This is BMW’s new Z4, a completely reworked version of Munich’s two-seat sports car that the firm hopes will dramatically improve on the decidedly average fortunes of the outgoing model.
The new Z4 is due to go on sale next May, and BMW has sought to improve the car’s appeal in almost every area. Key differences include a lightweight metal folding hard-top, direct-injection straight six engines and a more spacious cabin.
The current Z4 has never been able to match the sales success of the popular Z3 that came before it. Sales in the UK peaked at 4800 in 2004, almost half the number of TTs Audi sold the same year. You can see the video below.
Design
Analysts agree that the main reason why the old Z4 didn’t sell like the Z3 was down to its ‘awkward’ styling. This alienated many buyers, particularly women, who didn’t take to BMW design boss Chris Bangle’s outlandish design ethos.
With this in mind, it might come as a surprise to see that BMW has chosen to be so loyal to the old model’s look, as it could have completely reskinned the Z4. The Z4’s design team was keen to keep its traditional roadster proportions in place. So the bonnet remains extremely long, with the two occupants sitting far back in the car, almost over the rear axle.
Trademark Bangle panel flaring remains, although the styling has been revised to integrate and ‘flow’ the new folding hardtop into the shape of the car. The wheel arches bulge more than before, too, to emphasise the width of the car.
BMW is particularly proud of the Z4’s new folding hard-top. Despite the limited space behind the seats, engineers have managed to design a relatively simple two-piece roof. They have also managed to retain normal-length A-pillars.
Chassis and interior
The rear-drive Z4 is built around the same modified 3-series platform as the current model, and retains its proportions.
There’s a lengthy wheelbase of 2496mm, with overhangs of just 850mm at the front and 893mm at the rear. The whole car measures 4239mm, just over 100mm longer than the outgoing model.
The stiffened and reinforced chassis is intended to improve the Z4’s dynamic ability but it also boosts crash safety. Its new aluminium metal folding roof adds a new degree of rigidity.
But next year’s model is not just bigger than the current Z4; it weighs more, too. The new Z4 tips the scales at 1480kg, compared with the old model’s 1335kg, and the metal roof and motors that go with it are to blame, despite the use of lightweight materials.
