For 2011, the BMW Z4 amps up its aggression with the introduction of a new sports-tuned trim and an M Sport Package. The 2011 BMW Z4 is sleek, sexy, luxurious and powerful. For 2011, BMW enhances the Z4’s sports performance with M Sport Packages available for both the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and sDrive35i. Plus, BMW introduces a whole new trim -- the Z4 sDrive35is, which features more power and greater sports handling.
Many of that trim's enhanced handling features are available on the lower trims in a new M Sport package.
The 2011 BMW Z4 is a two-seat retractable-hardtop luxury roadster available in three trim levels that correspond with engine choice: sDrive30i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is.
Standard equipment on the sDrive30i includes 17-inch wheels, adjustable sport driving settings (steering, throttle and automatic transmission if applicable), 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. This package 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.
The Premium package adds auto-dimming mirrors, power-adjustable seats, BMW Assist telematics, Bluetooth and on the 30i, leather upholstery and automatic climate control. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a dual-clutch seven-speed automated manual is optional. The dual-clutch automated manual is standard. BMW estimates a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 17/24/19.
The long hood and passenger compartment set nearly over the rear wheels remain, but a more traditional BMW front-end sets the tone for the entire car.
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.
Ride & Handling
The sDrive35is' natural rotation and overall balance make it a fun track car. The sDrive35is is one of the few production cars I've driven there that managed to hold its own. The low-slung Z4 sDrive35is proved to be a cornering champ, exhibiting little body roll and plenty of grip. Complementing the handling is a wonderful twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine that teams with BMW's seven-speed double-clutch transmission. 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. The engine sounds great, too. The sDrive35is gets an EPA-estimated 17/24 mpg city/highway and takes premium gas.
Convertible Commentary
With its 2009 redesign, the BMW Z4 went from soft-top roadster and hardtop coupe body styles to a retractable-hardtop roadster, which theoretically offers the best of both worlds. The top stows in the upper portion of the trunk, above a movable partition that reserves enough luggage space for a few soft bags when the top is down.
Cruising on the highway with the top down, road noise is replaced by wind noise and general wind buffeting.
The two-seat cabin remains quite cozy, and that might be a problem for especially tall drivers. What's a little unusual is that the sDrive35is doesn't come with standard power seats (they're optional), which many potential customers will likely expect considering the car's starting price — regardless of any weight savings the manual seats may offer.
Safety
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags, an electronic stability system and roll bars behind each of the seats. As tested with a few options, our sDrive35is was $64,225.
