BMW promises that the new Z4 is a genuinely sporty roadster that manages to entertain its driver in a way that its predecessor simply couldn’t. That shouldn’t be that hard of a task, since the last Z4 was heavily criticized for its lack of depth in its dynamic abilities when pushed.
The real question the new BMW Z4 has to answer is how does it compare against today’s benchmarks, namely the Porsche Boxster. Carfection’s Henry Catchpole took the latest Bavarian roadster on a road trip across Southern Spain in order to find out.
The range-topping Z4 M40i is the only member of the range available with a six-cylinder engine; a turbocharged 3.0-liter unit producing 335 hp (340 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.
Also Read: Does The New BMW Z4 M40i Sound Good To You?
That’s enough grunt to send the compact two-seater to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds. The top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), which is the norm for German cars. An eight-speed automatic transmission is the only option, but it does come with an M specific software to give the driver a more sporty feeling while there’s a limited-slip differential as well.
The Z4 was never going to be as sharp or as rewarding as the Toyota Supra, its fixed-roof sibling, as BMW apparently targets a different audience. But take it on the right road, with the velvety smooth straight-six under its long bonnet growling and burbling, roof tucked away, and it will demonstrate its balanced chassis and stronger than ever grip.
Will that be enough to trouble the best in the class? Let’s see what Carfection has to say.