2014 BMW Concept Active Tourer

 

         2014 BMW Concept Active Tourer

 

The Mercedes B-class is a style of car completely new to us. Mercedes has launched the hatch/Sports tourer/MPV in India and to respond to the B-class BMW has come out with the Concept Active Tourer. The Concept Active Tourer will be shown at the Paris Motor Show later in the month and the reason that it has already generated interest is because the CAT will be the first front-wheel-drive BMW production car and will also have a transverse engine layout. Expected to be launched in 2014 the CAT which represents a marked shift for BMW will use the same platform and engines from the all-new MINI range. BMW hopes that this new platform and range of cars will help it reach a sales figure of 2 million by 2020.

Design and Interiors

According to reports the production version won’t be too different to look than Concept Active Tourer which has a contemporary look. Making the 5 door hatch look handsome is the bonnet which is shorter (because of the transverse engine layout) than what we are used to on BMW’s and the roofline too is higher than what we get on current BMW’s. The kidney grille is tilted forward and the front fascia has swept back headlights.
The tailgate is at an angle too and the car rides on 20inch alloys hidden by the flared wheel arches but the production version will definitely get smaller wheels. The rear tail lamps are a bit similar to the 6-series and so are the short overhangs. There is a bit of similarity in the design to the 5-series GT and the car measures 4353mm in length, 1834mm in width and has a height of 1560mm in height. The wheelbase is a bit shorter than the B-class.
The interior styling is completely new for BMW and to increase the interior space BMW has moved the glasshouse forward. Use of material is awesome but the production version will obviously get something not this expensive but being a BMW the CAT will obviously be built to excellent standards. The dashboard is driver oriented and designed around him and also includes full colour head up display.
Front passengers get good space and the front seats are mounted high giving the driver and passenger good visibility. The rear seat splits 40:20:40 and the CAT has a ‘Cool shade’ panoramic roof made of two sheets of glass that by pressing a button can be changed from opaque to clear. To begin with the CAT will come as a five seater and will also eventually come as a seven seater too.

Engine and Performance

The Concept Active Tourer that would be shown at the Paris Motor Show would be a plug-in hybrid. This car will use BMW’s all new 1.5-litre, 3 cylinder direct injection petrol engine that will also be used in the new Minis. Codenamed B38, this motor will be used in the i8 sports car and uses twin-scroll turbochargers and will produce 135PS which will drive the front wheels, while the rears driven by a 68PS electric motor. Acceleration to 100kmph is achieved in 8seconds and the hatch has a top speed of 190kmph. The CAT automatically changes from the petrol to the electric motor that is mounted in the floor and drive is sent to all four wheels through an 8 speed automatic gearbox.
Apart from this Hybrid variant there will also be a diesel and petrol variant.
The all-new 1.5-litre, 3 cylinder engine is also rumoured to drive the current 1-series and 3-series. Codenamed B38 and B37 for the petrol and diesel variant respectively, this engine is expected to be around 15 percent more economical than the current N20 four-cylinder engines from BMW. These engines use an alloy block along with Valvetronic Variable Valve timing with a longer stroke than the N20.
These engines represent BMW’s modular engine strategy for its next generation of cars which would see all engines based on the same 500cc cylinder. According to the manufacturer the petrol motor will produce between 40PS to 67SP per cylinder resulting in a total power output of 122PS to 202PS. The diesel engines share around 60 percent of its architecture with the petrol and would produce between 102PS to around 205PS. The manufacturer is also planning the B48, the four-cylinder engine built around the B38 which would power the next-generation Mini Cooper S.

Ride

The CAT will use the UKL1 (means ‘unter klasse’in German or sub class or entry level platform) platform which will be used in a long and a short wheelbase and this platform will also be used for the next-generation Mini line-up and also for the all new 1-series that will be launched in 2013. The front wheels will be driven by a gasoline engine while the rear wheels are powered by an electric motor. BMW’s have traditionally used a longitudinal engine layout which provides better weight distribution resulting in handling that has made BMW a legendary brand. This platform is new to BMW but this would reduce production costs in the small car line up that the manufacturer in planning.
The Concept Active Tourer features three driving modes – Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro.

Verdict

The Concept Active Tourer is a first of its kind vehicle from BMW. The transverse engine layout and front wheel drive is something BMW users aren’t used to and the CAT is a new kind of vehicle from the manufacturer. Aimed at the B-class, this BMW would eventually make it into India and even though it uses a new platform and layout, given the manufacturers legendary handling capabilities we expect this car to live up to BMW standards. There will be a choice of diesel, petrol and also a hybrid version. The styling and interiors aren’t like on any BMW we have seen but knowing the high standards that the German manufacturer has set for itself, the production version is definitely worth waiting for.

