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TheCarConnection's editors have driven the 2010 BMW Z4 roadster to write this hands-on review. Editors have compared the Z4 with other luxury two-seat roadsters, to help you narrow your shopping choices. TheCarConnection.com also has compiled a full review of quotes from other respected auto review Web sites, to give you the most comprehensive BMW Z4 information on the Web.
Likes:
- Tight hardtop
- Velvety, responsive engines
- Excellent dual-clutch automatic
- Phenomenal poise, with good ride quality
- Storage bins!
Dislikes:
- Tight cabin and low windshield header
- Steering ratio feels too quick
- Unimpressive standard sound system
- Bluetooth is optional
- Pricey
The BMW roadster era began again in 1996 with the introduction of the South Carolina-built Z3. That rounded, Miata-esque two-seater evolved into the flame-surfaced Z4 in 2002. Now, the Z4 has been reimagined again, with a more elegant body, a tighter cabin, and much quicker performance. With a base price of $46,000, the Z4 competes against the Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, and Mercedes-Benz SLK, as well as the Infiniti G37 Convertible.
Leaner and yet more voluptuous, the newest BMW Z4 introduced in the 2009 model year and carried over for 2010 is a bit more conservative than before. The hood is long and low, with the short-deck proportions of a classic roadster. The front end's been brought up to speed with the lines of other new BMWs, and the sides have seen their aggressive creases and flares softened. The silhouette flows with far more elegance, seen in smooth, long arcs connecting the hood to the rear fenders. The rear wheel wells are pronounced in their size-and taper toward Porsche Boxster-like tail lamps. The Z4 side view shows a slim bubble when the roof is raised. Relative to the otherwise tight proportions, the long overhangs are more noticeable in back, where the Z4 needs the length for stowing its retractable hardtop. Like the sheetmetal, the cabin has a far richer, more sophisticated feel; it's the most upscale of all its competition. The rakish design divides some controls in a strong, graphic trim panel, and cants them slightly toward the driver. There's more metallic trim and choices of contrasting leather trim, all giving the Z4 a fair whiff of nostalgia among its modern controls. Overall, the look inside is a little more cluttered but much more useful. There's an iDrive controller and an electric parking brake in the center console; the navigation screen, when so equipped, pops up from the top center of the dash.
