BMW updates Z4 and adds muscular Z4M

BMW has launched the latest in its Z range of roadsters. The latest Z4 arrives Down Under in 2.5si and 3.0si form boasting the same mag-alloy powered-up inline six-cylinder powerplants that power the makers 1, 3 and 5 Series ranges. Plus a new range topper has been released. Featuring the award-winning running gear of the much-praised M3 Coupe, the new Z4M Roadster adds much needed teeth to the Z Roadster range.

The Z4 2.5si gets a 160kW version of the N52 2.5-litre six. The DOHC engine features variable valve timing on both cams and has peak torque of 250Nm at 2750rpm. It is the same engine that powers the 325i and is available in the Z4 mated to both six-speed manual and auto boxes.

The Z4 3.0si gets a 195kW/315Nm version of the famed BMW 3.0-litre six. In the same state of tune as the recently-release 130i, the engine is 5kW up on that used in the 330i and 530i. In the Z4 it is also available in both auto and manual guises.

First released back in 2003, the Z4 has been moderately successful for BMW in Australia with approx 1200 sold. BMW expects the midlife revision of the Z4 to prompted added interest in the car. Other changes include subtle front and rear styling updates and some more substantial changes under the skin.

The new Z4 features BMW's upgraded DSC package which includes the same multi-function brake upgrade (brake drying, hill start assist, brake standby) as debuted in the E90 3 Series last year.

In the cockpit, there's paddle shift for auto versions and other upgrades including new multifunction wheel and Bluetooth prep as well.

The z4 2.5si kicks off at $77,600 with the auto variant priced from $80,200. Its big brother is priced from $90,800 with the auto version offered at $93,400.

Priced from $129,500 with barely an option to be seen, the Z4M Roadster tops of the new Z4 range.

Less than 40 of the M3-powered rocketship will make it to Australia this year but the few who get to sample the hotrod will get to exercise the full compliment of M goodies delivered in package that is 85kg lighter than the M3 and dispatches the 0-100km sprint in 5.0sec.

CarPoint will publish its local launch impressions of the upgraded Z4s soon, in the meantime read our full launch coverage of the Z4M here.