After a four-year hiatus, the Z4 roadster is back – and you have Toyota to thank for that. To tell you all about it, we got in the driver’s seat of the top-spec variant – the one with the M-badge on it.
The only reason I can imagine to account for BMW’s decision to discontinue the Z4 a few years ago is that customers didn’t find it to be sporty enough. At least, I didn’t think it was when I drove it back then. BMW also saw the roadster market softening and wasn’t sure if it could sell enough units, and that’s when they decided to discontinue the previous model.
However, soon after that, Toyota and BMW joined hands and started working on a shared platform for a sports car. Toyota wanted to build a new Supra, but they didn’t have a suitable drivetrain or platform. BMW, however, was sitting on one. That’s how we got the new BMW Z4, which shares the same engine, transmission and underlying structure with the new Toyota Supra.While the Supra is a coupe, the new Z4 is still a proper roadster and is now better equipped to serve its sporty mission. In India, we have two variants of the Z4. You can either opt for the less powerful sDrive20i, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or go for the powerful M40i with the 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine. I obviously decided to test drive the one with the M-badges on it.
New look
The M-badges aside, the M40i also has a few extra sporty elements in its design – but the overall silhouette and dimensions of both variants are exactly the same. The new Z4 has a more aerodynamic shape than before, but it also looks a little more disproportionate for the simple reason that its rear end is very chunky and wide relative to the mid and front sections, which are slim and svelte. But, don’t get me wrong, it’s still very appealing. Still, instead of commenting on the certainty of its aesthetic allure, I’ll leave it up to you to decide how it looks. However, what I can say with certainty is that this car is capable of grabbing eyeball everywhere it goes.
Esta historia es de la edición June 2019 de autoX.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 2019 de autoX.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
GOOD OLD DAYS...
Is the old Marc Marquez finally back? The race in Jerez surely gave flashes of it...
Prancing Off-Road
The SUV trend has even caught on with Ferrari, which is evident with the introduction of the Purosangue. However, does a Ferrari of this type really make sense?
Ahead of the Curve
There's not one but two new GT variants available with the Volkswagen Taigun now, meaning there's one for everyone!
SPACE WARS
There are plenty of budget-friendly seven-seat MPVs on the market, but what if you desire ample space without compromising on style?
GOING BIG
The 3XO makes big promises on all fronts - from features and safety to styling and value proposition. But does it deliver on these promises?
HAMMER TIME
The new Gurkha 5-door comes with updated styling, improved performance, and better features. So, do these changes make it the practical 'proper' off-roader we've all been waiting for?
MOUNTAIN GOAT
With a mid-life facelift, the Jeep Wrangler has received several noteworthy upgrades. But does it truly live up to the reputation of being unstoppable
SUPERSPORT TRILOGY
We embark on a 300km journey on three of the finest supersport twins in the world. Which one would reign supreme at the end?
SECOND WIND
Bajaj is once again stirring the pot with the updated Pulsar N250. But has it nailed the recipe this time around?
PASSION & Precision
A brand new V12 supercar! In this era of downsizing & electrification, that's about as rare as seeing a total eclipse and the Northern Lights on the same day. But if the V12 remains the heart & soul of the automobile, well, then, Ferrari is its saviour.
