BMW displayed the new Z4 for its Paris
Auto Show premiere. The new open-top two-seater will be launched in Europe in March 2019
with a range of three engine options: sDrive20i with a 197 hp 2.0-liter
four-cylinder unit, sDrive30i with a 258 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit and the
range-topping M40i with a 340 hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder unit. All three engines
are bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The new generation of the BMW Z4 features an
“extremely rigid body structure and chassis mountings”, as BMW claims that the
focus for their new roadster was to offer maximum agility, steering precision
and overall a dynamic driving character.
Based on the same platform with the upcoming Toyota
Supra, the Z4 features new axle designs front and back, variable sport steering
and mixed-size tires as standard across the range. The fabric soft top can be
operated at speeds of up to 50 km/, taking just 10 seconds to open or
close. Boot capacity has also been increased by over 50 percent, compared to
its predecessor, to 281 liters.
Being a modern BMW, the Z4’s list of driver
assistance systems includes pretty much you could ask, including Collision and
Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Lane Departure Warning, Active
Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Rear Collision Prevention and Cross-Traffic
Alert, Active Park Distance Control and more.
The dashboard also features the new Operating System
7.0 infotainment system and a configurable digital instrument cluster, with
both screens measuring 10.25 inches in diameter. We’ll have to wait a bit more to
find out if the new BMW Z4 delivers on its promise for driving thrills but
nevertheless, it’s good to see a new roadster arriving in the market.
