BMW Z4 ROADSTER REVIEW

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

Three free-revving straight-six petrol engines make up the range for now. The 23i has a 201bhp 2.5-litre unit and the 30i a 255bhp 3.0, while the 35i has a twin-turbocharged 3.0 with 302bhp. Each comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The 23i and 30i can be specified with a six-speed automatic, while the 35i is available with a seven-speed semi-auto 'box.
Ride & Handling

5 out of 5 stars

We've only driven versions with the optional adaptive suspension so far, but, even in the firmer setting, the ride is surprisingly supple for such a sporty car. There's also loads of grip and little body lean, while the steering is sharp, if a bit short of feel. Every Z4 comes with Adaptive Chassis Control, which lets you alter the responses of the steering, throttle and stability control.
Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

The engines sound great when you're giving them a footful of revs, but settle down nicely if you're not feeling so playful. You do hear a bit of road noise, though, and the door mirrors generate some wind noise. There isn't much buffeting in al fresco mode.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

It's a BMW, so the Z4 won't be cheap. However, you pay about the same as you would for the equivalent Mercedes-Benz SLK, and a bit less than you would for a comparable Porsche Boxster. Fuel economy is nothing special, but the Z4's leading-lady looks and blue and white badge should ensure strong resale values to help protect your investment.
Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5 stars

The cabin has no trouble giving you the sumptuous impression you’d expect from a BMW, with gorgeous materials and a flawless quality of fit and finish. The folding roof mechanism is one of the slickest and smoothest we’ve seen, too, and BMW has a good reliability record.
Safety & Security

5 out of 5 stars

Great handling isn't always enough to keep a powerful car in check, so stability control is standard to help you stay out of trouble. If you really make a hash of things, there are six airbags to cushion you from harm. The list of security kit includes deadlocks, locking wheel nuts and an alarm.

Behind The Wheel

4 out of 5 stars

The 35i has electric seat adjustment, but lesser Z4s make do with rather fiddly manual controls. Even so, you should be able to get comfortable with a bit of effort, and there’s a great low-slung driving position. The various buttons and dials on the dashboard are clearly marked and easy to find, and cars with sat-nav have BMW’s much-improved iDrive control system.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

You don't buy a two-seat sports car if you want to shift wardrobes, so it's of no real relevance that the Z4 isn't the most practical vehicle available. There's plenty of space surrounding the two seats, though, and the boot is a good size in coupe mode. Drop the roof and you have to squeeze all your stuff under a small load separator: there's room for a couple of bags, but not much more.
Equipment

3 out of 5 stars

The list of standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tyres, xenon headlamps, dual-zone climate control and a CD player with an auxiliary input socket so you can connect up your iPod. The electrically folding tin-top is also included in the price.