BMW Z4 sDrive35is 2011 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): $129,900
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): 19-inch alloys $2000; lumbar support seats $640; premium audio upgrade $800; metallic paint $1840
Crash rating: Four-star
Fuel: 95-98 RON PULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 9.0
CO2 emissions (g/km): 210
Also consider: Audi TT RS, Mercedes-Benz SLK350, Porsche Boxster S

About our ratings

Getting your hands on the go-fast Z4 might take some doing -- even if you have the fiscal means -- because BMW plans to import only 25 red hot roadsters over the next twelve months. But if you're among that exclusive few, the Z4 sDrive35is delivers M3 performance levels coupled to classic two-seater proportions for a drive that's very hard to go past (or is that get past?).

Available in a single spec, the range-topping Z4 sDrive35is packs a lot of equipment into its compact dimensions. Mated to a modified version (250kW/500Nm) of BMW's phenomenal yet now superseded Twin Turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine is a sharp-shifting seven-speed double-clutch transmission while the body is suspended by (10mm) lowered adaptive tri-mode M suspension. Riding on 18-inch light weight alloy wheels, the car's muscular stance harbours brawny ventilated all-disc stoppers with a gamut of electronic helpers.

Inside, too, the Z4 sDrive35is is similarly well-heeled with a Gracenote 11-speaker premium audio package, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, body hugging heated leather seats, voice recognition, parking sensors, auto lights, wipers and mirrors plus high beam assist all thrown in.

It's an impressive package, and just one drive proves it means business. But that's not to say the hi-po Z4 isn't without... err, character.

Note I didn't say 'fault'. You see there isn't really anything wrong with the car per se. It's just that the precise nature of its sporty set up lends itself almost exclusively to perfectly sealed roads, ideal surface conditions and higher speed limits...None of which Victorian roads offer in abundance.

Optioned with 19-inch Twin Spoke alloy wheels, the firmer suspension tends to see the front end track and wander through even slight depressions in the roads, further emphasising the Z4's already light muzzle. And although that's not entirely unexpected from a long-nosed roadster, it can make for tiring highway stints with a lot of added steering input required to maintain course. This process is in no way aided by BMW's untied electronic assisted power steering -- it's easy to understand the M team's preference for the more natural feel of traditional hydraulic arrangements.

At the rear the sDrive35is is also a little skittish over mid-corner ruts, even when you're not trying to bury the loud pedal in the plush pile. Best leave the traction on, methinks.

On the plus side, the performance on tap does make for palpable acceleration from just about any point on the tacho, even if the transmission can be caught napping during roll-on. Rest to 100km/h is knocked over in just 4.8sec and, according to the good folk from Munich, the Z4 is good for an electronically limited 250km/h.

It's a quick thing: rapid yet controllable, with throttle response more akin to that of a decent Japanese sportsbike. It's addictive and generates a rich, sonorous in-line six engine and exhaust note that -- as intoxicating as it is -- lacks any real induction note which may disappoint some forced induction fans.

Packaging, as you'd expect, is limited, but still offers enough room for taller drivers -- far more than Audi's TT -- thanks primarily to the slightly bubbled roof. Retraction and deployment of the hard top takes 20 seconds with the former available remotely from the key -- great for impressing the neighbours.

A consummate convertible package with classic proportions and a mass of go, the Z4 sDrive35is is an absolute cracker of a drive. And although it's not without its foibles, the car's outright performance and indubitable exclusivity make it well worth the extra coin.

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