It’s often said that when it comes time to update a successful model, car companies have two choices: go evolutionary with mild styling changes i.e. Porsche 911, or go revolutionary and drastically change almost everything i.e. the new Acura TL. When BMW decided to reinvent their Z3, a much loved and successful roadster, they decided to go the revolutionary route. When the first Z4 first came out, the styling was a drastic change from the sumptuous and classically styled Z3. The Z4 was all about sharp creases and convex surfaces juxtaposed with concave. With the newest Z4, BMW decided to play it a little safer and return to slightly more conventional styling. The interesting thing at this point is BMW has created a situation a bit like the chicken or the egg debate. Line up all three cars and someone completely unfamiliar to the models could probably pick the Z3 as the oldest model. When it comes to the two Z4’s the redesign appears to fit somewhere in between. While some details of the first Z4 are carried over, such as the strong character line along the side, the over all design could easily have been a direct descendent of the Z3. And what does this mean exactly? It means that the design should appeal to a wider spectrum of consumers which is a very good thing in the current market. How has the rest of the car changed?
The most obvious change would be the roof. The Z3 and the Z4 both featured cloth convertible tops. Both had separate hardtop versions in the funky Z3 Coupe and the more aggressive looking Z4 Coupe. For the redesign, BMW has replaced the cloth top with a retractable folding hardtop, following the lead of one of its main competitors, the Mercedes SLK. This will likely help attract more customers who prefer the security of a hardtop but want to experience top down motoring as well. While this may disappoint some convertible fans who may not rejoice in the hardtops additional weight, complexity, and reduced trunk space, it was probably a necessary choice for BMW in order to ensure future success for the model.
The interior design follows a much more evolutionary development from the first Z4. The switchgear for the dual zone climate controls has moved up higher on the dash, level with the steering wheel. This makes on the go adjustments easier. The new switches themselves have a nice chrome bezel and the knobs are nicely styled and feel smooth but substantial when rotated. The entire interior is covered in premium leather or soft touch leather material. The only hard plastic to be found lies on the pull out storage compartments at the base of the doors. The instrument panel retains a similar style to the first Z4, but the gauges are more legible and do not seem as set in a tunnel as in the previous version. The model I drove featured the Coral Red interior with Ash Wood trim. The over all effect is very upscale and elegant. The model I drove was not equipped with iDrive. In place of the flip up screen there is a handy storage compartment and the console mounted iDrive controller is replaced with a small tray. There is ample storage in the center console which also contains an auxiliary input for MP3 players.
The trunk is reasonably large for a roadster. The available room is obviously compromised when the hardtop is stowed, but there is a convenient pull out partition that indicates the limits of luggage capacity. This should help keep forgetful drivers from crushing any precious luggage or causing damage to the roof. There is also a small pass through between the seat to allow for longer items such as skis or golf clubs. The roof itself completes its folding acrobatics in a mere twenty seconds. Top down wind buffeting feels well controlled and unobtrusive.
BMW decided not to do anything drastic in the engine compartment. Engine choices are consistent with much of the rest of the BMW line up. The base engine is a 3.0 liter inline six with 255 horsepower. It can be mated either to a six speed manual gearbox or a six speed automatic with paddle shifters. The up-rated engine is also a 3.0 liter inline six, but features a turbocharger to pump out 300 horsepower. This engine can be joined to the six speed manual or to BMW’s new seven speed dual clutch transmission. The model I drove, courtesy of the gracious folks and Sear Imports of Minnetonka, was the naturally aspirated version mated to the manual transmission. Despite the less than graceful nomenclature of sDrive30i, the Z4 drives like a gem. The engine is exceptionally smooth and the gearbox is an excellent match. The shift level slides smoothly from gate to gate with precision. The clutch is easy to modulate and engages without fuss. BMW’s Start-off Assist is a neat feature. By holding the brake for a couple seconds, the car gives you time to move your foot from the brake to the throttle without rolling backwards; very handy on a steep hill. Power from the engine is sufficient. While never overwhelming, it does not feel under powered and there is enough torque to get up and go when needed. The ride and handling are typical for a BMW. The ride quality is better than most, but it still handles beautifully. There is some body roll, but the motions are well controlled and inspire confidence in corners.
What is there worth complaining about? Not much really. Initially the steering feels far too light and over boosted, especially at parking lot speeds. While convenient for parking and maneuvering, a sports car’s steering should have a bit more heft. The steering feel improves, however, as you get up to speed. An easy cure is to press the sport button on the center console. When pressed the wheel requires just a little more effort and the suspension tightens up to make the twisty roads even more exciting. Another foible is the cruise control stalk is located directly under the turn signal leading to mild frustration when trying to signal turns. The radio display also washes out when viewed with polarized sunglasses and the A pillar seems just a little intrusive when going around left had bends, but otherwise visibility is very good, even with the top up.
BMW calls the newest Z4 “An expression of joy”. With the restyled exterior it is a joy to behold. With a new retractable hardtop it is a joy in any weather. With striking and sumptuous interior it is a joy to touch. With smooth, powerful, efficient engines it is a joy to drive. And with BMW’s reputation for excellence, it is certainly going to be a joy to own!
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