Roadsters are some of the most vivid forms of motoring expressions.
It needs to appeal at an emotional level more than cars of other forms - think of it as a pageant that requires more than just being beautiful, but with the right demeanour and brains as well.
When BMW told us to expect an updated Z4, we wondered how things could turn out. Frankly, we loved the previous generation. Sleek and stylish - it was almost hard not to fall for its looks.
And while it isn't the most involving to drive in its segment, it effortlessly steals glances everywhere it goes - just what we reckon a roadster should do.
What you see here is the 2013 BMW Z4. You will be hard pressed to tell them apart, but we assure you there are real differences.
It needs to appeal at an emotional level more than cars of other forms - think of it as a pageant that requires more than just being beautiful, but with the right demeanour and brains as well.
When BMW told us to expect an updated Z4, we wondered how things could turn out. Frankly, we loved the previous generation. Sleek and stylish - it was almost hard not to fall for its looks.
And while it isn't the most involving to drive in its segment, it effortlessly steals glances everywhere it goes - just what we reckon a roadster should do.
What you see here is the 2013 BMW Z4. You will be hard pressed to tell them apart, but we assure you there are real differences.
Exterior
Arguably, roadsters like the Z4 are meant to be driven when the mood, as well as the sky is bright and sunny. But with this specific example in Valencia orange, there's no reason why you can't be in the suitable mood.
The marque's trademark kidney grilles on the latest Z4 still look aggressive. Tinted with contrasting matt silver linings, it exudes a new wave of stylishness - something different from the usual black which we have all been familiar with.
The long-sweeping bonnet, too, has almost become a signature of the roadster, bestowing it with a masculine stance.
Interior
On the inside, the Z4 is not devoid of special treatments to make this a real head turner for both the driver and the lucky passenger.
For starters, the alcantara-centre seats, which costs an additional $3,450, add a special touch to the interior.
The contrasting orange/black panels may have looked childish or out of place in other cars - but not in the Z4. Instead, they bring about a livelier ambience, which makes the roadster feel like a really special place to be in.
On the inside, the Z4 is not devoid of special treatments to make this a real head turner for both the driver and the lucky passenger.
For starters, the alcantara-centre seats, which costs an additional $3,450, add a special touch to the interior.
The contrasting orange/black panels may have looked childish or out of place in other cars - but not in the Z4. Instead, they bring about a livelier ambience, which makes the roadster feel like a really special place to be in.
While the air-con knobs are fuss free to operate, they feel a tad dated, especially when you compare them with recent digitalised versions.
Ironically, not to sound like we're stone age people, we missed the 'old school' handbrake that was replaced for a electric version in the facelifted Z4. But we definitely like how intuitively the BMW infotainment system works, and we reckon it is still one of the most user-friendly technological integrations in the industry.
Ironically, not to sound like we're stone age people, we missed the 'old school' handbrake that was replaced for a electric version in the facelifted Z4. But we definitely like how intuitively the BMW infotainment system works, and we reckon it is still one of the most user-friendly technological integrations in the industry.
The Drive
There is a generous helping of 340bhp and 450Nm of torque in the 35i - courtesy of a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six. As soon as the boost builds up (there is still a slight noticeable lag), the 35i will pull with utmost conviction, despatching 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.
While the car may not be the quickest in town, it has a couple of 'force multipliers' for more exhilarative driving. Dropping its top, for instance, will amplify the sense of speed. The close proximity to the elements allows you to taste the raw acceleration better than in any enclosed cabin, say for instance, in a coupe.
The Z4's top can now be dropped/stowed in 19 seconds. Revisions to the folding hard top system also allow it to be more conveniently operated at speeds of up to 40km/h.
No doubt the roadster loses some of its structural rigidity over its fixed-top sibling, we reckon the access to the skies (and wind) is a worthy trade off.
That said, with the top stowed, it doesn't take long for one to be swarmed by wind noise at speeds above 80km/h. That makes all the brute power a little less enticing and almost redundant because you would rather enjoy a leisurely drive than to door-handle the Z4 like a maniac.
There is a generous helping of 340bhp and 450Nm of torque in the 35i - courtesy of a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six. As soon as the boost builds up (there is still a slight noticeable lag), the 35i will pull with utmost conviction, despatching 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.
While the car may not be the quickest in town, it has a couple of 'force multipliers' for more exhilarative driving. Dropping its top, for instance, will amplify the sense of speed. The close proximity to the elements allows you to taste the raw acceleration better than in any enclosed cabin, say for instance, in a coupe.
The Z4's top can now be dropped/stowed in 19 seconds. Revisions to the folding hard top system also allow it to be more conveniently operated at speeds of up to 40km/h.
No doubt the roadster loses some of its structural rigidity over its fixed-top sibling, we reckon the access to the skies (and wind) is a worthy trade off.
That said, with the top stowed, it doesn't take long for one to be swarmed by wind noise at speeds above 80km/h. That makes all the brute power a little less enticing and almost redundant because you would rather enjoy a leisurely drive than to door-handle the Z4 like a maniac.
Compared to the TT and the SLK, the Z4 feels a little 'head heavy' - less nimble in overtaking manoeuvres or over bends. Its well weighted steering, though, makes up for it, giving the driver better feedbacks from the tarmac.
New and exclusive to the 35i is the seven-speed dual-clutch cog box. Given that the previous eight-speeder was almost as competent in putting the Z4 through speeds, the improvement from the dual-clutch seems insignificant. That said, the new gearbox does feel more urgent when driven enthusiastically.
Conclusion
The Z4 takes on modest updates for its mid-life facelift, with welcoming improvements to the folding hard top and the spruced-up M performance look. Though we do wonder if the dual-clutch gearbox is really a necessary change.
However, the Z4's good looks, matched with an equally characterful drive, makes it a gem to behold. And to us, it encompasses the mantra of a true roadster.
New and exclusive to the 35i is the seven-speed dual-clutch cog box. Given that the previous eight-speeder was almost as competent in putting the Z4 through speeds, the improvement from the dual-clutch seems insignificant. That said, the new gearbox does feel more urgent when driven enthusiastically.
Conclusion
The Z4 takes on modest updates for its mid-life facelift, with welcoming improvements to the folding hard top and the spruced-up M performance look. Though we do wonder if the dual-clutch gearbox is really a necessary change.
However, the Z4's good looks, matched with an equally characterful drive, makes it a gem to behold. And to us, it encompasses the mantra of a true roadster.
