2015 BMW Z4: A Fun and Responsive Roadster

With BMW having had a long run as one of the most popular names and most recognizable body styles for their luxury sedans and sports coupes is it any wonder they have an awesome roadster as well? The Z4 enters the equation as a roadster that offers power, handling and comfort as well as the full enjoyment of open-air driving that attracts many shoppers to this awesome convertible roadster.

As a great choice of balance between sport and luxury the Z4 competes well with cars like the Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT and Porsche Boxter. Offered with a retractable hardtop and a very driver-oriented cockpit the Z4 makes it easy for drivers of just about any height to enjoy driving this great roadster. For 2015 the Z4 offers no changes because it will receive a full redesign for the 2016 model year making this one of the last of this model and a car that enthusiasts should snatch up quickly to enjoy the ride.

There hasn’t been a road built as of yet the Z4 can’t handle. Just as enjoyable on a long straightaway as it is one a canyon run or beachside cruise this car handles perfectly in any situation making it a lot of fun to drive and leaving drivers amazed at the performance and handling of this awesome roadster. The driving capability is achieved through a very finely tuned suspension and seriously responsive steering that both allows the car to handle all road conditions and come out on top. When powered by the four-cylinder engine the zero to sixty mph time comes in around 5.5 seconds and is even quicker with the six-cylinder engine.

Two engines are offered that are set up three differing ways to power the Z4. All Z4 models are rear-wheel drive and use premium fuel. The first comes in the form of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine bringing in 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. A choice of either a six-speed manual transmission that offers 22 city/34 hwy mpg or an eight-speed automatic transmission offering 22 city/33 hwy mpg are available for this engine to create a powerful and efficient powertrain.

The second engine offered is the first of the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines. This one is turbocharged and brings in very enjoyable power at 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. When mated to the same transmissions as the smaller engine the manual offers a fuel efficiency of 19 city/26 hwy mpg and the automatic comes in with a 17 city/24 hwy mpg.

The most powerful of the three setups is the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that comes in with 335 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is mated up with a seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission bringing in a fuel efficiency of 17 city/24 hwy mpg and giving the Z4 the most powerful and agile model possible.

As mentioned, the interior of the Z4 is actually very roomy for both the driver and passenger to enjoy the more than satisfactory luxury feeling and equipment found in this awesome roadster. All materials and gauges offer a top of the line feel that allows this to be a BMW that is sought after by many. Even though it is a roadster, there is enough room in the cargo area for a set of golf clubs to make it to the links for a relaxing day at the club.

On the outside this is one of the most attractive roadsters even in the under stated BMW styling. With the signature grill across the front and some very intriguing body molding the Z4 is unique but unmistakably a BMW. Plenty of chrome accents are found all around the exterior of this gorgeous car and the exhaust ports offer a final touch of luxury and interest. The wheels are superiorly designed in their massive star pattern that shows off the brake calipers underneath.

The standard equipment offered for the BMW Z4 includes eight-way power seats, keyless entry and starting, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive xenon headlights, six airbags, automatic collision notification, adaptive brake lights and the BMW Ultimate Service. The BMW Ultimate Services consists of complimentary roadside assistance for four years and scheduled maintenance for four years/50,000 miles.

The optional equipment list for the Z4 comes in with different packages to choose from. The M Sport Package offers adaptive suspension, a thick-rimmed steering wheel, aerodynamically tuned body pieces and sport seats. The Technology Package adds an iPhone application integration, Google Local Search function and a navigation system with rear-time traffic alerts.

The starting price point for the Z4 comes in just below $49,000 and moves up to $57,000 for the mid-range vehicle while the tip of the line starts around $66,000. At the fully loaded top end model the Z4 asks for a price of $75,000 which is still less expensive than some of its competition and offers a great deal of easy to enjoy features and equipment.