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BMW Z4 review

4 years ago

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Writer:

Andrew Frankel | Ti co-founder

Date:

14 April 2021

In engineering terms, there is no doubt that BMW has rediscovered its mojo. For years BMW was the go-to brand for those wanting genuine driving pleasure in practical, not entirely unaffordable form. And then it all changed: BMWs became less distinct, more like Mercs or Audis and, in some cases, not as good. But now it’s back: the 3 Series is brilliant to drive, the 5 scarcely less so. Even the 7 is the best yet to wear that badge.

And yet I never drove a mainstream BMW Z car I really liked when it was new. Which excludes such nuttiness as the Z3 M Coupe, which somehow contrived to be good only by being quite comically bad in many regards. Certainly no other Z3 or Z4 has ever floated this particular boat. So can this all new Z4, born in BMW’s new enlightened era, change all that? The answer is no, at least so far as this version is concerned.

On paper the new Z4 looks good. Shorter in wheelbase, wider in track, with a lower centre of gravity and better weight distribution, even in entry level 20i guise it really should be a cracking driving machine. Instead it’s merely pleasant. The engine itself is pretty blameless, but it’s towing over 1400kg of car. Fast it’s not. But that can be fixed if you can afford to spend more on a more powerful version.

What you’re less likely to be able to sort is handling straight out of the safe and secure school of thought. It’s not in any way annoying as was the old Z4 at times – it’s accurate, grippy and easy at the limit – but poise is limited on tough roads and steering feel even more so. It does it all, but without any sense of enthusiasm. A Mazda MX-5 of any kind is in a different league.

So though improved, the Z4 will be bought for the same reasons people bought the old Z4: to be seen cruising around in a quite good looking car that’s spacious, comfortable, quiet and refined with the roof up or down. And all these things the Z4 is. But it’s also a two-seat, rear drive BMW for goodness sake, and eternal optimist that I am, I’d hoped for something better to drive than this. Oh well. Maybe next time. 

BMW Z4 sDrive 20i Sport
Engine: 1998cc, 4-cyl, turbo
Transmission: 8-speed auto, RWD
Power: 194bhp @ 4500rpm
Torque: 236lb ft @ 1450rpm
Weight: 1405kg
Power-to-weight ratio: 138bhp/tonne
0-62mph: 6.6 seconds
Top speed: 149mph
Price: £36,990
Ti rating: 6/10
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