The New BMW Z4 ~ Auto Car

2013 BMW Z4

New entry-level BMW Z4 sDrive18i joins range
Striking Pure Traction Design package revealed
Enhanced level of standard equipment

BMW has revealed a new version of the popular Z4 roadster which will go on sale in March, 2013 – 80 years after we first offered such an exciting concept. Currently BMW’s only two seat drop-top to be offered, the BMW Z4 now comes with a new entry-level sDrive18i, while at the same time the Pure Traction Design package boasts a level of sophistication and high specification not seen on a Z4 before.

The new BMW Z4 sDrive18i engine heralds a new entry point into BMW Z4 ownership. Priced from £27,610 OTR this new derivative uses a de-tuned version of an existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine. Producing 156hp at 5,000rpm from its 1,997cc powerplant the car is capable of zero to 62mph time of 7.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 137mph. It manages to do this while still recording 41.5mpg and emissions of just 159g/km.

Some of the existing engines have also received enhancements to improve their overall performance. The BMW Z4 sDrive20i comes with a 184hp engine that achieves 41.5mpg and 159g/km CO₂. The model is the most popular derivative of Z4 currently accounting for 80 per cent of sales.

Further up the range and the four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged sDrive28i, and the six-cylinder twin-turbocharged sDrive35i and the sDrive35is offer customers greater performance courtesy of their respective 245hp, 306hp and 340hp power outputs. All cars are rated at an electronically-limited 155mph top speed.
Transmitting the power to the road is a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Customers can also specify an eight-speed automatic with gear shift paddles located on the steering wheel, while buyers of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is have a seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission, again with gear shift paddles, as standard.

EfficientDynamics

All of the latest BMW Z4s come as standard with facets of BMW’s award-winning EfficientDynamics programme. Technologies that improve engine performance while enhancing economy and cutting emissions include Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering with Servotronic, Reduced Rolling Resistance Tyres, on-demand control of the engine’s ancillaries and Optimum Shift Indicator on manual transmission cars. The BMW Z4 also adheres to a philosophy of lightweight construction with the front suspension and subframe being largely made from aluminium.

A new look

Design wise the winning formula of the BMW Z4 styling has only had minor enhancements mid-life. The headlights now include white LED corona rings and a white ‘eyebrow’ with additional chrome detailing, while in profile the side gill features chrome detailing and LED side repeater lights.

Building on the striking looks of the BMW Z4 is the introduction of the Pure Traction Design package. Available exclusively in Valencia Orange with an optional black contrast roof the model also comes with Sport seats in Alcantara and leather with contrast stitching, Anthracite headlining and a unique metal weave interior trim. Should a customer wish to have another exterior colour this can be offered though. The Pure Traction Design package costs from £550 up to £2,240 depending on the model within the Z4 range it is order on. SE and M Sport derivatives will continue to be offered.

Standard equipment across all models now includes DAB radio, Xenon headlights, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and Sport multi-function steering wheel. All models apart from the new entry-level sDrive18i SE come with Kansas leather upholstery as standard. Three new colours of Mineral Grey, Glacier Silver and Valencia Orange are offered while two new styles of alloy wheel, 17-inch and an 18-inch V-spoke styling wheel are available.

These enhancements build on an already strong offering. The BMW Z4 was the first roadster in BMW’s history to come with a two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 20mph. The new roadster was also the first vehicle to be offered with Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers offer three different configurations while the ride height is lowered by 10mm for a more dynamic drive.

The standard Drive Performance Control function was another first and this allows the driver to alter, depending on model specification, the throttle and steering response, level of ride comfort, Dynamic Stability Control response and, on automatic or Double Clutch Transmission cars, gear change times.

Images : 2013 BMW Z4