BMW Z4 sDrive35i
Maxabout Review
Finally Boxster Gets A Serious Rival
Monday, October 12, 2009
Overview - Best Looking Convertible In Its Segment
Finally, Porsche gets a serious rival against its Boxster - The BMW Z4 has been launched in Indian market. The Z4 will further strengthen BMW’s position in India's luxury car market. BMW currently sells 2 other convertible car models in India – the BMW M3 and the BMW M6. BMW hopes to sell at least 30-40 units of the car in the first year of its launch.
BMW India has made tremendous progress in financial year 2009-10, overtaking its long time rival Mercedes-Benz for the first time this year. From April to August 2009, BMW sold 1,313 units in the country, as against Mercedes-Benz’s 1,128 units.
Design & Style Of BMW Z4
BMW's modern Z roadster started its evolution as the Z3 back in 1996 and was reconceived as the Z4 for 2002; now it's been thoroughly redesigned. New BMW Z4 has revamped styling, a new retractable hardtop, and a raft of new high-tech performance features.
BMW Z4's appearance is lean yet voluptuous, though a bit more conservative than the version that preceded it. The long hoodline, with the seating position near the back wheels, still screams out that it's every bit a roadster. The front grille and headlights of Z4 are now more in line with the look of BMW's other sedans and coupes, and the sides no longer have the aggressive creases and carved-out appearance from the fenders back into the doors. The lamps, combined with a lifted, aerodynamic crease at the tail, give the Z4 a more aggressive outline from the back.
The side view of the Z4 exposes some differences from other BMWs: the bubble of the top's roofline, but also, most notably, the overhangs. BMW says that they're short, but relative to the otherwise tight proportions, they seem the longest for the automaker in years, especially at the back, where the automaker needed to add length for stowing the retractable hardtop.
The new BMW Z4 also comes with the optional Design Pure White package, that features the finest Nappa leather in Ivory White and door inserts in Alcantara. In addition to the six standard exterior colours, Havanna Brown paintwork is also available exclusively in conjunction with the Design Pure White trim, which brings the unique character of the new BMW Z4 Roadster to the fore.
Interiors & Comfort Features Of BMW Z4
BMW Z4 has a more sophisticated, upscale style than you're going to find in almost any other small roadster. Gone is the 2007 model's straight-across, elegant shelf of the dash in the previous Z4, replaced now with a curvier, more rakish profile. Center controls are now slightly canted toward the driver, while allowing a little more spaciousness for the passenger, and climate controls are arranged above the sound system.
A smoother center console design of BMW Z4 houses an electric parking brake, along with the iDrive controller. A nav screen, when so equipped, pops up from the top center of the dash. Overall, the look inside is a little more cluttered with lot of buttons but much more useful and practical. Overall, the interior appears to have moved decidedly more upscale, especially when equipped with the optional leather-wrapped dash. BMW says it focused on increased practicality as well. Door openings are larger for easier ingress and egress, and there are new storage compartments throughout the interior. In the trunk, a mid-gate separating the roof compartment can be folded down for more luggage.
Handling & Suspension Of BMW Z4
There is a definite sportiness in the New model of BMW Z4. The suspension holds true, allowing only the most minimal body roll as Z4 now comes with Dynamic Drive Control, and can now be configured with an adjustable M suspension. You’ll have the choice of conventional, sport and sport plus mode. Both sport modes enhance throttle responsiveness, while steering becomes tighter and heavier. Sport plus limits the traction and stability control systems, so you can hang the rear wheels out a bit. Meanwhile, the optional M suspension sits nearly a half-inch lower, while its adjustable dampers firm up in sport modes.
Engine On Offer & Price Of BMW Z4 In India
BMW has launched Z4 with only one engine option which is a 2979cc petrol engine which develops 306 Bhp of maximum power at 5800 rpm with maximum torque of 400 Nm starting from as low as 1300 rpm!!
The BMW Z4 is available across India at an ex-showroom price of 59 lakhs. On-road price of Z4 is expected to come around 64 lakhs. Ex-showroom price excludes RTO registration charges, tax, insurance, handling charges; Octroi and entry tax if applicable.
Shades & Upholstery Options Available In BMW Z4
BMW India has launched BMW Z4 in a range of six paint finishes:
- Alpine White
- Black Sapphire
- Deep Sea Blue
- Orion Silver
- Space Grey
- Titanium Silver
The interiors upholstery option for Z4 includes three upholstery designs:
- Leather Kansas Black
- Leather Kansas Canberra Beige
- Leather Kansas Coral Red