2012 BMW Z4 Baltimore MD

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The 2012 BMW Z4 could easily be considered a more intimate and engaging version of the 6 Series Convertible. The folding hardtop offers the best of coupe and roadster forms with few of the drawbacks of either. The Z4 sDrive35is is the most powerful and the best performer. The 2012 BMW Z4 comes in three models, sDrive28i, sDrive35i, and sDrive35is.  Thanks to its retractable hardtop, the BMW Z4 offers the freedom of a convertible with the convenience of a coupe: more security, superior chassis rigidity, more rearward visibility and less susceptibility to pesky weather. While Porsche focuses more on performance and Mercedes seems to emphasize luxury and comfort, the BMW Z4 strikes a happy medium. New for 2012 is the Z4 sDrive28i, which replaces the outgoing sDrive30i. The 2012 BMW Z4 comes standard with more features than before (although the base price has also increased), including Bluetooth, a USB port and floor mats. The current-generation Z4 sDrive35i was launched as a 2009 model. The Z4 sDrive35is was introduced as a 2011 model. The new 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i is the base model and the first to use BMW's all-new N20 engine, a 2.0-liter twin-powered turbo four-cylinder that makes 240 horsepower, slightly less than the venerated, naturally aspirated inline-6 it replaces, but with more power available at lower revs, along with 30 percent more torque. As they say, horsepower sells cars, while torque wins races.

'12 Z4 Power and Handling

The 2012 BMW Z4 offers a choice of turbocharged engines: a 240-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 in the new sDrive28i, a 300-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 in the sDrive35i, and a 335-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 in the sDrive35is. The BMW Z4 is clearly aimed at those who enjoy driving. The retractable hardtop and added features have nudged it a bit closer to grand touring car than sports car. The inline six-cylinder engines rev smoothly to redline. BMW's 7-speed DCT dual-clutch automated manual transmission comes standard in the sDrive35is and is optional for the sDrive35i. Also used in the M3, this transmission has clutches, but there is no clutch pedal. Put it in Drive and step on the gas.  For the ultimate performance the sDrive35is is the clear choice. It delivers performance levels exceeded by only the most powerful, and expensive supercars. With a low center of gravity and near-perfect weight distribution with occupants, the Z4's handling is exemplary.

Design of the 2012 BMW Z4

From dead-on at either end with the top down, the Z4 has strong resemblance to a scaled-down version of the 6 Series and the short-lived, Fisker-designed Z8. Sections of the taillights look like horizontal light tubes and appear to ramp up like theater lights when the lights are switched on. Adaptive brake lights deliver more red light when you hit the brake pedal hard than when merely slowing mildly. The center brake light is midway between the rear window and the tail on the trunk lid where it will not interfere with rear vision but will be covered up by an inch of snow. A single side twin-exhaust outlet signals a 28i, while the 35i and 35is have a single outlet on each side. Classic roadster proportions give the Z4 a long hood and short decklid, shoulders over the wheel arches and tapers in three axes. While the Z4 is close to the ground, it is not prone to scraping at every speed bump or mild driveway entrance because the front overhang is shorter than that of many other sports cars.

New BMW Z4 Cabin

There is plenty of space for two people in the Z4, the head and legroom being about what you find in a midsize SUV. Though instead of sitting upright, driver and passenger site low with legs stretched out in front. Standard manual seats and tilt/telescoping steering column provide enough adjustment to suit many driver sizes; slender types will appreciate the side bolsters on the seats and larger bodies will be framed as much by the door and console. While they may not look like thick armchairs, the seats offer excellent support over multi-hour drives; the sport seats are a bit more confining for those of wider girths yet superb for a spirited drive. The driver's footwell is large enough for size 13 shoes to comfortably operate three well-positioned pedals and there's a good dead pedal on which to rest or brace your left foot. Outward visibility is good, even with the top up. Climate control responds immediately to an adjustment in temperature. Other controls are easy to reach and well thought out.

2012 Z4 Lineup

BMW Z4 sDrive28i, is powered by a 2.0-liter, direct-injected twin scroll turbocharged inline 4 cylinder engine that makes 240 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. Standard features include 17-inch wheels, power-retractable hardtop, automatic adaptive xenon headlights, run-flat tires, leatherette (vinyl) upholstery, six-way manually adjustable seats, adjustable sport driving settings, cruise control, trip computer, floor mats, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with multifunction controls, anti-theft alarm system, rear pass-through slot, Bluetooth handsfree connectivity, and an audio system that includes single CD player, HD radio, iPod and USB adapter and satellite radio capability.

BMW Z4 sDrive35i has a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-6 that delivers 300 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 300 pound-feet of torque from 1400 to 5000 rpm. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard and a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission (DCT) is optional. This model gets larger brakes along with standard 18-inch wheels. Cabin upgrades include standard leather upholstery, brushed aluminum trim or ash wood, and automatic dual-zone climate control.

The Z4 sDrive35is features an engine with increased intake airflow and increased boost pressure to deliver even more power. Its maximum output is 335 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 332 pound-feet of torque from 1500 to 4500 rpm. In addition, its engine management system includes an electronically controlled overboost function, which increases torque by another 37 pound-feet, for a temporary peak of 369 pound-feet for up to seven seconds. The sDrive35is comes standard with 18-inch wheels and includes M aerodynamic body kit and adaptive suspension. The sDrive35is comes standard with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Options and packages are similar to those above.

Conclusions

For more on this model, visit the official BMW Z4 website. Safety features included on all Z4 models include dual frontal airbags, head/thorax side airbags in the seats, active knee protection, roll hoops, electronic stability, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and tire-pressure monitoring. Manual transmission models also have a hill-holder clutch to prevent the car from rolling backward when the clutch is engaged. The only option related to safety is the front and rear park assist.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com