2012 BMW Z4
Starting MSRP $48,650–$64,200
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National July 19, 2011Vehicle Overview
The two-seat Z4 roadster uses a standard folding metal hardtop. Trim levels include the sDrive30i, turbocharged sDrive35i and high-performance sDrive35is. All three have standard Dynamic Drive Control, a feature that allows drivers to vary steering and accelerator settings to suit their tastes. Anyone considering the entry-level Z4 might cross-shop Nissan's redesigned 370Z; a loaded Z4, on the other hand, could compete with the Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT or Porsche Boxster.
New for 2012
In a change made during the 2011 model year, a six-speed automatic transmission is a no-cost option to the standard six-speed manual on the sDrive30i. Previously, the automatic was a $1,375 option.
Exterior
BMW says all surface lines strive toward a point on the road ahead. It’s evidently shown in the headlights and hood. BMW's dual-kidney grille remains front and center. Exterior features include:
- Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
- Optional 18- or 19-inch wheels
- Optional automatic high beams
- Unique bumpers, tailpipes and mirrors on sDrive35is
- Optional aerodynamic kit emulates sDrive35is look (sDrive30i, sDrive35i)
Interior
Available sun-reflective leather is designed to keep surfaces cooler on a sunny day. Other options include leather-upholstered dashboard and door panels, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. There is an optional trunk pass-through. The Z4's iDrive unit, included with an optional navigation system, is BMW's latest version, revamped with better graphics, more shortcut keys and improved menu functionality. Interior features include:
- Standard faux leather seats
- Optional leather upholstery and sport seats
- Optional upgraded stereo
- Optional iDrive system
- Optional power-adjustable seats
- Thicker steering wheel, aggressively bolstered seats, faux carbon-fiber trim and gray instruments (sDrive35is)
Under the Hood
The sDrive30i's 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine makes 255 horsepower and 220 pounds-feet of torque, working with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. A twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 300 hp and 300 pounds-feet of torque powers the sDrive35i, which comes with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Both automatics have steering-wheel paddle shifters. The sDrive35is, meanwhile, adds more turbo boost to provide 335 hp and 332 pounds-feet of torque. Pushed hard, the engine can provide up to 369 pounds-feet of torque for a few seconds. It works through a performance-calibrated version of the dual-clutch automatic. BMW says the sDrive35is can hit 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, making it quicker than the prior-generation Z4 M. Mechanical features include:
- 255-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (sDrive30i)
- 300-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (sDrive35i)
- 335-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (sDrive35is)
- Six-speed manual or automatic transmissions (sDrive30i)
- Six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmissions (sDrive35i)
- Seven-speed automatic transmission (sDrive35is)
- Recalibrated power steering and suspension tuning (sDrive35is)
- Standard Dynamic Drive Control
- Optional adaptive suspension
Safety
The standard stability system uses a brake-drying function to keep the discs dry during wet weather. Front and seat-mounted side-impact airbags are standard, as are four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, with larger discs on the sDrive35i and sDrive35is. Traction control is standard, and the electronic stability system has a high-threshold performance mode. Other standard safety features include:
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Head-protection extension on side airbags
- Knee airbags
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Mike Hanley | Cars.com National | October 15, 2011 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | July 19, 2011 |
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