What We Like
100% will turn heads
Well-equipped cabin
Plenty of power from the 3.0-litre engine
Well-balanced chassis makes for sharp handling
More practical than before
What We Dislike
Steering wheel is too thick
At 1,562kg it's not particularly lightweight
A small, two-door convertible is always going to a bit of a special car. After all, it takes a bold individual to buy one - you're conceding practicality and everyday liveability, while also inevitably inviting judgement from other road users and bystanders.
But perhaps, it's the inherent impracticality and different-ness of a roadster that defines its appeal. This is precisely what sets it apart from the mass of other cars on the road, and makes it something rather special.
This new model, the G29 Z4, is the third generation Z4 and the sixth Z model from BMWThe new BMW Z4, then. How special is it?
The good news
We've already driven this exact Z4 M40i model, and the overall impressions are good.
Without wanting to repeat ourselves too much, it's a car that excels in many areas. It looks good and will attract stares everywhere you go. The cabin is high-class and high-tech. And on the road, it delivers plenty of power, while also having outstanding road-handling capabilities.
Sleek, low-slung and muscular-looking, the new Z4 is sure to turn heads anywhere you goWe have gripes with the car (the steering wheel is too thick, the engine arguably too powerful and it's not particularly light), but overall it's a stellar roadster package with plenty of appeal.
The important questions
The more pertinent question, then, should be this - if you're in the market for a sub-$400,000, small, two-door sportscar, should you buy the Z4?
The 3.0-litre engine pumps out a healthy 335bhp and 500Nm of torque, accelerating the Z4 from 0-100km/h in 4.5 secondsAdmittedly, the Z4 doesn't have the same badge clout as the Porsche 718 Boxster. It's arguably too powerful, so you can't wring it out the same way you can a Mazda MX-5. And it also doesn't have the aural drama of a Jaguar F-TYPE.
But perhaps, it's the inherent impracticality and different-ness of a roadster that defines its appeal. This is precisely what sets it apart from the mass of other cars on the road, and makes it something rather special.
The good news
We've already driven this exact Z4 M40i model, and the overall impressions are good.
Without wanting to repeat ourselves too much, it's a car that excels in many areas. It looks good and will attract stares everywhere you go. The cabin is high-class and high-tech. And on the road, it delivers plenty of power, while also having outstanding road-handling capabilities.
The important questions
The more pertinent question, then, should be this - if you're in the market for a sub-$400,000, small, two-door sportscar, should you buy the Z4?
The 3.0-litre engine pumps out a healthy 335bhp and 500Nm of torque, accelerating the Z4 from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds
What other options do you have? Audi TT? No longer sold in Singapore. Mercedes-Benz SLC? Meh, that's a mighty underwhelming roadster. Toyota Supra? Haven't driven it yet. And you know the whole hoo-ha about both being effectively the same car.
The soft top opens and closes in 10 seconds, and can be operated while driving at speeds of up to 50km/hIf you wanted something wholeheartedly unique and special, something that truly encapsulates the philosophy of lightness and sporty delight, we'd recommend the Alpine A110 in a heartbeat.
Who's loving you?
So, does that mean you shouldn't buy a Z4? No, we're not saying that.
The high-tech, modern and well-appointed cabin delivers plenty of everyday comfort See, the Z4 still has its particular kind of appeal. It's got the BMW badge recognition without saying 'poor man's 911' (Boxster, looking at you). It's got more than twice the power of the MX-5. It's a ton more refined and sensible to drive daily than an F-TYPE. And, has anyone actually heard about the Alpine?
So, as you can see, it's easy to understand why people will still be drawn to the Z4. It's a highly competent car that is much more well-rounded than its competitors. Yes, perhaps it doesn't sparkle in any one specific way, and may be lacking in that elusive 'specialness'. But, compared to the competition, it's arguably the best all-around package.
Bursting with fun-loving character and joy, the new BMW Z4 delivers its own unique bubbly roadster personalityAnd perhaps, most importantly, there's no denying that sitting behind the wheel of the Z4 driving down Shenton Way with people shooting glances our way made us feel quite special. It's precisely this ability to make you feel special that defines a roadster, no?
Who's loving you?
So, does that mean you shouldn't buy a Z4? No, we're not saying that.
So, as you can see, it's easy to understand why people will still be drawn to the Z4. It's a highly competent car that is much more well-rounded than its competitors. Yes, perhaps it doesn't sparkle in any one specific way, and may be lacking in that elusive 'specialness'. But, compared to the competition, it's arguably the best all-around package.
