Mechanically Superb

Just in Time for a Summer of Weekend getaways, golf outings and top-down meandering, BMW AG delivers the all-new '09 Z4 sDrive roadster.

With a retractable hardtop as its most dramatic upgrade, the zippy convertible will calm a mid-life crisis while fulfilling a vain desire to one-up drivers stuck in minivans and practical sedans.

Whether the Z4's iterative styling is enough to retain leadership among luxury roadsters is the big question.

Mechanically superb, the Z4 meets every challenge thrown its way, delivering a thrilling ride with more power and BMW's sharp chassis dynamics, thanks to a near 50/50 weight distribution.

This despite tipping the scales some 300 lbs. (136 kg) above the previous-generation Z4 due to the extensive hardware associated with the retractable hardtop, as well as a longer rear overhang to accommodate the top when stowed.

Still, the new Z4 seriously outguns its predecessor, which offered one engine: the 255-hp 3.0L inline-6.

That marvelously smooth powerplant remains the base engine in the new roadster, but the 300-hp direct-injection 3.0L twin-turbo (a 3-time Ward's 10 Best Engines winner) is a delectable addition.

Channeling all this power are the familiar and excellent 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.

Another addition is BMW's new 7-speed double-clutch sport automatic. BMW says the Z4 with DCT can find 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.0 seconds, while the sDrive35i without it settles for 5.1 seconds. The transmission take rates are forecast at 80% for the two automatics and 20% for the manual.

BMW engineers say the 7-speed DCT should get better mileage than the 6-speed manual in the sDrive35i, although the press kit officially pegs both at a 20 mpg (11.7 L/100 km).

Meanwhile, the combined fuel economy for the sDrive30i with the less powerful I-6 is rated at 22 mpg (10.6 L/100 km) for the manual and 6-speed auto.

Those numbers are fairly accurate, based on our test drive of both engines. Under a heavy boot, the 300-hp Z4 manages to stay above 20 mpg. With a moderate throttle, 27.3 mpg (8.6 L/100 km) in the same car isn't difficult.

Like its predecessor, the new Z4 features wholly competent electrohydraulic steering. Turn-in is linear, and the system delivers just the right amount of assist in every driving situation.

High-performance brakes provide sure stopping power while reducing weight. The Z4, sans spare tire, rides on 17-in. aluminum wheels shod with run-flats.

In the front, a lightweight “double-jointed” mostly aluminum suspension features traditional struts, and a constant-geometry axle supports the rear.

Optional as part of the Sport package is the Adaptive M Suspension with electronic damping control. BMW says the system is so fast that a rear damper braces in time for the impact of a pothole the front wheel already has struck.

The world expects this gee-whiz technology from Bavaria's brightest engineers. The world also wants innovative styling, but it's lacking in the new Z4.

BMW's mystique depends on dazzling well-heeled customers with powertrains, gadgets or styling they didn't know they wanted but soon couldn't live without.

Sure, the new Z4 offers a masculine and shapely clamshell hood, but the overall styling leaves the casual observer oblivious that this is a new BMW. Especially from the side, the new Z4 looks too much like the old one.

But BMW has proven the automotive press wrong before, especially with the controversially styled but successful previous-generation 7-Series flagship.

The sales figures may hold the answer as to why BMW kept intact the previous-generation Z4's design vocabulary.

Since 1996, BMW roadsters have dominated. But since 2006, Z4 sales have fallen and redesigned rivals are closing in.

With stellar performance, the new droptop will do fine; buyers who loved the previous roadster will love this one.

Watching the retractable hardtop perform its mechanical ballet in a mere 20 seconds with the fluid precision of the Bolshoi is darn near worth the sticker. But in convertible mode, the trunk is maddeningly short of space.

Inside, the Z4 offers beautifully stitched leather trim in shades of bold crimson and creamy ivory to add flair.

Ergonomically, the Z4 is challenged. One removable cupholder clips to the right of the center stack, knocking the passenger in the knee. Another cupholder resides in the center console but only can be used when the armrest is raised.

Another complaint centers on the door sills, which bear the BMW badge in faux chrome — and it's not illuminated.

Pricing starts at $46,575 for the sDrive30i and $52,475 for the sDrive35i. Options such as the 7-speed DCT ($1,525), navigation ($2,100), M suspension ($1,900) and ivory leather ($2,050) drive the sticker price well past $60,000.

Roadsters remind us of the joy of driving. For buyers who never forgot this, the Z4 will fit nicely in their personal fleets.

Those requiring breakthrough styling might do more cross-shopping.

[+]PROS/CONS[-]

'09 BMW Z4 sDrive35i

Vehicle type: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger roadster

Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo DOHC all-aluminum I-6

Power (SAE net): 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm

Torque: 300 lb.-ft. (407 Nm) @ 1,400 rpm

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch

Wheelbase: 98.3 ins. (250 cm)

Overall length: 166.9 ins. (424 cm)

Overall width: 70.5 ins. (179 cm)

Overall height: 50.8 ins. (129 cm)

Curb weight: 3,494 lbs. (1,585 kg)

Base price: $52,475

Fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (13.8/9.8 L/100 km)

Competition: Audi TT, Mercedes SLK, Porsche Boxster, Honda S2000

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