMW Z4 M40i, with a three-litre straight-six unit featuring M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. The 340hp engine propels the roadster from 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The line-up of engines is completed by a pair of two-litre, four-cylinder units. The variant in the new BMW Z4 sDrive30i has 258hp and completes the 0 to 62 mph sprint in 5.4 seconds.

In the new BMW Z4 sDrive20i, meanwhile, maximum output of 197hp translates into a 0 to 62 mph time of 6.6 seconds. The three power units come with a gasoline particulate filter to further reduce emissions, and all model variants comply with the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard.