Personal Motoring: 2017 BMW Z4 Roadster
The BMW Z4 Roadster represents the interplay of classical proportions and state-of-the-art technology. The Z4 represents a time-honored and yet contemporary interpretation of the traditional roadster concept. Exterior features, detailed interior refinements, the available Hyper Orange design package, as well as availability of the full range of BMW ConnectedDrive features all provide fresh impetus and lend the BMW Roadster even greater appeal and individuality.
Available in Z4 sDrive28i, sDrive35i, and sDrive35is models, the success of modern-day BMW Roadsters is rooted in the rigorous dedication of a concept, a process which has left its mark on both the design and the driving properties of each car and is clearly recognizable in the BMW Z4. The sweeping hood, long wheelbase, low beltline and low-slung rear end play a more vivid and uncompromising part in shaping its appearance than is evident with any of its segment rivals. The low seating position just ahead of the rear axle gives the driver and passenger a particularly intense experience of the longitudinal and lateral forces working on the rear wheels. This sense of being “part of the car” also allows the driver to feel more in touch with the road.
The hardtop roof also blends seamlessly into the car’s form. As it closes, it seals a smoothly flowing roofline, while large window surfaces optimize all-round visibility and the feeling of space inside the car. Once opened, the two roof elements are accommodated, one on top of the other, in a compact package inside the Roadster’s trunk. The A-pillars – painted an understated black – also underline the low-slung silhouette of the new BMW Z4, especially when the roof is open.
The optional BMW Individual hardtop – available in the two contrast colors, Jet Black and Titanium Silver metallic – provides a feast for the eyes when the roof is closed. The hardtop can be opened at the touch of a button while the car is moving at up to 25 mph in an automated process lasting 19 seconds.
Base power for the Z4 roadster is generated by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine bolted to a six-speed manual gearbox. Upmarket models are powered by a 3.0L TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder prime mover joined to a seven-speed Double Clutch automatic transmission. An eight-speed automatic transmission is an available option for the four-cylinder model.
The engaging character of the Roadster as a driver’s tool is given particular emphasis by the optional M Sport package, which includes Adaptive M suspension, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M aerodynamics package with large air intakes in the front wing and a rear bumper inlay painted Anthracite metallic.
Inside the passenger cabin, interior additions to standard specification include high-gloss black surrounds for the central air vents and the iDrive control system’s folding Control Display, which comes as part of the optional navigation system. Elsewhere, exquisite Fineline Anthracite wood has been added to the selection of interior trim strips available as an option for the new BMW Z4. The BMW Z4 sDrive28i, BMW Z4 sDrive35i and BMW Z4 sDrive35is are offered with Kansas leather trim. The range of light-alloy wheels includes a newly designed V-Spoke 18-inch wheels combined with staggered front and rear tire sizes.
The available M Sport brings an extra dose of sporting flair into the interior, such as sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, M driver’s footrest, M door sill finishers and an anthracite-colored roof liner. The Aluminum Carbon trim strip, M leather gear lever knob and grey dials for the instrument cluster lend the finishing touches to the interior ambience. The BMW Z4 sDrive35is comes with a model-specific version of the M Sport package.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 96.3; overall length: 167.0; width: 70.5; height: 50.8
All vehicle measurements in inches.
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder – 240 hp at 5000-6000 rpm and 260 lbs-ft of torque at 1450-4800 rpm; 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder – 300 hp at 5800-6250 rpm and 300 lbs-ft of torque at 1400-5000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, seven-speed dual clutch automatic, eight-speed automatic.
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder – 22 city/34 hwy. (manual), 22 city/33 hwy. (automatic); 3.0L turbo six-cylinder – 17 city/24 hwy.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front-seat mounted side impact airbags, rollover protection system, active knee protection, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, dynamic traction control, dynamic stability control, brake fade compensation, brake drying, brake stand-by features, cornering brake control, automatic Xenon adaptive headlights, comfort access keyless entry, push button engine start/stop, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dynamic cruise control, Bluetooth hands free phone system, anti-theft alarm system, central locking system, BMW Assist eCall, and tire pressure monitor.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Corrosion: 12-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/unlimited 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 BMW Z4 Roadster starts from $49,700 for the sDrive28i, $57,500 for the sDrive35i, and $66,350 for the sDrive35is. Destination charges add $995.
