Review
With its combination of cutting edge design and an ever sharper driving experience, the Z4 has always been near the top of the premium roadster class - and the recent arrival of a several new engines and a coupe version have broadened the range further.
In styling terms this is one of the most successful of the "Bangle-era" BMWs in terms of visual appeal, the heavily contoured flanks giving it looks that can still turn heads. The well-finished cabin is a excellent piece of minimalist design with an uncluttered dashboard and a snug-fitting driving position. Only having two seats limits practicality compared to cars like the Audi TT, but the flip-side is a respectably proportioned boot. The roadster's canvas roof also folds away quickly and painlessly, and refinement is still perfectly acceptable with it up. The coupe version is cramped inside and awkward to get in and out of.
Dynamically the Z4 is almost too good - the grip reserves are so high that it requires serious velocities to really wake the chassis up. Standard traction control keeps everything in line, but with this turned off you need to be quick and accurate to catch the Z4 when it does start to slide.
Roadster buyers can choose between five different engines. All are petrol, and even the most basic 2.0 litre version gives strong performance - although the smooth-revving, zingy 2.5 Si is the pick of the bunch. At the top of the range the M-Coupe and M-Roadster are fast but expensive for what they offer.