BMW Z4
BMW bring back the Z4, a 2-seater roadster with all the luxuries and qualities the Bavarian giant is known for.
BMW’s ‘Z’ line has historically produced some exciting and highly desirable machines. The new Z4 is actually the 3rd generation of the Z4, but it’s far from being the only Z that BMW has produced.
The Z badge stands for ‘Zukunft’ meaning ‘future’ in German, and when the BMW Z1 of 1989 debuted, it certainly displayed futuristic edge with its unique drop-down doors. Renowned motoring journalist Georg Kacher described it at the time as “…one of the most fascinating and controversial cars of the '80s.” Around 8,000 models of the Z1 were produced over a relatively short 3-year period. Later came the BMW Z8, a car highly desired by collectors now and famous for being James Bond’s car in the film The World Is Not Enough. Production of this special car only lasted 3-years, during which time the 1st generation of BMW Z4 was launched.
With its long bonnet, low seating position and high-quality interior, the Z4 was popular for a 2-seater sports car with a luxury price tag. It spawned one further generation before being temporarily discontinued while BMW developed the new Z4.
The new car comes with a choice of 2 petrol engines – a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo in 195 or 255bhp outputs, or a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-6, with 336bhp. Whichever you choose, an 8-speed automatic transmission is provided giving you paddle-shift control over the gears when you’re feeling sporty and laid-back cruising capability when you’ve distance to cover. It shares the same platform and engine as the upcoming Toyota Supra, and with the 336bhp engine serious levels of pace are on offer – it takes just 4.6-seconds to reach 62mph from a standstill. It is an exclusively rear-wheel driven car with 50/50 weight distribution, so it promises to feel rather special in the corners.
Currently there are 3 trims of the new BMW Z4. For the 2.0-litre model, Sport and M-Sport trims are offered, while the ‘M40i’ 3.0-litre model is classed as a separate model away from the 2.0-litre versions. Being BMW’s, all models are well equipped but they also have a list of options that Synergy customers can choose from to make their Z4 more personal to them.