BWM Z4 M40i 3.0 (A) First Drive Review
07 Nov 2018|10,288 views
What We Like
Exciting and fun to drive
Well-balanced chassis
Plenty of power
Sleek and modern cabin
Eye-catching design
More practical and easier to live with daily than before
What We Dislike
Ride is quite firm even in Comfort mode
Doesn't have the same feeling of lightness as roadsters from the past
This car, the brand new BMW Z4, has been a long time coming. The previous generation model debuted in 2009, almost a whole decade ago now. This brand new model is the latest in the brand's fabled and much-loved line of Z models, dating back to the original Z1 launched in 1989.
Let's be honest about one thing - no one needs a roadster. Even the project head said as much. You buy a roadster because you want one, not because you need one. Cruising down a coastal road with the sun in your eyes and the wind in your hair - roadsters have a certain romantic carefree attitude about them that is undeniably appealing.
The new Z4 is much more aggressively styled than before
Thus, we find ourselves on the idyllic Cascais coastline in Portugal behind the wheel of the brand new BMW Z4, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, The Strokes blasting out of the speakers.
A sharper suit
The Z4 has grown quite a big bigger - 85mm longer, 74mm wider and 12mm taller than its predecessor. In person, it cuts a bigger and heftier presence on the road. The front features a new-look mesh-design kidney grille and vertically arranged head lights.
It's definitely a bold new look, but we're not sold on the front fascia yet. It strikes us as a little too wide (especially the stretched-out kidney grille), like someone overdoing it when told to smile for the camera.
Crisp lines run across the car's side profile, accentuating its athletic look
From the side and rear, the Z4 is certainly pleasant on the eye. With its clean, crisp lines along the side of the car flowing into the slender tail lamps, and muscular rear end, the Z4 is sure to draw the attention of other drivers.
Inside, the cabin is top notch, with all the latest tech and gizmos. In fact, you will recognise much of the design from the new X5 and 8 Series, from the Operating System 7.0 to the newly designed centre console.
The cabin is sleek, high-tech, and more spacious than you'd expect
For a two-seater roadster, it doesn't feel cramp, either. There's a fairly generous amount of adjustment on the seats and the steering wheel, and behind the seats you have a small cubbyhole, as well as a netting that allows you to store an umbrella, water bottles and whatever other small items you may have.
The 281-litre boot (unchanged with the roof open or close) is more than 50% larger than its predecessor, making the Z4 more practical as well.
Snazzy attitude
Of course, the biggest question here is how it drives. The short answer is that it's great. The chassis is balanced and responsive thanks to the 50:50 weight distribution, the steering is accurate and reasonably direct, and the car is agile and eager to be driven hard.
The Z4's impeccable balance and direct steering make for a thoroughly enjoyable drive
When you aggressively attack corners, there is barely a hint of body roll thanks to the M Sport suspension and wide front and rear tracks. Carving through windy mountain roads, there's ample traction from the tyres.
Of course, you can still get the rear end to step out with some controlled irresposible driving. Simply put, the Z4 is a ton of fun to drive, especially if you can find yourself a nice stretch of quiet, open roads (as we luckily did).
Let's be honest about one thing - no one needs a roadster. Even the project head said as much. You buy a roadster because you want one, not because you need one. Cruising down a coastal road with the sun in your eyes and the wind in your hair - roadsters have a certain romantic carefree attitude about them that is undeniably appealing.
Thus, we find ourselves on the idyllic Cascais coastline in Portugal behind the wheel of the brand new BMW Z4, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, The Strokes blasting out of the speakers.
A sharper suit
The Z4 has grown quite a big bigger - 85mm longer, 74mm wider and 12mm taller than its predecessor. In person, it cuts a bigger and heftier presence on the road. The front features a new-look mesh-design kidney grille and vertically arranged head lights.
It's definitely a bold new look, but we're not sold on the front fascia yet. It strikes us as a little too wide (especially the stretched-out kidney grille), like someone overdoing it when told to smile for the camera.
From the side and rear, the Z4 is certainly pleasant on the eye. With its clean, crisp lines along the side of the car flowing into the slender tail lamps, and muscular rear end, the Z4 is sure to draw the attention of other drivers.
Inside, the cabin is top notch, with all the latest tech and gizmos. In fact, you will recognise much of the design from the new X5 and 8 Series, from the Operating System 7.0 to the newly designed centre console.
