BMW Z4 - a nimble summer sports car and a pleasure shopper’s shopping bag

This time, we’re testing BMW’s all-new Z4. This delicious new car is a real eye-catcher, and not just because of its San Francisco red exterior.

This latest Z4, launched last autumn under the model name G29, is the third in a row. Whereas the previous E89 model was the work of two women and more streamlined in design, the new model is clearly more masculine and sharply defined.

The proportions have remained characteristic of the Z4 on the whole, but there are few similarities in design to the previous model. Length has been increased by 84 mm and width by 74 mm, while the wheelbase has surprisingly been shortened by 26 mm.

The characteristic BMW front grill ‘kidneys’ are wide and shallow. In appearance, they differ from the rest of the range in their lattice pattern, which has not yet been seen on other models.

In terms of design, the Z4s have stood the test of time very well. The first Z4 was introduced back in 2002, and now this latest third generation model can be expected to remain in the range for another 6-7 years.

Drivability brings with it some chassis surprises

The driving position is very sporty and the car is very close to the bench seat when low to the ground. In the compact cabin, everything is close and within easy reach.

The wide centre console makes it easy to use the iDrive system, change driving modes and operate the roof electrically.

BMW is known for its uncompromising attitude when it comes to driveability. Drivability is of course even more important when it comes to the two-seater sports convertible.

The shorter wheelbase is easily noticeable in the car’s agility, and when driving it feels as if the car also has steering on the rear axle. The car is fun and agile to drive on smaller streets. The steering feel is very precise, as usual for a BMW.

The optional adaptive M Sport chassis on the test car is stiff. A slight surface roughness is noticeable on poorer roads. The weakest link in the chassis is the rear axle ‘bounce’. At slower speeds and when driving on uneven surfaces, the rear end surprisingly flexes as if bouncing.

The chassis is at its best at higher speeds and on good roads. The test car was fitted with 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, 255 wide at the front and 275 wide at the rear, which were fitted as optional equipment.

The Z4 sits slightly to the rear of the longitudinal axis. This adds to the sporty ride, but also means that the exhaust note is closer to the ears. No attempt has been made to hide the exhaust note and turbo hiss, but the engine has been given a very cool soundscape.

The test car was powered by the smallest of the three engine options, a two-litre 197bhp four. Even with the smallest engine, the car has plenty of go, although in a convertible it’s more about relaxed cruising than maximum performance.

Everyday or second car?

Finnish summers are unfortunately short and convertible weather can be scarce in a bad year. However, a convertible does not mean that you can’t use a car in winter just as well as any other car.

The new Z4 has a fabric roof that allows the roof to fold down to a compact size in the boot when the weather is kind to convertible drivers. The size of the boot remains constant, regardless of the roof position. The wide 281-litre boot can easily accommodate golf equipment.

The car is therefore an ideal choice for everyday drivers who want personality and enjoyment from their car, without the need for a large boot or rear seats. You can’t help but love the feel and quality of the driving experience!