The Z4 falls in the same category as Porsche Boxter, but two years of equal fight was enough to realize that there are some other fields where the car can win and this is why instead of emphasizing on the power alone, BMW decided to improve the levels of comfort, luxury and refinement. The primary add-ons are the retractable hardtop, a lot of space and luxurious, highly styled interior.
The 2011 BMW Z4 comes in three levels which correlate with engines: sDrive30i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is. While being closely connected, they have significant difference:
• The sDrive30i is a standard version. It runs on a 3.0-liter inline-6 that outputs 255 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated with s six-speed manual transmission, which can be optionally switched to a traditional BMW automatic gearbox. The manufacturer says that the coupe jumps from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with the standard transmission. The fuel economy goes to 18 mpg in city limit and 28 mpg on highway. This Z4 is equipped with 17-inch wheels, adjustable sport driving settings, automatic adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, a fully powered retractable hardtop, cruise control, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, six-way manually adjustable seats and a sound system that includes a single-CD player, auxiliary audio jack and HD radio.
• The sDriver35i is the first step to an upgrade: it has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that produces 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque. Originally it comes with a six-speed manual clutch, but a customer could order a seven-speed automated manual as an option. The car jumps from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The EPA estimated its fuel economy as 18 mpg in city and 25 mpg on highway. The numbers are a little lower with the automated gearbox. This version of Z4 comes with the same features and adds sun-reflective leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and brushed aluminum interior trim.
• The engine of the sDrive35is is the same as on the 35s, but it is a revised version which makes 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It is connected to a dual-clutch automated manual transmission which makes the coupe use 17 mpg in city and 24 on highway. The car runs from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. This Z4 comes with M Sport package as an option which includes 18-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, an aerodynamic body kit, increased top speed, a thicker M steering wheel and 10-way manually adjustable sport seats with power bolster adjustment.
Besides these three models there are also optional packages which might be available at any model. They are: sport, cold weather, premium, and premium sound packages.
As it has been mentioned above, the 2011 BMW Z4 has comfortable and luxurious interior. The car is trimmed with high-quality materials, it provides plenty of legroom, and all the gadgets are in close reach, so it is convenient and easy to operate them. The hardtop is made of two pieces which fold down in 20 seconds with one touch of a button. The trunk is large and can fit two sets of golf clubs and a carry-on suitcase when the roof of the coupe is raised.
With the 2011 Z4 the German manufacturer has proven again and again that it is the best in building “ultimate driving machines”. The coupe has everything that the last generation of cars could have: powerful engine, smooth ride, convertible hardtop, wonderful styling and many options which will satisfy even the pickiest critics.