BMW Z4: this is how the engine range of the German brand's new roadster is configured

We’ve already had a small preview of the new BMW Z4, that captivating roadster that began its journey in 2003 with a design that really caught the eye and now returns with great force. Its official presentation to the whole world is scheduled in a few days at the Paris Motor Show, but we’ve already been able to drool a little over the Z4 First Edition, which has details that make it even more special.

Now that we’re closer to the day of its presentation, BMW reveals more concrete data on how the Z4 range will be made up, thus revealing the engine options that can be fitted to this “small” convertible. We’ll also learn a little more about its dynamic characteristics, which aim to ensure the BMW Z4 is not just a great design exercise, but offers qualities that make it an exciting sports car that lets you feel the wind more directly.

Design and dynamism go hand in hand

Everything begins with a body structure and chassis mounts that are now more rigid to guarantee more consistent composure, while the front and rear axles also feature a new design, along with a low centre of gravity, a weight that has been reduced as much as possible, and a 50:50 weight distribution, all to ensure sporty yet comfortable driving. It also has dimensions that remain contained despite having grown in size compared with the previous generation of the Z4: an overall length of 4,324 mm, a width that increases by 74 mm to 1,864 mm, and a height that rises by 13 mm to 1,304 mm. The track has also been widened and the wheelbase shortened for greater agility.

Aesthetically you already know it, but for those who don’t, suffice it to say that the new BMW Z4 makes use of new and distinctive design elements in its compact yet elegant and sporty figure. At the front, BMW features a new design for the kidney grille and, for the first time, a vertically positioned LED light unit; the long bonnet remains a hallmark of the new Z4, from which sharp design lines run, although there are also others that give it a more elegant touch as they emerge from the side air intakes. At the rear, its spoiler integrated into the boot lid, the L-shaped light units and the rear diffuser define its design.

In the new BMW Z4’s colour palette you can choose from nine body colours, while the roof fabric can only be chosen in black or anthracite with a silver effect. The soft top, by the way, will be electric, allowing it to open and close in just 10 seconds, an operation that can be carried out on the move as long as you don’t exceed 50 km/h.

With the top up or down, its interior offers a modern and sporty design, clearly oriented towards the driver and designed to deliver a better driving experience, as shown by the layout of the various controls. Its interior comes upholstered in Vernasca leather as standard, although on the Z4 M40i the leather is combined with Alcantara. There are also useful spaces that make life simpler within its compact interior: such as the storage space behind the seats, the cup holders hidden under the armrest cover, large glove boxes in the doors and, perhaps even more important, a boot capacity that increases to 281 litres, regardless of whether the top is open or closed.

On the technology front, the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system stands out, consisting of two 10.25-inch touchscreens, one for the instrument panel and one for the control display, which can be operated by touch, via the iDrive controller, using the steering wheel buttons or by voice. Additionally, the new BMW 7.0 operating system can be optionally installed, which adapts precisely to the driver’s requirements. There is also the long list of safety and comfort assistance systems found on today’s cars, including as standard the Collision Warning, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with braking function and Lane Departure Warning, together with all those that can be optionally fitted.

Engines that promise thrilling performance

Mechanically, the BMW Z4 offers a choice of three petrol engines, all paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, also equipped with a new petrol particulate filter that helps reduce emissions and, consequently, comply with the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard.

The “calmer” option will be found in the Z4 sDrive20i, which features a four-cylinder 2,000 cc engine delivering 197 CV of power and a torque of 320 Nm, enabling it to reach 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds with a combined consumption and emissions of 5.8 l/100 km and 139 g/km respectively. The next more powerful option is the Z4 sDrive30i, which uses the same engine but raises its power to 258 CV and increases its torque to 400 Nm, allowing it to reach 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, while its combined consumption and emissions are set at 6.1 l/100 km and 139 g/km respectively.

The most powerful option is housed in the Z4 M40i, which uses a 3,000 cc inline six-cylinder engine incorporating the TwinPower Turbo technology developed by the M Performance division. This engine substantially increases its power, reaching 340 CV and generating a torque of 500 Nm, enabling it to reach 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. Its combined consumption is set at around 7.4 l/100 km, while CO2 emissions can reach up to 168 g/km.

All this power can be managed and kept under control thanks to the M adaptive suspension, the M sport brakes, the electronically controlled M sport differential and the three driving modes that let you adapt the vehicle to your driving style (Comfort, Sport or Sport +). Power is transmitted to the road through large tyres whose dimensions are not specified, mounted on wheels that as standard can be 17 or 18 inches and 19 inches as an option.