 

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2014 BMW X4

 

                     2014 BMW X4

 

Automobile manufacturers are becoming masters and have perfected in ‘filling the gaps’. Where you and I don’t see any room, you can be rest assured the manufacturer does and sure enough is planning a vehicle. 2014 will see the entry of another SUV aimed at those who wouldn’t ever take it off road. The BMW X4 which will slot between the X5 and the X3 will be shown at the Detroit Motor Show in 2013 and that would be a near-production concept. Based on the X3 with which it shares its platform and underpinnings, the designers though have done enough to differentiate the X4 from the X3. Like the X6 and the X5, the X4 and the X3 too will be placed differentially in the market. The manufacturer has been considering a sportier version of the X3 for some time now and we expect it to come into India as well in 2014.

Design and Interiors

The styling is heavily inspired from theX3 and you can see that the designers have looked at the X6 for inspiration too. The X4 will have a sloping coupe like roofline, 4 doors, and an angled tailgate. The one piece tailgate will make the X4 differentiate from the X3 and the SUV will have a sporty look. The front grille too will be different.

Engine and Performance

The engine on the X4 will be the same as on the X3 but would come with a few tweaks. The 2-litre, 4 cylinder diesel which will make the most sense for India delivers 180PS and there is the bigger 3-liter diesel delivering 235PS. A twin turbo version of the 6 cylinder, 3-litre diesel would produce 300PS.
The base petrol engine is the 2-liter, 4 cylinder delivering 165PS. For the international market there will be also the 3-litre, 6 cylinder M version mated to an eight speed automatic. This is the same engine which will power the next M3. A diesel version of the M is also planned.

 

 

 

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2013 BMW 4-series

 

                    2013 BMW 4-series

 

This never was a well kept secret and BMW has now made it official. BMW in 2013 will be launching the 4-series which will replace the current 3-series coupe. According to a statement from BMW ‘The ‘4’ doesn’t just mark the start of a new cycle. It marks the start of a model with its own individual character and a stand-alone design.’ The 4-series would compete with the Audi A5 and would be priced over the 3-series. There will also be a convertible version of the four door 4-series coupe and the 4-series we expect would be shown at the 2013 Detroit auto show.

Design

BMW is clear that they want to give the 4-series an individual character and the production car is expected to be close to the concept. Though we expect the production car to be a bit mellower, the 4-series would be muscular and wide with a sporty stance. The lines on the car are sharp and aggressive with prominently bulging wheel arches. There though is an undeniable similarity between the 4-series and the current BMW’s on sale with the headlights and the kidney grille. The air dam is prominent, the car has a tipped forward and low stance. The profile is sporty and the rear has a L-shaped kink. The styling is done keeping the aerodynamics in mind. The styling has more flourish that what we have now become accustomed from contemporary BMW’s and adding presence are the 20 inch alloy wheels. Front and rear lights have daytime running LED’s.

Interiors

There is similarity to the 3-series as far as the cabin goes with the instrument cluster and a bit of the switchgear and the high-mounted infotainment are the same as the 3-series. The dash has a similar layout too with a matt finished natural chestnut finish, the seats are in leather and have contrasting stitching lines. The cupholders are in leather too and the 4-series will have a wheelbase of 2810mm, will be 4641mm long, 1826mm wide and 1326mm high.

Engine and Performance

There has been no information about the engine line up yet from the manufacturer but we expect the 4-series to use a range of diesel and petrol engines starting from the 1.8-litre, 4 cylinder petrol, the 3-litre petrol, the 2.8-litre petrol and the 3.5-litre V6 petrol. The diesel engines on offer are expected to be the 2.5-litre, 3-litre and the 3.5-litre. There would be a 6-speed manual and also an 8 speed automatic on offer and the 4-series is also expected to get an M variant. The engines will get a start stop function and are expected to be efficient.

 

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2013 BMW 7 Series

 

                  2013 BMW 7 Series

 

The BMW brand needs no introduction, the 7 series which was introduced in the year 2009 by BMW was a pioneer of engineering in terms of comfort,luxury and performance. The new updated 5th generation 7 series comes equipped with all the latest gadgets and gizmos, it has a switch for almost everything inside the sedan. The sedan not only provides maximum comfort to the passengers inside but also is an excellent driving machine. The BMW 7 series costs about a crore in the Indian market but the prices for the 2013 7 series has not been declared yet but President, BMW Group India, Mr. Philipp von Sahr promised that the new BMW 7 series will have an attractive pricing. The new 2013 7 series comes equipped with an adaptive headlamps and some cosmetic change in its exterior along with some interior changes too.
The new BMW 7 series is powered by a 6 cyls, in line, 2993cc, tri-turbo diesel engine which generates 375.5bhp of maximum power at 4400rpm and 75.4kgm of maximum torque at 2000rpm. The engine is extremely smooth and there is enough torque in demand which makes the new car fun to drive. Let’s find out some more details about this new luxury sedan.

 

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2011 BMW X3

 

                        2011 BMW X3

 

Just like their products, BMW has been aggressive as a manufacturer in India. They have not been playing the waiting game, rather BMW has taken the lead and tried to lead by example. Their launches have been timed right and as a manufacturer BMW has been proactive and you can only afford to do that when you have supreme confidence in your products. When the BMW X3 is starting to show its age, BMW decided to give it a makeover. The upgrades aren’t numerous but enough to get attention. The X3 in India is available in two engine options and the petrol variant costs Rs41,39,233 while the diesel variant costs Rs48,12,358 ex-showroom New Delhi. The X3 however isn’t the only one in its segment and its biggest competitor is the Audi Q5.

Design

Despite being a slightly old design the BMW X3 remains elegant to look at and the build quality is exceptional. There are some obvious similarities to the X5 and at the front you first notice the forward-slanting BMW kidney grille and the large headlight. The classical twin round headlights along with the round fog lamps form the familiar shape which has now become a trademark for the German manufacturer. The X3’s profile is characterized by the flared wheel arches and the short front and rear overhangs and the lateral lines lend it a dynamic look. At the rear the taillights have a distinctive T-shape styling. The X3 gets 17 inch alloy wheels for the entry level variant while the top model gets 18 inch alloys.

Interior

The interiors of the X3 feel premium and the material quality like the exteriors is exceptional. Like on the 3-series the dashboard has three distinct layers. The instrument cluster and the centre console are contemporary to look at and the central display of the optional navigation system merges well into the instrument panel. The steering wheel comes with audio controls and compared with the Audi Q5 the interior on the Audi look fresh. There are also plenty of storage areas inside the car and the driver seat comes with ample adjustment options. The steering wheel feels a bit large for a relatively small cabin. The seats in general offer good back and lateral support. Ergonomics are good and all controls are placed intuitively and they are easy to reach.
A drawback of the X3 is the lack of interior space and except for the front passengers the legroom is limited for the rear passengers. Headroom as well isn’t ideal for tall passengers. The 550-litres boot however is very practical. The rear seat can be split 60 : 40 and can be folded down either individually or together. As far as equipment goes on the BMW X3 you get powered seats, sunroof, 6 CD changer/MP3 player, Xenon lamps, LED tail lamps, parking sensors and automatic wipers.

Engines and performance

For the Indian market the X3 comes with only two engines options. The 3-litre diesel develops 258PS@4000rpm and a massive 560Nm of torque@2000rpm. The 2-litre petrol version produces 184PS@4000rpm and 380Nm @1750rpm. Both engines are matted to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission is smoother than the Q5 and the gears change are sporty. The petrol motor reaches 100kmph in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 210kmph while the diesel reaches the same speed in 6.2seconds and has a top speed of 230kmph. Both the engines are tuned to run comfortably in the city and on the highway and power delivery is linear.

Ride

Every BMW is like a gem on wheel when it comes to handling. The car has a direct steering, sits firm on its wheels and can attack tight corners without any problems. The stiff suspension settings however do not translate into good ride quality and the X3 feels a little too harsh on bumpy roads. Equipped with Dynamic Damping Control, you can activate a range of settings and change the BMW X3’s road manners with a touch of a button. The X3 is a softroader and not a SUV and its off road abilities aren’t comparable to the Land Rover Freelander or even the Audi Q5.

Competition

The biggest competitor of the BMW X3 is the Audi Q5 but there is also the Land Rover Freelander and the Volvo XC60. The Q5 looks better, boasts superior interiors and better off road abilities. The X3 however is more fuel efficient and handles better. The Land Rover Freelander is the best off roader in the segment but lacks the build quality of German rivals. The Volvo XC 60 has a futuristic design with better safety features and a well build cabin. The XC60 however lacks interior space and the handling of the X3.