For a two-seater roadster, it doesn't feel cramp, either. There's a fairly generous amount of adjustment on the seats and the steering wheel, and behind the seats you have a small cubbyhole, as well as a netting that allows you to store an umbrella, water bottles and whatever other small items you may have.
The 281-litre boot (unchanged with the roof open or close) is more than 50% larger than its predecessor, making the Z4 more practical as well.
Snazzy attitude
Of course, the biggest question here is how it drives. The short answer is that it's great. The chassis is balanced and responsive thanks to the 50:50 weight distribution, the steering is accurate and reasonably direct, and the car is agile and eager to be driven hard.
When you aggressively attack corners, there is barely a hint of body roll thanks to the M Sport suspension and wide front and rear tracks. Carving through windy mountain roads, there's ample traction from the tyres.
Of course, you can still get the rear end to step out with some controlled irresposible driving. Simply put, the Z4 is a ton of fun to drive, especially if you can find yourself a nice stretch of quiet, open roads (as we luckily did).
However, we must concede that the ride is definitely on the firm side - even in the Comfort setting, you will feel the various imperfections on the road. And with the roof closed, wind noise begins to creep in at about 115km/h.
The M40i variant we drove is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine kicking out 335bhp and 500Nm of torque. We have no complaints about the power in isolation - 0-100km/h takes just 4.6 seconds. The engine also makes a lovely, sonorous sound.
The 3.0-litre engine powering the M40i produces a hefty 335bhp and 500Nm of torque
However, if we're being honest, this engine may actually be a little too much for the Z4. We suspect the smaller 2.0-litre engine will provide more than enough power, while still allowing you to savour the full dynamic capabilities of the Z4. With this 3.0-litre engine, the end of a good road comes a little too quickly.
Does it drive like a quintessential roadster, though? This is a slightly harder question to parse. On one hand, yes, it has that delightful feeling of wanting to be chucked around, a low-slung open-top roadster capable of bursts of mayhem combined with easy cruising along the seaside.
With a 281-litre boot, the Z4 is reasonably practical for day-to-day use
On the other hand, there's no hiding the fact that the new Z4 is rather big and relatively heavy. So while the handling is extremely tidy, it doesn't have the same nifty light-footedness of roadsters of old. And, we also reckon the M40i has more power than you really need.
The modern age
The Z4 is definitely sharper and more dynamically capable than before. In many ways, it's a much more serious car than before - more performance-oriented and more tech-forward.
The Z4 will have a much broader appeal than before, thanks to improved practicality and day-to-day usability
This does also mean that it has shed some of its easygoing nature. Is that necessarily a bad thing? We're not sure. After all, cars have all moved on so much - roadsters like the Z1 are very much a thing of the past.
Roadster aficionados may not immediately take to the new Z4. It's quite big, it's not that light, and it isn't bare bones by any stretch of the imagination.
Loaded with the latest in BMW tech, you can actually activate adaptive cruise control and take your foot off the pedals. "Heresy! This is supposed to be a driver's car!" shout the naysayers.
On an open stretch of road, pushing the Z4 hard is a sheer delight
But, we suspect the new Z4 will have a much broader appeal. It's more practical, easier to use and definitely easier to live with. With its broader range of use, it's a car that you could drive everyday to go to work, instead of just on the weekends. And when you demand it, the Z4 still delivers bucket loads of fun.
By modern standards and in today's context, the Z4 definitely stands tall among an admittedly small field of roadsters. Has it been worth the wait? We very much think so.
The M40i variant we drove is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine kicking out 335bhp and 500Nm of torque. We have no complaints about the power in isolation - 0-100km/h takes just 4.6 seconds. The engine also makes a lovely, sonorous sound.
However, if we're being honest, this engine may actually be a little too much for the Z4. We suspect the smaller 2.0-litre engine will provide more than enough power, while still allowing you to savour the full dynamic capabilities of the Z4. With this 3.0-litre engine, the end of a good road comes a little too quickly.
Does it drive like a quintessential roadster, though? This is a slightly harder question to parse. On one hand, yes, it has that delightful feeling of wanting to be chucked around, a low-slung open-top roadster capable of bursts of mayhem combined with easy cruising along the seaside.
On the other hand, there's no hiding the fact that the new Z4 is rather big and relatively heavy. So while the handling is extremely tidy, it doesn't have the same nifty light-footedness of roadsters of old. And, we also reckon the M40i has more power than you really need.
The modern age
The Z4 is definitely sharper and more dynamically capable than before. In many ways, it's a much more serious car than before - more performance-oriented and more tech-forward.
