2011 BMW Z4 Baltimore

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For the 2011 BMW Z4, BMW has put a greater emphasis on versatility more than with its predecessors and many other entries in this class. It all starts with its retractable hardtop, which makes the Z4 a more versatile, all-weather choice. Inside, the 2011 BMW Z4 offers more room than its competitors, impressive rearward visibility and a luxurious, nicely styled ambience. On the road, the Z4's superb ride quality sops up bumps like a much larger, more expensive convertible. In fact, the Z4 often feels like it belongs to that bigger, more refined class of luxury roadsters.

The top-of-the-line sDrive35is exterior is distinguished from other Z4s by its more aggressive front bumper styling, which calls to mind the high-performance M3, and a restyled rear bumper. Its standard 18-inch alloy wheels are an inch larger than the base ones you get on the other two trims, and there are also sDrive35is badges on the front quarter-panels.

2011 Z4 Interior

Compared with the previous generation's austere cabin, the current Z4's interior is more welcoming. The two-seat cabin remains quite cozy. The manual seats have a range of adjustments, including seat tilt and thigh support, but the always important height adjustment doesn't work completely when you're sitting down; you can lower the seat cushion, but you have to climb out of the car, or otherwise take your weight off the seat, to raise it. Like the cabin itself, the seats are snug, and the lateral support they provide is appreciated when cornering. The side bolsters are adjustable.

The Z4's trunk measures 8 cubic feet with the top up and the movable partition out of the way. If you plan on traveling with the top down, bring soft luggage; the partition saves enough room for a few overnight bags below the lowered roof. That's especially valuable, as storage space in the cabin is practically nonexistent.

Engine and Powertrain 2011 Z4

Complementing the handling is a wonderful twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine that teams with BMW's seven-speed double-clutch transmission. While I'd still like to have the choice of a traditional manual transmission , it's available only on the lower Z4 trim levels , this gearbox is so good you forget about stick shifts altogether.

The transmission always seems to be in the right gear, and it executes incredibly quick shifts that happen in a snap of your fingers. Matched with the 335-horsepower inline-six, the sDrive35is can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, according to BMW. Whether you leave the transmission in Drive or move the gear selector to its Sport mode, which lets the engine rev higher before shifting gears, the sDrive35is has a high-strung quality about it. It's the automotive equivalent of a Super Ball bouncing around a small room.

The engine sounds great, too. The sDrive35is has a specially tuned exhaust system that results in a louder exhaust sound overall, but there's also a lot of crackling and popping noises emanating from the dual tailpipes that make this Z4 sound like it has an aftermarket exhaust.

The sDrive35is gets an EPA-estimated 17/24 mpg city/highway and takes premium gas.

2011 BMW Z4 First Drive

You know the minute you get behind the wheel of the sDrive35is that it's been designed to deliver responsive performance. Although there are numerous electronic gadgets, they don't come between you and the car.

The position of the cockpit plays a part in this. As mentioned, the cabin is set near the rear wheels, and the driver looks over a long hood. The orientation enhances the sensation of rotation when carving through a corner; there's no waiting for the rest of the car to make it through the turn because you're practically sitting at the back of the roadster.

The sDrive35is' natural rotation and overall balance make it a fun track car. With its technical corners and long, fast straightaways, Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., is good at exposing the shortcomings of production cars in a track environment. The sDrive35is is one of the few production cars I've driven there that managed to hold its own. It continually urges the driver on , unlike some cars, whose response tells you it's time to back off. The low-slung Z4 sDrive35is proved to be a cornering champ, exhibiting little body roll and plenty of grip. While its responses may not be as immediate and direct as a Porsche Cayman's, they're not far behind.

The penalty for this sublime handling is ride quality that can be quite rough on patched asphalt roads. BMW has often impressed me with its ability to combine great handling and good ride comfort, but in the sDrive35is, ride comfort has definitely taken a backseat , or in the case of this two-seat roadster, it's been stuffed in the trunk. Sometimes an adaptive suspension can deliver the best of both worlds, but the feature doesn't do enough here.

2011 BMW Z4 Overview

Sleek styling, a comfortable, high-class interior and plenty of performance combine to make the 2011 BMW Z4 one of the most desirable luxury roadsters available. With smooth and powerful engines, quick-folding hardtop, comfortable ride, big trunk (with the top up), excellent visibility for a roadster, sharp styling inside and out, 2011 BMW Z4 is a force to be reckoned with. For more info on the 2011 BMW Z4 in Baltimore, visit BMWUsa.com.