Verdict

For a small SUV the BMW X3 performs pretty well. It may have an outdated design and the cabin too doesn’t have the futuristic dashboard found at some of its rivals. Instead it offers good comfort, handling is the best in the segment and build quality is brilliant. The engine performance especially of the 3-litre diesel is mind blowing but the ride is a little too stiff.

Quotes

Autocar: “However, the X3 lacks the ability to suddenly up the pace at these speeds. The motor constantly has to work hard and performance is only really good in the midrange. Stability at speed is far more impressive. The X3 tracks faithfully even at very high speeds, there is absolutely no hint of nervousness and the BMW feels glued to the road even at speeds in excess of 180kph. A light but firm touch is all you need on the wheel, there is no sloppiness in the way the X3 changes lanes, and the brakes have plenty of bite and stopping power as well. The X3 is also well insulated and feels quite refined at speed. There is very little tyre roar, the car rides silently over expansion joints. In fact so silent is the rest of the car, you sometimes hear wind swishing over the mirror and the ‘A’ pillar.”

 

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2010 BMW Z4

 

                      2010 BMW Z4

 

For a manufacturer of BMW’s stature, it is a surprise that they have struggled with the first Z4 roadster. The Z4 was not able to match the Porsche Boxster but BMW engineers are confident that the second generation Z4 has all that it takes to compete against the Porsche. The Z4 is larger and more comfortable than before and competes with the Audi TT, Mercedes-Benz SLK and also the Nissan 370Z. With its ability of swapping its feel between an open-top sportster and a snug coupe, the Z4 does answer the questions of practicality of convertibles in India. BMW has made changes to the steering, throttle and chassis settings so that the Z4 appeals to a wider audience. James Bond brought forth BMW’s most modern mass-market roadster the Z3 in front of the world and the immediate successor to the Z3 is the Z4. The roadster is priced at Rs 62,77,797 ex-showroom New Delhi.

Design

The Z4 Roadster has classic roadster looks with a long hood and a short boot. The A-pillars finished in gloss black makes them appear thinner giving the Z4 a sleeker, less top-heavy appearance. Distinguishing the new Z4 from its predecessor is the indented ‘V’ set into the bonnet which runs like a ribbon. The three-quarter rear windows help improve refinement when the roof is down and they also make the Z4 look more coupe-like with the roof up. BMW has used LED technology in front and rear lights and the odd lip at the outside edge improves aerodynamics. The pronounced lip spoiler is incorporated into the bootlid and the proportions of the Z4 are finely judged and the edges flow neatly into the rear lights. The shape has striking contours and soft mergers fully captures the character of this vehicle. There are some typical BMW design elements like the characteristic kidney grille to the powerful wheelarches at the rear and the side view is dominated by the dynamic flow of the car’s shoulder line connecting the front and rear wheel arches. The shoulder line accentuates the stretched and athletic look of the Roadster and other characteristic design features are the extra-large engine compartment lid extending far over the wheel arches, the gill intakes at the side with their integrated LED direction indicators while at the rear are the three-dimensional LED-fed rows of light units.

Interiors

The cabin is where the BMW Z4 truly outclasses its rivals. The interiors are surprisingly roomy and the cabin is practical unlike some other modern roadsters. Visibility is good despite the low seats but in hard-top mode you realise that it’s a cramped cabin and headroom is in short supply. Quality is top-notch expectedly and all the controls are intuitively laid out.
The cabin is visually pleasing and includes a slew of comfort and usability improvements. The audio system is built around an 8.8-inch LCD screen with an 80GB hard drive and there is a 650-watt 14-speaker sound system. The cabin is beautifully finished and you get more space than the Audi TT and Mercedes-Benz SLK. Boot space is reasonable with 180 litres available with the roof down and 310 litres with it up. The seats with integrated headrests and come stitched in high quality leather in a choice of three colours. The folding two-piece aluminium roof is made up of lightweight aluminium shell technology and opens and closes electro-hydraulically within just 20 seconds.

Engine and performance

The only engine option available for the Z4 in India is the 3-litre, inline-six cylinder petrol engine. The engine produces 310 PS and 400Nm of torque thanks to the use of twin turbos and accelerates to 100kmph is a manufacturer claimed 5.1seconds. Top speed is restricted to 250kmph and the motor is matched to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7 speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The engine uses BMW’s Valvetronic system, for variable valve lift, and double-VANOS system, which changes the angle of the valves to enhance performance. According to the manufacturer this is the first inline-six to come with twin turbochargers, high precision injection, and an all-aluminium crankcase. The motor owes its light weight to its composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, cylinder head cover made of a special synthetic material and lightweight camshafts. The 6 cylinder motor pulls cleanly and very linearly to it’s redline and it has a fantastic midrange.