This does also mean that it has shed some of its easygoing nature. Is that necessarily a bad thing? We're not sure. After all, cars have all moved on so much - roadsters like the Z1 are very much a thing of the past.
Roadster aficionados may not immediately take to the new Z4. It's quite big, it's not that light, and it isn't bare bones by any stretch of the imagination.
Loaded with the latest in BMW tech, you can actually activate adaptive cruise control and take your foot off the pedals. "Heresy! This is supposed to be a driver's car!" shout the naysayers.
But, we suspect the new Z4 will have a much broader appeal. It's more practical, easier to use and definitely easier to live with. With its broader range of use, it's a car that you could drive everyday to go to work, instead of just on the weekends. And when you demand it, the Z4 still delivers bucket loads of fun.
By modern standards and in today's context, the Z4 definitely stands tall among an admittedly small field of roadsters. Has it been worth the wait? We very much think so.
What We Like
Exciting and fun to drive
Well-balanced chassis
Plenty of power
Sleek and modern cabin
Eye-catching design
More practical and easier to live with daily than before
What We Dislike
Ride is quite firm even in Comfort mode
Doesn't have the same feeling of lightness as roadsters from the past
This car, the brand new BMW Z4, has been a long time coming. The previous generation model debuted in 2009, almost a whole decade ago now. This brand new model is the latest in the brand's fabled and much-loved line of Z models, dating back to the original Z1 launched in 1989.
Let's be honest about one thing - no one needs a roadster. Even the project head said as much. You buy a roadster because you want one, not because you need one. Cruising down a coastal road with the sun in your eyes and the wind in your hair - roadsters have a certain romantic carefree attitude about them that is undeniably appealing.
The new Z4 is much more aggressively styled than beforeThus, we find ourselves on the idyllic Cascais coastline in Portugal behind the wheel of the brand new BMW Z4, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, The Strokes blasting out of the speakers.
A sharper suit
The Z4 has grown quite a big bigger - 85mm longer, 74mm wider and 12mm taller than its predecessor. In person, it cuts a bigger and heftier presence on the road. The front features a new-look mesh-design kidney grille and vertically arranged head lights.
It's definitely a bold new look, but we're not sold on the front fascia yet. It strikes us as a little too wide (especially the stretched-out kidney grille), like someone overdoing it when told to smile for the camera.
Crisp lines run across the car's side profile, accentuating its athletic lookFrom the side and rear, the Z4 is certainly pleasant on the eye. With its clean, crisp lines along the side of the car flowing into the slender tail lamps, and muscular rear end, the Z4 is sure to draw the attention of other drivers.
Inside, the cabin is top notch, with all the latest tech and gizmos. In fact, you will recognise much of the design from the new X5 and 8 Series, from the Operating System 7.0 to the newly designed centre console.
The cabin is sleek, high-tech, and more spacious than you'd expectFor a two-seater roadster, it doesn't feel cramp, either. There's a fairly generous amount of adjustment on the seats and the steering wheel, and behind the seats you have a small cubbyhole, as well as a netting that allows you to store an umbrella, water bottles and whatever other small items you may have.
The 281-litre boot (unchanged with the roof open or close) is more than 50% larger than its predecessor, making the Z4 more practical as well.
Snazzy attitude
Of course, the biggest question here is how it drives. The short answer is that it's great. The chassis is balanced and responsive thanks to the 50:50 weight distribution, the steering is accurate and reasonably direct, and the car is agile and eager to be driven hard.
The Z4's impeccable balance and direct steering make for a thoroughly enjoyable driveWhen you aggressively attack corners, there is barely a hint of body roll thanks to the M Sport suspension and wide front and rear tracks. Carving through windy mountain roads, there's ample traction from the tyres.
Of course, you can still get the rear end to step out with some controlled irresposible driving. Simply put, the Z4 is a ton of fun to drive, especially if you can find yourself a nice stretch of quiet, open roads (as we luckily did).
Let's be honest about one thing - no one needs a roadster. Even the project head said as much. You buy a roadster because you want one, not because you need one. Cruising down a coastal road with the sun in your eyes and the wind in your hair - roadsters have a certain romantic carefree attitude about them that is undeniably appealing.
A sharper suit
The Z4 has grown quite a big bigger - 85mm longer, 74mm wider and 12mm taller than its predecessor. In person, it cuts a bigger and heftier presence on the road. The front features a new-look mesh-design kidney grille and vertically arranged head lights.
