2012 BMW Z4

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