Ride

The Z4 uses an aluminium double-joint tiebar axle that delivers excellent driving dynamics and weighs around 30 percent less than normal steel axles. The roadster also comes with Dynamic Driving Control that enables you to vary the set-up of the car at the touch of a button. In the Sport+ mode the character of the vehicle changes noticeably and the engine is more responsive, steering and the adaptive M suspension become tauter, and the sport automatic transmission reacts quicker. The traction control monitors the forces acting on the chassis and when it indicates a danger of skidding, the system intervenes by braking individual wheels as needed. The intelligent use of modern lightweight materials ensures that the rear wheel drive BMW Z4 Roadster’s overall weight is distributed evenly between the two axles. The result is the best handling yet on the Z4. The bodyshell is very rigid and the steering is precise and there is plenty of grip around corners with little body roll. Ride quality is stiff but not too bad.

Competition

The Porsche Boxster S is absolutely fantastic. The chassis is responsive and the mid-engine configuration makes it a genuine joy to drive. This Porsche strikes an ideal balance between rigidity and suppleness and the straight 6 engine is a joy to use. The Boxster S is a driver’s delight and the ride quality too isn’t too bad. The styling has improved and the red cabin looks great. The Mercedes SLK is a showstopper and is a big improvement over its predecessor. The interiors achieve a mix between luxury and sporty styling, the engine has strong performance and the 7 speed automatic gearbox is relaxed and smooth. The SLK is as practical as convertibles can get and the ride and handling is nicely sorted but not as dynamic as the competition. The Nissan 370 Z’s design keeps the aggressive style of its predecessor and the engine now is more powerful and smooth.

TheBMW Z4 does many things well and it looks worth a million dollars. The cabin is designed thoughtfully and there is reasonably space too. The build quality is one of its strengths. The Z4 is capable at swapping its feel between open-top sportster and snug coupe in seconds and the 3-litre, 6 cylinder engine is smooth and free-revving, with plenty of power and excellent response. The dynamics are much better than the model it replaces and the Dynamic Driving Control allows you to alter the suspension setting. The steering though isn’t as intuitive as on the Boxster S and the ride quality isn’t as plush as the Mercedes SLK. Acceleration is just a little slower than the Porsche but quicker than the SLK 350. The rear-wheel drive typical of BMW allows for perfect distribution of axle load and the long wheelbase and the low centre of gravity on the roadster create ideal conditions for agility at all times. Though the idea of a roadster is yet to catch up in our country, the Z4 delivers on different fronts which make it a genuinely interesting car to be used on weekends.
Quotes from other reviews:
Autocar India: ‘Even more appealing is the way the Z4 behaves on the main street. The motor pulls cleanly and very linearly almost to its redline. It may not have the ballistic top-end of BMW’s naturally aspirated sixes, but the fantastic midrange more than makes up for this. The thing is, it’s so linear that you sometimes forget how fast you are going – it’ll sneak up on 180kph when you’re not paying attention and then sidle up to 220kph if you hold onto the throttle for more than a bit. The gearbox is quick and it is evident that it’s not hindered by the same safety net that BMW burdens its regular auto ’boxes with.’

 

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                         2009 BMW Z4

 

Comfort is definitely not on top of your agenda if you are looking for a two seat roadster. What you are looking for is a sweet sounding engine which would reach scenery blurring pace with the softest of touch on the throttle. You buy a roadster because you want to be seen as a super cool dude. And that’s the experience that the BMW Z4 roadster aims at providing its customers. A car that the manufacturer claims is better looking that before and has a stronger engine. Performance is a priority for the new Z4 and with its multitude of new technologies and with the folding hard-top, BMW hopes that the Z4 lives up to its claims of being a car that can combine the comfort of a sporty cruiser along with outright performance. The Z4 price starts from Rs 62,51,563 ex-showroom New Delhi which puts it between the recently launched Audi TT and the Mercedes SLK.
The 2009 BMW Z4 roadster is lower than its predecessor and is built on a new platform that shares absolutely nothing with the outgoing model.