It's definitely a bold new look, but we're not sold on the front fascia yet. It strikes us as a little too wide (especially the stretched-out kidney grille), like someone overdoing it when told to smile for the camera.
Inside, the cabin is top notch, with all the latest tech and gizmos. In fact, you will recognise much of the design from the new X5 and 8 Series, from the Operating System 7.0 to the newly designed centre console.
The 281-litre boot (unchanged with the roof open or close) is more than 50% larger than its predecessor, making the Z4 more practical as well.
Snazzy attitude
Of course, the biggest question here is how it drives. The short answer is that it's great. The chassis is balanced and responsive thanks to the 50:50 weight distribution, the steering is accurate and reasonably direct, and the car is agile and eager to be driven hard.
Of course, you can still get the rear end to step out with some controlled irresposible driving. Simply put, the Z4 is a ton of fun to drive, especially if you can find yourself a nice stretch of quiet, open roads (as we luckily did).
However, we must concede that the ride is definitely on the firm side - even in the Comfort setting, you will feel the various imperfections on the road. And with the roof closed, wind noise begins to creep in at about 115km/h.
The M40i variant we drove is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine kicking out 335bhp and 500Nm of torque. We have no complaints about the power in isolation - 0-100km/h takes just 4.6 seconds. The engine also makes a lovely, sonorous sound.
The 3.0-litre engine powering the M40i produces a hefty 335bhp and 500Nm of torqueHowever, if we're being honest, this engine may actually be a little too much for the Z4. We suspect the smaller 2.0-litre engine will provide more than enough power, while still allowing you to savour the full dynamic capabilities of the Z4. With this 3.0-litre engine, the end of a good road comes a little too quickly.
Does it drive like a quintessential roadster, though? This is a slightly harder question to parse. On one hand, yes, it has that delightful feeling of wanting to be chucked around, a low-slung open-top roadster capable of bursts of mayhem combined with easy cruising along the seaside.
With a 281-litre boot, the Z4 is reasonably practical for day-to-day useOn the other hand, there's no hiding the fact that the new Z4 is rather big and relatively heavy. So while the handling is extremely tidy, it doesn't have the same nifty light-footedness of roadsters of old. And, we also reckon the M40i has more power than you really need.
The modern age
The Z4 is definitely sharper and more dynamically capable than before. In many ways, it's a much more serious car than before - more performance-oriented and more tech-forward.
The Z4 will have a much broader appeal than before, thanks to improved practicality and day-to-day usabilityThis does also mean that it has shed some of its easygoing nature. Is that necessarily a bad thing? We're not sure. After all, cars have all moved on so much - roadsters like the Z1 are very much a thing of the past.
Roadster aficionados may not immediately take to the new Z4. It's quite big, it's not that light, and it isn't bare bones by any stretch of the imagination.
Loaded with the latest in BMW tech, you can actually activate adaptive cruise control and take your foot off the pedals. "Heresy! This is supposed to be a driver's car!" shout the naysayers.
On an open stretch of road, pushing the Z4 hard is a sheer delightBut, we suspect the new Z4 will have a much broader appeal. It's more practical, easier to use and definitely easier to live with. With its broader range of use, it's a car that you could drive everyday to go to work, instead of just on the weekends. And when you demand it, the Z4 still delivers bucket loads of fun.
By modern standards and in today's context, the Z4 definitely stands tall among an admittedly small field of roadsters. Has it been worth the wait? We very much think so.
The M40i variant we drove is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine kicking out 335bhp and 500Nm of torque. We have no complaints about the power in isolation - 0-100km/h takes just 4.6 seconds. The engine also makes a lovely, sonorous sound.
Does it drive like a quintessential roadster, though? This is a slightly harder question to parse. On one hand, yes, it has that delightful feeling of wanting to be chucked around, a low-slung open-top roadster capable of bursts of mayhem combined with easy cruising along the seaside.
The modern age
The Z4 is definitely sharper and more dynamically capable than before. In many ways, it's a much more serious car than before - more performance-oriented and more tech-forward.
Roadster aficionados may not immediately take to the new Z4. It's quite big, it's not that light, and it isn't bare bones by any stretch of the imagination.
Loaded with the latest in BMW tech, you can actually activate adaptive cruise control and take your foot off the pedals. "Heresy! This is supposed to be a driver's car!" shout the naysayers.
By modern standards and in today's context, the Z4 definitely stands tall among an admittedly small field of roadsters. Has it been worth the wait? We very much think so.
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