BMW Z4 Upmarket roadster refocuses on handling
Roadster reverts to a soft-top and focuses more on handling and performance On sale March 2019 Price from £36,990
“DON’T TRY TO do everything. Do one thing well.” So said the late boss of Apple, Steve Jobs – a man who proved many times over that the key to a successful product is simplicity.
Now, that might sound counterintuitive; surely something that caters to everyone would be more successful? But, as BMW proved with its second-generation Z4 of 2009, it’s all too easy to ruin a successful product by overly broadening its scope. Indeed, current Z4 project manager Michael Wimbeck admits that after experiencing great success with the driverfocused original, BMW went down the wrong path. “We followed Mercedes with the hard-top roof and softened it off too much,” he says. “But this time, with the third-generation model, we’ve created a genuine driver’s car.”
To achieve that, the new Z4 reverts to a softtop to lower the car’s centre of gravity, benefits from completely redesigned suspension and is significantly wider across both axles, with the front end growing outward by a startling 98mm. Of course, with the Z4 now being larger, it’s actually slightly heavier than its predecessor, but BMW reckons the gains made elsewhere will make up for those extra pounds.
At first, buyers will be able to choose between 194bhp and 255bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines in the sdrive20i and sdrive30i variants respectively. But it’s the range-topping M40i, with its 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six, that represents the biggest threat to the Porsche 718 Boxster, our favourite convertible sports car for more than £40,000. With 335bhp and 369lb ft of torque, the M40i not only eclipses the entry-level Boxster (295bhp and 280lb ft) for performance, but it also sounds more exotic, thanks to its two extra cylinders.
Mind you, the latter point might be a little controversial, because it’s obvious that BMW has decided to channel some fake engine noise through the Z4’s stereo to help boost its aural charisma. This feels distinctly inauthentic and unnecessary, because the engine’s raw power speaks for itself.
Stretch your right foot and the big sixcylinder motor responds with virtually no lag, pulling hard from low in the rev range with a smooth, free-revving nature that the Boxster’s 2.0-litre engine can’t quite match. And although you’re limited to an automatic gearbox, keen drivers shouldn’t be disappointed, because BMW’S eight-speeder is one of the best around, delivering smooth, precise and reliable shifts on command.
But, of course, six-cylinder Z4s have never been short on straight-line speed. Where we really wanted to see improvement is in the handling department. And BMW has indeed succeeded in creating a rewarding driver’s car – well, for the most part.
In terms of ride and handling, the Z4 has taken a big step forward. Its new front end set-up generates fantastic grip in corners, while weight distribution of 50/50 front to rear ensures great balance. On a cross-country run, it could certainly give a Boxster or Audi TTS Roadster a run for its money.
But despite this impressive turn of speed, the Z4 is still held back by its weight and size. When pushing on, you have to be incredibly
accurate with your positioning of the car, due to its width. And while the Z4’s natural balance and grip are impressive, when the rear lets go, it can be snappy and rather unwieldy. Put simply, the Z4 doesn’t have the same level of fluency as the relatively lightweight Boxster.
It’s actually happier if you leave it in Comfort mode and knock back the pace – which allows you to enjoy the driver-focused interior. As with BMWS of the 1990s, the whole dashboard is angled slightly toward the driver, while all the controls are clearly laid out. And despite the introduction of a new version of its classleading idrive infotainment system, BMW has retained the intuitive rotary dial for controlling it, so you can concentrate on driving.
The Z4 has certainly taken a step back in the right direction, doing a better job of entertaining its driver than before. However, with significant bulk and unwieldy proportions, it still feels like a car more suited to those looking for a luxurious tourer rather than an engaging sports car. So, for now at least, Porsche can rest easy.