BMW Z4 review

Driving position

The Z4 features two superbly supportive sports seats, plus well-equipped cabins designed around the driver, with a high central tunnel and a centre console that’s slightly angled towards the driver.

This BMW also feels wonderfully well put together thanks to high-end materials.

Tech and features

You’ll find controls for the electric windows and mirrors on the door, and the knob for the headlights down by the driver’s right knee.

It also has a large touchscreen atop the dashboard, and below this are the digital ventilation controls.

Thanks to the wonder of technology, there are controls for the roof and heated seats, and the gear lever is the control set-up for the iDrive infotainment system.

Engines and power

There are a range of four- and six-cylinder engines available in the Z4, and the motors are undeniably well capable of hustling the Z4 along with reasonable vigour.  

If you want journeys in your Z4 to be a bit more of an event, the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine is undoubtedly the one to choose.

Not only does this give the Z4 a more than decent turn of pace, but it does so with a howl that’ll make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Handling and ride comfort

Of course, all that would be for nothing if the Z4 handled like Bambi on ice at the first sign of a corner. It doesn’t.

The steering on all versions is quick, and the nose responds rapidly to any turn of the wheel.

Better still, the fact that you’re sitting almost over the rear wheels means you can put your foot down safe in the knowledge that traction will be superb.

It makes a great long-distance machine, too, with the sort of all-day long-legged ability and ride comfort that makes great distances feel like nothing at all.

And of course, you can put the roof down at any point, to be able to enjoy the full surround-sound experience.

You don’t buy a two-seat convertible if you need something practical, but nevertheless, the BMW Z4 is pretty usable on a day-to-day basis. 

Rear seats

There’s a huge amount of legroom available and better still, the seat goes far enough forward to cater for those who aren’t quite as tall.

The steering also offers plenty of adjustment, both in and up and up and down.

The cabin is decently wide, so you won’t feel like you’re rubbing shoulders with your passenger, a feeling accentuated by the large central tunnel.

Storage solutions

There are also a few cubbies dotted around the cabin, and the door pockets are a fair size.

Luggage space isn’t huge but it’s enough to store a few holdall bags for a weekend away.

No BMW Z4 will be cheap to run. Nor should it break the bank.

Fuel economy

If you go for a four-cylinder engine you can expect it to do an average economy figure of around 41mpg, while the six-cylinder engines are more likely to be around the 32mpg mark.

Obviously, these figures will plummet when you enjoy the available performance.