Had BMW and Toyota not buddied up for the latest version of the latter’s Supra sports car, it is unlikely, we are told, the new Z4 M40i Roadster would have made it to market, falling sales of convertibles being the culprit.
While M Series engineers had input to the car with an adaptive M suspension, M Aero package, M Sport brakes, M Sport limited-slip diff and M Sport seats, like a mid-strength beer, the Z4 M40i, falls short of the full ‘flavour’ in raw performance. However, there’s still a lot for the genuine driving enthusiast to be happy with.
For example, the traditional 3-litre straight six engine layout BMW made famous takes a single turbocharger. Add a rigid chassis, low center of gravity, centrally placed seating position, 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive give the Z4 M 40i driving dynamics many rival sports car owners can only crave.
As for looks, the Z4, of which the M40i is the range topper, is Calvin Luk’s fourth BMW design, following the X1, 1 Series LCI and latest generation X3. The soft top, which harks back to the traditional roadsters of the last century, weighs less than metal alternatives and helps to lower the car’s centre of gravity.
It can be raised or lowered automatically in 10 seconds at vehicle speeds up to 50 km/h and is stored above the boot without intruding into cargo space.
The M40i carried the standard BMW ConnectedDrive, which features Intelligent Emergency Call and Connected Package Professional, which includes remote services, real-time traffic information, wireless Apple CarPlay and concierge services, wireless smartphone charging and Bluetooth connectivity.
The test vehicle featured stand-out Misano Blue metallic paintwork, a $2000 option well worth the outlay, and M seat belts ($560), which I could take or leave. The car, without on-road costs and options, can be had for $124,900.
STYLING
Calvin Luk’s design for the Z4’s bold exterior is the BMW Z8. At the front LED headlights take on a vertical layout for the first time on a BMW. Adding to the car’s low, wide stance, the trademark BMW kidney grille has been widened, taking on a modern 3D-look mesh finish. Large air intakes add to the contemporary styling and cooling efficiency, while an elongated bonnet, with its arrow contour lines, flows into the front kidneys, evoking the legendary BMW 507 Roadster.
From the rear, 3-D tail-lights are slim and wide to fit in with the roadster’s natural curvature. The lower half is dominated by sharp breather sections, dual trapezoidal exhaust pipes and a unique diffuser design.
An M Aero package on the test car included front apron, side sills, and rear apron in body colour, while a contrasting diffuser insert was in Dark Shadow metallic.
The Z4 M40i rolls on bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels with an M Performance Cerium Grey finish incorporate M Sport brakes. Rollover bars are similar in colour.
INTERIOR
Occupants settle into m Sport seats with integrated headrests upholstered in black leather with contrasting stitching. The test vehicle also was fitted with M Seat belts, a $560 option.
A BMW Live Cockpit Professional consists of the 10.25-inch digital instrument display, which backs up as a sat nav display screen featuring BMW’s Operating System 7.0. A head-up display completes the picture.
INFOTAINMENT
BMW Connected Package Professional incorporates remote services, real-time traffic info, concierge services and Apple Carplay, while ConnectedDrive includes free use of vehicle apps, including news and weather, through BMW Online. A built-in SIM card is 4G compatible.
A Harmon / Kardon 408W surround sound system includes 12 speakers and seven channels.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
While the 3-litre turbocharged straight six engine is part of the BMW tradition, the latest version includes new technology including a water-cooled exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head and direct injection that sprays fuel at up to 350 bar pressure.
Also new is the eight-speed sports automatic transmission with launch control. Steering wheel-mounted paddles give access to full manual operation.
SAFETY
A roll-over system protects occupants. A standard range of safety systems is present. I can vouch for the autonomous emergency braking having experienced its effectiveness in traffic congestion on the highway.
DRIVING
The Roadster and I got off to a bad start. The driver’s seatbelt clasp was positioned deep in the space between the seat base and the transmission tunnel making it hard for even my average-size hand to clip it.
Persistence paid off. Beyond that things just got better. Fire up the 3-litre straight six engine, a BMW trademark, and an eight-speed sports automatic transmission with launch control feeds its 250 kW and 500 Nm efficiently to the road through the rear wheels.
Alternatively, shift paddles allow full manual operation for the driver, who is positioned amidships. A rigid chassis, low centre of gravity, 50:50 weight distribution all add up to a dynamic drive.
Longer by almost 100 mm than the Z4 it replaces, the wheelbase is 26 mm less, the wider track fore and aft, plus variable sports steering and limited-slip M Sport differential, serve up a sharp response to driver input, resulting in outstanding agility. Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport brakes are not to be sniffed at.
Drive Experience Control offers Sport, Comfort, Eco, Pro and Adaptive modes to keep the adventurous happy. Comfort mode is quite adequate for stop-start city stuff, but engage ‘Sport’ and the Roadster throws off the shackles and shows what a sports car can really do – how about zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds?
All the action is accompanied by a raw engine note that on overrun produces a snap, crackle and pop from the twin tailpipes far more tasty than that of the ubiquitous breakfast cereal for which the phrase was coined. A real treat.
Fuel consumption was wildly wayward, depending the drive mode, but BMW claims a combined urban / highway cycle figure of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
At 281 litres, luggage capacity is half as much again as the previous model and does not shrink with the black soft top cleverly stowed above the boot space. A wind deflector keeps the cabin atmosphere relatively calm with the roof down.
SUMMIMG UP
The Z4 M40i is a car for all seasons, from a boulevard cruiser in the city to a terrific tearaway when given its head on the open road. The soft top works a treat; a pity about the awkward seatbelt episodes.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
BMW Z4 M40i 3-litre Roadster $124,000
Options fitted on test vehicle
Misano Blue metallic paintwork $2000
M seatbelts $560
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local BMW dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS
(BMW Z4 M40i 3-litre turbocharged petrol, 8sp Steptronic Sport automatic RWD Roadster)
Capacity: 2998 cc
Configuration: 6 cylinder, eight-speed automatic
Maximum Power: 250 kW @ 5000-6500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 500 Nm @ 1600-4500 rpm
Fuel type: Petrol 91RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 7.4 litres per 100 km
CO2 emissions: 169 g/km
DRIVELINE:
Drivetrain: 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic, RWD.
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4324 mm
Width: 1864 mm
Height: 1304 mm
Wheelbase: 2470 mm
Gross vehicle mass: 1860 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 52 litres
Turning circle: 11 m
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
WARRANTY:
Three years / 100,000 km
