© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
All-New Z4
One year ago, BMW premiered the Concept Z4 at the awards ramp prior to the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, employing the manicured surroundings of the Pebble Beach Golf Links as the perfect setting to debut the concept, with the promise that a production Z4 would be coming soon. Today BMW kept that promise with the introduction of the all-new BMW Z4 roadster — in the exact location as that concept debut last year.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Concept to Production
There wasn’t much lost in translation from concept to production Z4. Many of the styling cues and features from the concept remain on the all-new production model. The stacked headlights look almost identical to the concept, as does the deep sculpting on the sides of the sleek roadster.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Clearly a BMW
The Z4 may be all new, but it is easily recognizable as a BMW. From the classic kidney grille to the long clamshell hood stretched over the bold wheel arches to the short trunk lid, this new Z4 has all the lines of a classic BMW roadster. The sculpted hood, air vents behind the wheels and dual exhaust add to the sporting look of the new Z4.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
First Edition
The model making its debut here in Pebble Beach is the Z4 M40i First Edition. The sporty 2-seater immediately commands attention with its eye-catching Frozen Orange Metallic paint. The Orange is offset by the anthracite soft-top, black exterior mirrors and two-tone 19-inch light alloy wheels.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Plenty of Power
Not only does the new Z4 look quick, it should have the power to back up that sporty styling. Under the long hood resides an uprated 3.0-liter inline-6-cylinder engine that will produce enough power to push this little 2-seater to 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Sporty Handling
The M40i also gets an M-tuned sports suspension with electronically-controlled dampers, as well as an M Sport brake system and electronically-controlled M Sport rear differential. All this adds up to what should be impressive handling when the road gets curvy — exactly what one would expect from a new BMW roadster.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Driver’s Car
Inside the new Z4, BMW makes it clear this is a driver’s car. The center display and controls are slightly angled toward the driver, and the thick steering wheel provides proper grip for enthusiastic driving. The new Z4 has two high-resolution digital displays — one in the center for navigation, climate, entertainment and other features, and the other in front of the driver that incorporates a tachometer and speedometer surrounding a programmable section.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Upscale Interior
The First Edition Z4 features Vernasca black leather trim with contrasting stitching, power-operated seats and a high-power Harmon Kardon audio system.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Paddle Shifters
The production Z4 shown on the green at Pebble Beach is equipped with an automatic transmission which can be shifted via paddles on the steering column. Hopefully a manual transmission will be available as well.