Design

The BMW Z4 roadster is a car which is sure to stop traffic. Open the retractable roof and close it and the traffic is sure to come to a stand-still. The latest Z4 is wider, lower and even the wheelbase has increased. The front is particularly striking with the large BMW signature kidney grille and the massive headlamps. The Z4’s powered hardtop is impressive and moves silently. The hardtop closes in about 20seconds by holding a button and you can access the trunk even when the top is stored. The Z4 has classic roadster looks with its long hood and the short boot. Compared to the front the rear has a rounded look. Overall the Z4 is a sleek and stylish car which is able to swap its feel between an open-top sportster and comfortable coupé.

Interiors

The interiors of the Z4 truly are in a class of its own. The instrument panel has a flowing design with a pair of big gauges. The cabin has a mix of off white leather, wood and high quality soft touch plastic and the driving position is just right. You also have a choice of optional sport seats with adjustable seatback side bolsters. The front seats provide lateral support under hard cornering and the Z4 gets the iDrive control interface as part of an optional navigation package which includes an 80-gigabyte hard disk. There is also an 8.8-inch video screen.
Passenger space on the Z4 is more than before and cabin space has increased as occupants get more head and shoulder room. There is a sense of light and airiness to the cabin and the narrow pillars improve visibility.
Standard equipment includes automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, cruise control, air-conditioning, height-adjustable seats, leather upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a CD player with an iPod/USB audio interface. There is also a dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power seats with driver memory functions.
Boot space is good with 180 litres available with the roof down and 310 litres with the roof up. Quality of material used expectedly is top-notch and ergonomically it is hard to find fault.

Engine and performance

The Z4 roadster in India comes with only one engine option which is the inline 6-cylinder, twin-turbocharged 3-litre petrol engine. The engine produces 305PS@5800 and a maximum torque of 400Nm as early as 1300. 100kmph is reached in a company claimed 5.1 seconds which is faster than the Porsche Boxter S and the top speed is electronically limited to 250kmph. On the road the engine pulls cleanly and revs almost to its redline. Power delivery is linear and the engine’s sweat spot is in its meaty midrange.
Standard on the BMW Z4 Roadster is the 6 speed sport automatic transmission. Then there is also the seven-speed sport automatic transmission which is optional on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i and standard on the BMW Z4 sDrive35is. The Z4 comes with a launch control system where you hold the car on the brakes, give it full throttle and leave the brakes. When the revs build up the seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox dumps the clutch and the roadster rockets.

Ride

The Z4 roadster uses an aluminium double-joint tiebar axle which delivers excellent driving dynamics and passenger comfort. The axle weighs around 30 percent less than normal steel axles and the rear-wheel drive roadster uses modern lightweight materials that ensure that the Z4’s overall weight is distributed evenly between the two axles. The result is excellent handling and agility. The bodyshell is very rigid and Dynamic Driving Control gives you total control. This system enables you to change the set-up of the car and with a touch you can switch to Sports or the Sport+ mode where you noticeably change the character of the vehicle. In Sports+ mode the engine is more responsive, steering and the adaptive M suspension become stiffer and the transmission reacts quicker. For everyday use in urban conditions, the Z4 is best used in Normal mode.
The way the Z4 goes around corners is impressive and there is plenty of grip with little body roll. You can switch off the traction control completely which allows you to get the tail out and the steering is razor sharp. The bodyshell of the new Z4 is 25 per cent stiffer than its predecessor and the chassis balance is brilliant. The ride quality too is acceptable.

Competition

The design of the Porsche Boxster S may not have changed a lot but it remains an automotive icon. The performance is excellent and so is the PDK transmission. The revised steering and the mid-engine layout make the Boxster one of the best roadsters ever. The Audi TT and the Nissan 370Z are both much cheaper than the Z4.

Verdict

The BMW Z4 does most things well and it looks like a million dollars. The cabin is designed tastefully and with the Z4 you get both an open-top sportster and a snug coupé. The performance is stronger than the Boxter S and the twin turbo charged engine is a belter. The ride quality while is on the stiff side, isn’t too bad for the roadster to be used as an everyday car. The handling is another if its strengths but it doesn’t feel as sharp as the Boxter S. The Z4 overall makes a strong case for itself and is well built with genuine dual-purpose ability blending modern-car practicality with classic roadster appeal.
Quotes from other reviews:
Autocar India: ‘Even more appealing is the way the Z4 behaves on the main street. The motor pulls cleanly and very linearly almost to its redline. It may not have the ballistic top-end of BMW’s naturally aspirated sixes, but the fantastic midrange more than makes up for this. The thing is, it’s so linear that you sometimes forget how fast you are going – it’ll sneak up on 180kph when you’re not paying attention and then sidle up to 220kph if you hold onto the throttle for more than a bit.

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