2012 BMW Z4 to Offer Four-Cylinder Powertrain

The new Z4 trim is called sDrive28i, and it replaces the 2011 sDrive30i. BMW didn’t confirm whether the sDrive35i and sDrive35is will still be available with their turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder or if they will be discontinued. But we’d assume they will remain the top trim levels.

As we reported earlier, the new inline-four-cylinder will combine twin-scroll turbocharging, direct injection and BMW’s proprietary variable valve timing system known as Valvetronic. The 2.0-liter motor will make 240 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque in U.S. variants. That’s more power than BMW’s normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder, which is found on the current 3 Series, and the 2.0-liter turbo from Audi, which puts out 211 hp and 258 pounds-feet of torque.

The four-cylinder will be mated to an optional eight-speed automatic transmission; the 2011 sDrive30i was only available with a six-speed auto, and the sDrive35i with a seven-speed auto-shift manual.

The Z4 sDrive28i is expected to be 20% more fuel efficient than the model it replaces when equipped with the new transmission. The current sDrive30i returns 18/28 mpg city/highway with either the manual or automatic.

The new Z4 will be the first BMW offered with a four-cylinder since 1997. The model goes on sale later this year. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but we’d bet BMW will lower the price of entry to the slow-selling but well-reviewed Z4 from its current $47,450.