Tin-top Z4 deliveries commence soon

Aussie buyers lined up for the BMW Z4 will begin taking delivery of the revised sports car from May 23. Three inline sixes are on offer, but it's likely the new car's folding aluminium roof will be the biggest talking point.

The new Z4 has been a long time coming. Here at the Carsales Network, we predicted over 18 months ago, based on spy pics, that the new model was likely to be capped by a folding metal roof (more here). Even the car's local pricing was announced as far back as the Melbourne International Motor Show, two months ago (and brought to you here).

BMW has applied its latest naming convention to the new Z4 range, as follows: the 2.5-litre Z4 sDrive23i ($86,200), the 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated Z4 sDrive30i ($98,100) and the 3.0-litre twin-turbo Z4 sDrive35i ($116,900).

Peak power and torque figures for the 2.5-litre engine amount to 150kW and 250Nm, while the 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated six can dial up 190kW and 310Nm. Introduced with the 335i, the twin-turbo engine is good for 225kW and 400Nm. Combined-cycle fuel consumption figures range from 8.9L/100km for the 2.5 auto to 9.8L/100km for the twin-turbo manual. Acceleration times from a standing start to 100km/h are 7.3 seconds for the 2.5 auto, 5.1 seconds for the twin-turbo double-clutch variant and points in between for the others.

Transmissions comprise six-speed manual boxes as the default, with a six-speed automatic option for the 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated variants, plus the seven-speed double-clutch transmission as an option for the 3.0-litre twin-turbo Z4. BMW has specified 18-inch wheels for the Z4 sDrive35i and 17-inch wheels on the other two variants.

The Z4 range has been rationalised with the introduction of the upgrade model; BMW dispensing with the distinction between the Roadster and Coupe models sold here previously. With the new retractable roof -- which can deploy or retract in 20 seconds, the manufacturer claims -- the Z4 combines the best of both the previous variants in the one package. Boasting a larger body (of which the bonnet, roof panels and front guards are made from aluminium), the Z4 provides easier access through its larger doors.

Standard equipment for the entire range comprises: Rain-sensing wipers, auto-on/off headlights, remote central locking, multi-function leather-bound sports steering wheel, brushed-aluminium decorative trim, electrochromatic mirror, climate control, trip computer, 'Kansas' leather trim with BMW SunReflective treatment, active cruise control, Park Distance Control front and rear, electronic parking brake, electronic differential lock, Dynamic Driving Control, Bi-Xenon headlights, heated seats, skiport, engine stop/start button, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary input and USB interface for the in-dash CD audio system.

Over the standard specification, the Z4 sDrive30i gains satellite navigation, voice control, 11-speaker audio system and electric seat and mirror adjustment with memory for driver.

Topping the range, the Z4 sDrive35i also features Comfort Access system, fold-in anti-dazzle exterior mirrors, adaptive headlights, Highbeam Assist and BMW sports seats.

"We are delighted to welcome this new generation model with its powerful engines, innovative transmission and for the first time on a BMW two-seater, a two-piece retractable hardtop," says Stavros Yallouridis, Managing Director for BMW Group Australia.

The manufacturer is now building the Z4 in Germany, rather than in its Spartanburg plant in the US.

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