The all-new BMW Z4 goes on sale in Malta this month.
It features a host of innovations never before showcased in BMW's 75 years of roadster heritage. The Z4 is the first to come with a two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated retractable hard-top roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds.
The roadster is also the first to be offered with adaptive 'M' suspension.
Electronically controlled dampers offer three different configurations and lower the ride height by up to 10mm for a more dynamic drive. By way of comparison, the 'Sport+' setting of the new car is comparable to the outgoing Z4's standard ride comfort level.
The standard drive dynamic control function is another first and allows the driver to alter, depending on model specification, the throttle and steering response, level of ride comfort, dynamic stability control response and, on automatic or double clutch transmission cars, gear change times.
Powering the new Z4 is a choice of three six-cylinder powerplants. The range flagship is the current International Engine of the Year-winning 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine. Producing 306hp at 5,800rpm, the Z4 sDrive35i powers its way from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.1 seconds for a double clutch transmission-equipped car) and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.
The twin-turbocharged 2,979cc engine with high-precision direct injection technology produces 400Nm of torque from just 1,300rpm. The performance credentials are matched in terms of economy and emissions. The Z4 sDrive35i records a combined consumption figure of 30.1mpg (31.4mpg) and CO2 emissions of 219g/km (210g/km).
Joining this model in the launch line-up are the Z4 sDrive23i and the Z4 sDrive30i. All three six-cylinder powerplants surpass the latest strict EU5 emissions standards. All of the latest Z4s come as standard with facets of BMW's award-winning Efficient Dynamics programme.
The new Z4 is larger than its predecessor: it is 148mm longer at 4,239mm and 9mm wider at 1,790mm, and this results in greater interior space and luggage capacity.
With the roof up, headroom has been increased by 44mm while the greater car width and design enhancements have led to 20mm more shoulder room and 43mm more elbow room.
For the first time on a Z4 there is a bespoke storage facility located behind the driver and passenger seats. This approximate 15.5-litre single compartment stretches the width of the car's interior and features netting to hold the contents in place. It can be complemented by an optional storage package that adds further stowage capacity.
BMW's latest generation of iDrive makes its first appearance on a Z4. The BMW professional multimedia navigation system features a hard disc drive capable of 12Gb of audio file storage and BMW connected drive functionality.
The system also comes with eight programmable favourite buttons as system shortcuts.
The unique roof construction of the Z4 creates a boot that varies in capacity from 180 to 310 litres - large enough to stow a full set of golf clubs. For the first time on a Z4, customers can specify a through-loading system for additional storage capability. A hatch between the two seats permits a second full set of golf clubs to be carried.
Driver visibility in the Z4 has also been improved. All-round visibility is up by 14 per cent while, courtesy of the four electric windows creating a larger glasshouse, side visibility is up 40 per cent. The retractable hard-top roof features a glass rear window and this improves visibility by 52 per cent.
Prices for the new Z4 start from €55,490. For more information contact Muscats Motors Ltd on 2326 4000.