THE Z4 WITH MORE
Bmw’s latest offering is more of a cruiser than a bruiser but will breeze happily in style down a smart boulevard or along a sunkissed seafront. However, you’ll have to wait until the first stirrings of spring to take delivery of Bmw’s sporty new Z4 convertible range.
But even in autumn, at its global launch in sunnier Portugal, I was able to savour the liberating delights of open-top driving in the German car giant’s exceptionally capable new roadster, which draws on generations of convertible heritage, including the Z1, Z3 and Z8 models and back as far as the pre-war Bmw 328.
Early images of the Z4 — a rival for the Porsche Boxster — has split opinion. But up close in the metal and on the road, it grows on you as something of a handsome beast.
Priced from less than £37,000, more than 2,400 Britons are expected to buy one in the first full year of production.
I drove the top of the range m40i (from £49,050). It’s powered by a 3-litre turbocharged straight six-cylinder 340hp engine matched to a slick 8-speed automatic gearbox with manual override, riding on 18in wheels with 19 in as an option.
The fully electric fabric roof opens and closes at the touch of a button within ten seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.
It comes in black as standard with an option of a greyish anthracite with silver effect.
The Z4 has a powerful presence on the road with a long bonnet and bold Bmw racing-inspired mesh on the kidney-shaped grille. There was plenty of thrust to experience acceleration from rest to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.
Precise and confident handling at speed is helped by a low centre of gravity. But it will better suit those looking for a civilised cruising car with sporty performance rather than an extreme blood-and-guts sports car.
The march launch will feature the entry level sDrive20i, from £36,990, with a 2-litre 197 hp fourcylinder petrol engine.
Also due then is the sDrive30i, from £40,690, with the same engine, but a higher 258 hp.