2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Review

BMW is no stranger to roadsters. Perhaps one of the famous cars the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG company has ever produced was a roadster: the revered and highly collectable 1936-1940 328. Produced in only 464 examples, this two-door two-seater twin kidney-grille-sporting elegant automobile has graced many a poster on enthusiasts’ walls.

The latest Z4 is simply drop-dead gorgeous.

The BMW roadster returned in the mid-fifties in the form of the equally attractive and sought-after 507 which was itself only produced for four years. Nearly 30 years later, BMW reinvented the roadster with the Z1, on the heels of the one that made it all possible, the Mazda Miata. Subsequent Zs (excluding the Z8) returned in 1996, this time carrying a 3 and, as you will all remember, held a starring role in the James Bond movie, Golden Eye. The Z4 replaced the Z3 in 2002 and what we now have, in 2009, is a second generation Z4, internally known as the E89.

Form and function
The latest Z4 is simply drop-dead gorgeous. If many manufacturers are working hard at establishing an identity for their product-line, admittedly, a large number of them are using the “shark-face” as inspiration. Well, I'm here to say that nowhere is this better achieved on any car than on the Z4. Combined with the signature grille, the long powerful hood and sculpted wheel arches, the new Z4 looks far more exotic than run-of-the-mill.

Gracefully wearing a retractable hard-top, the Z4's silhouette is not only unaffected by what can often be described as an eye-sore, but its sleek and profiled curves culminate intently in the rear with a discreetly integrated trunk spoiler. Factor in the 18” cross-section alloy wheels and yeah, she's good-lookin' all right...

The Z4's cabin is snug but just perfect. Two adults can comfortably take place aboard thanks in large part to the firm yet cosseting sport seats. With the top up, headroom is restrained but then again, the car is meant to be driven with wind-in-hair. What is especially refreshing about the Z4 is its dash layout. Unlike every other BMW, controls are obvious, clearly indicated and very easy to use.

Two adults can comfortably take place aboard thanks in large part to the firm yet cosseting sport seats.