More often than not, the choice of ride offers a glimpse of an individual's character. Especially when the costs are less of an issue (for the lucky lot that is), the selection criteria would rest on the wreaths of intangibles - style, brand image etc.
Though not the latest in its segment, there are no qualms about the Z4's ability to turn heads, and as a 'chick-magnet'. The 28i receives an up-tuned version of the 2.0-litre in-line four found in the 20i. We sample to find out how well the 'middle-child' of the range fares.
Exterior
The latest iteration of the famed roadster takes on an aggressive stance, accentuated by sleek, masculine lines (most notable being the inversely-arched 'brows') running through the elongated bonnet and side profile. As a whole, the Z4 feels more 'grown-up' now.
The Z4 is delectably stylish in either of its inherent forms
Though not the latest in its segment, there are no qualms about the Z4's ability to turn heads, and as a 'chick-magnet'. The 28i receives an up-tuned version of the 2.0-litre in-line four found in the 20i. We sample to find out how well the 'middle-child' of the range fares.
Exterior
The latest iteration of the famed roadster takes on an aggressive stance, accentuated by sleek, masculine lines (most notable being the inversely-arched 'brows') running through the elongated bonnet and side profile. As a whole, the Z4 feels more 'grown-up' now.
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Up close and personal, there is no denying it takes a substantial amount of self-resistance to curtail any enthusiasm towards driving a machine like this. Like an athlete with essential running gears, the 28i comes standard with 18-inch multi-spoke alloys which fills the arches nicely, at the same time adding a sense of sophistication to the outlook.
Credit where it is due, the folding hard-top fulfils an exemplary role in bestowing the roadster with practicality and the aesthetics of a coupe.
More distinctive roofline possible with the folding hard-top  |
Interior
On the inside, the Z4 adopts a fuss-free array of buttons and switches, pleasantly presented on a slate of brushed aluminium. Modern interpretations come in the form of the all-familiar looking infotainment control panel atop the transmission tunnel, coupled with the 8.8-inch LCD display, which folds neatly into the dashboard when not in use.
The low-slung driving position, together with the raised tunnel, imbues the driver into a cocoon-like surrounding, which adds to the chemistry between man and metal.
In the Z4, the shrunk in boot space (taken up by the folding hard top) is compensated be the multitude of cubby holes found around the twin seats: fold-out door trays, netted compartment behind the seats - these won't fit golf bags, but will come in handy for smaller grocery items.
On the inside, the Z4 adopts a fuss-free array of buttons and switches, pleasantly presented on a slate of brushed aluminium. Modern interpretations come in the form of the all-familiar looking infotainment control panel atop the transmission tunnel, coupled with the 8.8-inch LCD display, which folds neatly into the dashboard when not in use.
The low-slung driving position, together with the raised tunnel, imbues the driver into a cocoon-like surrounding, which adds to the chemistry between man and metal.
In the Z4, the shrunk in boot space (taken up by the folding hard top) is compensated be the multitude of cubby holes found around the twin seats: fold-out door trays, netted compartment behind the seats - these won't fit golf bags, but will come in handy for smaller grocery items.
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The folding hard-top not only adds to the sleeker roofline, but also cuts external noises by a significant bit. Notably with the roof up, the Z4 transforms from a sports roadster into a comfortable cruiser. The downside of this, however, is that the cabin feels a tad claustrophobic, especially with the roof slung close to the chassis to maintain the low body profile.
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The Drive
In the development of the Z4 range, BMW applied the same recipe it used for the 5 Series - both 20i and 28i shares similar in-line four engines, but tuned to offer different levels of output.
On the Z4 28i, the engine delivers 60 more horses than the entry-level 20i. As a by-product of increasing horsepower through force-induction, there is a tad of power-lag to be felt on the 28i. But once it gets on its pace with the twin-scroll turbos at it, the roadster feels sufficiently sprightly. Especially with the top-down when occupants are more exposed to the elements, the 28i feels faster than the 5.7 seconds century-sprint on papers.
No doubt, the potent sprint is helped with the capable eight-speed tiptronic gearbox (also found on the sDrive20i). The span of ratios available makes the Z4 responsive in carrying out overtaking manoeuvres at any speed. However, the upper range of the cog ratios are hardly utilised on our limited roads.
Located conveniently beside the gear level is what BMW calls 'Drive Experience Control' - a pair of buttons which allow users to turn the Z4 from a sporty cruiser to a menacing tarmac-eater.
Drive Experience Control alters the steering weight and throttle response
In the development of the Z4 range, BMW applied the same recipe it used for the 5 Series - both 20i and 28i shares similar in-line four engines, but tuned to offer different levels of output.
On the Z4 28i, the engine delivers 60 more horses than the entry-level 20i. As a by-product of increasing horsepower through force-induction, there is a tad of power-lag to be felt on the 28i. But once it gets on its pace with the twin-scroll turbos at it, the roadster feels sufficiently sprightly. Especially with the top-down when occupants are more exposed to the elements, the 28i feels faster than the 5.7 seconds century-sprint on papers.
No doubt, the potent sprint is helped with the capable eight-speed tiptronic gearbox (also found on the sDrive20i). The span of ratios available makes the Z4 responsive in carrying out overtaking manoeuvres at any speed. However, the upper range of the cog ratios are hardly utilised on our limited roads.
Located conveniently beside the gear level is what BMW calls 'Drive Experience Control' - a pair of buttons which allow users to turn the Z4 from a sporty cruiser to a menacing tarmac-eater.
Drive Experience Control alters the steering weight and throttle response Piloting at highway speeds, The 28i offers a dynamic driving experience - thanks to the accurate; well-weighted steering. Throw the Z4 into the bends, and it will be apparent that the elongated front takes toll on its handling - turning in at speeds is responded with reluctance from the roadster, feeling much heftier than what you would expect. That said, the Bavarian roadster may lack the 'clinical' feel found in its arch-rivalling neighbours, but by no means does it lose out in offering the fun in driving.
Conclusion
Ironically, while the roadster offering from BMW is now more matured, it has also taken the softer approach, which makes it feel less of a sports car. Looks wise, there is no qualms about the Z4 having the allure of a true-blue roadster.
Halfway up the hierarchy, the 28i is essentially a bolt-up package which offers better thrill in driving, albeit on our little sunny island where road space is limited. A compelling choice? Not so, but definitely a well-balanced compromise that will satisfy any discerning roadster fanatics.
Conclusion
Ironically, while the roadster offering from BMW is now more matured, it has also taken the softer approach, which makes it feel less of a sports car. Looks wise, there is no qualms about the Z4 having the allure of a true-blue roadster.
Halfway up the hierarchy, the 28i is essentially a bolt-up package which offers better thrill in driving, albeit on our little sunny island where road space is limited. A compelling choice? Not so, but definitely a well-balanced compromise that will satisfy any discerning roadster fanatics.
