2012 BMW Z4 - Styling Review

Though it's riding into its third year on the market in its current form, the BMW Z4 continues to wear its blend of conservative curve and sporty style with grace.

At first glance, many of the proportions seem a bit like the larger 6-Series convertible's, though parked side-by-side, the Z4's smaller size is obvious. The long hood, short rear deck, and low overall height are classic roadster proportions. Long, smooth arcs, raised character lines, and gentle creases provide relief on most of the larger panels.

The rear fenders are slightly flared, and the tail lights are wrapped smoothly into the rear. At the nose, open intakes and the kidney grille are the primary cues.

Inside, the Z4 is richer than ever, and arguably the most upscale of its competition in the luxury-sport roadster segment, though the new 2013 Porsche Boxster may soon take that title. Nevertheless, the Z4's raked, angular design, focused on the driver, imparts a sense of sport to match the car's performance. The layout of the controls is a bit cluttered, but remains useful, with the iDrive controller the center piece of the console.

Metallic trims, leather upholstery, and a wide array of color schemes, including high-contrast bright insert materials, offer a lot of room for individualization.