Review: BMW Z4 Roadster
Posted in General on 11. Sep, 2011
If you enjoy open top motoring, then you will love the BMW Z4 Roadster and this latest version is just as good, if not better than the Porsche Boxster or the Mercedes SLK which are in the same sector.
There are a number of options when it comes to the engine. The basic model is a 2.5 litre 204 bhp unit which will take you from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.6 seconds. It also has the advantage of good fuel economy and will return 33 mpg.
If you would appreciate a little more power you can select the sDrive30i. This packs a powerful 3 litres of punch which delivers 258 bhp and which will propel you from 0 to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds. It also has good fuel economy.
If you want to out-drag a Porsche Boxster S, then you will have to shell out for the magnificent 306 bhp sDrive35i power unit which comes with twin-turbochargers and which will propel the car from 0 to 62mph in 5.2 seconds. This version also has twin exhausts and the sound that they generate when accelerating hard out of corners is truly awe inspiring.
If even that is not enough “umph” for you, then there is the sDrive35is which delivers 340 bhp taking you from 0 to 60 in a stomach churning 4.8 seconds.
The standard drive train on the first three models includes a six-speed manual gearbox or a semi-automatic version with a steering wheel mounted paddle shift. However with the sDrive35i there is also the option of a seven-speed double clutch automatic box and this gearbox is standard on the sDrive35is and includes launch control for getting away smartly at the traffic lights!
As you might anticipate the handling is quite excellent and thanks to the rear wheel drive power sliding round twisty roads is a lot of fun, especially when you turn off the traction control. You can set the car up for normal, sports and sports-plus driving and there is optional adaptive sports suspension.
From a practical viewpoint, there is a reasonable amount of boot space when the roof is down, but much less when driving with the roof up. Naturally this car comes with all the trimmings and extras that you might expect.
