A Two-Seater Roadster in an Age of SUVs

Do you remember about 20 years ago when European manufacturers were actively developing two-seater roadsters? Mercedes released the SLK, Porsche the Boxster, and Fiat the Barchetta, one after another. All around 1996-97.

And BMW sent out the Z3. It was a model that gained attention when it was used as a Bond car by James Bond, played by Irish actor Pierce Brosnan. I personally have a strong attachment to this car as I owned an M Roadster based on it. In any case, I remember it as a wild horse of a car.



The BMW Z4 we test-drove this time is the successor to that model, and this is the third generation. In today's SUV-dominated era, so different from 20 years ago, a two-seater roadster is a rare sight, but there is certainly a demand for it. Data shows that even as the SUV market grows, other categories are not shrinking. Therefore, manufacturers are responding by not abandoning two-seater roadsters but by evolving them.

The international test drive event for the new Z4 was held near Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, with media invited from around the world. It was the end of October. While it's quite cold in Northern Western Europe, Portugal is, as expected, warm. With no worries about snow, German manufacturers frequently use this location at this time of year. Of course, it goes without saying that it's a pleasant environment for driving a convertible.

From Metal Roof to Conventional Soft Top

The most distinctive feature of the new Z4 is its roof. Instead of the previous Z-folding electric metal roof, a fabric soft top has been adopted. The reasons are the benefits of weight reduction and more efficient use of roof storage space. Reduced weight directly impacts driving performance, and as you can imagine, a fabric roof takes up less space. Still, the previous generation's electric metal roof was a groundbreaking technology at the time. For a car manufacturer, it's the right decision to always incorporate cutting-edge technology.

However, after the test drive, I noticed something. BMW had other reasons for having to make the Z4 a soft top...

That reason is the existence of the Toyota Supra, which is set to be released as a sibling model. The Supra, using the same platform, chassis, and powertrain, is a fixed-roof two-door coupe. In that case, an electric metal roof would require several opening and closing motors, simply raising the center of gravity higher than a coupe and worsening handling. BMW's pride would not allow that. Therefore, the only option was a soft top.



Of course, if the roof were fixed, it would change the very meaning of the Z4's existence as a two-seater roadster. There was once a Z4 coupe, but it only made sense with the existence of an open-top model.

The soft top, which sparks such speculation, opens and closes in just 10 seconds. It can be operated while driving at speeds below 50 km/h. Moreover, the airtightness and quietness are beyond imagination; when closed, you might forget it's openable and get so absorbed in driving. This indicates the high body rigidity. There is no trembling of the cabin. And the smooth roofline when closed is also superb.

Newly Developed Platform Shared with the New 3 Series

The model I test-drove was the "Z4 M40i." It is powered by a 3-liter inline 6-cylinder twin-power turbo engine. Maximum output is 340 hp, maximum torque is 500 Nm, and 0-100 km/h acceleration is 4.6 seconds. In short, this is the top-tier model, excluding the M Roadster that will likely come later. It symbolizes the new Z4.

At the same time, these are the same specifications as the First Edition currently listed on the BMW Japan website. The First Edition is likely this powertrain equipped with several options. Although an entry-grade model with a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo will be introduced later, if your budget allows, this is the one to get.



The platform, including the floor panel, is newly developed. In fact, it is shared with the new 3 Series, which is transitioning to a new generation at almost the same time. It is a lightweight FR platform. Its design, considering not only its role as the backbone of the 3 Series but also its versatility, is a key feature.

Now, the Z4 M40i, as the name suggests, has been tuned by "M." This includes aerodynamic parts such as the dedicated front chin spoiler, rear skirt, and diffuser, as well as performance equipment like M Sport brakes and an M Sport differential. Therefore, the exterior has a more aggressive impression than the standard model.

The Car Keeps Urging You On

When you actually drive it, the tuning is sportier than it looks. The ride is firm by default, and the steering is quick with little play. As a result, when you focus on steering, it corners with a sticky adherence on winding roads, maintaining a precise line. This level of control is BMW's forte. It truly offers "Sheer Driving Pleasure."

Furthermore, when you engage the drive modes, their true character emerges. In "Sport+" mode, the car keeps urging you on, as if saying, "Go further!" Specifically, this is achieved through the sharp steering and throttle response, and the gear programming that delays upshifts.



The exhaust sound is a testament to the car's character. Especially in the range above 4,500 rpm, it's pure sports car. Compared to SUVs, and I apologize for the comparison, it stirs up more adrenaline than the new X4 M40i did. And rightly so. With the roof down, the racy sound from the exhaust reaches your ears directly. You can't help but smile.

Of course, driving on winding roads in that state is incredibly fun. Even if you enter a corner slightly too fast, it rotates smoothly and with balance. It's worth noting that the excellent braking performance contributes to this. The quick stopping power allows you to confidently accelerate out of turns.

This concludes my first impression from Portugal. The new Z4 is impressively tuned to be quite aggressive. More so than I expected. Well, the 4-cylinder model without the "M" designation will likely be tuned a bit more gently, but the emphasis on "driving performance" might be related to the Supra...