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.

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).