Of course, I didn't test top speeds nor did I spend a lot of time charging away from stoplights to 100 km/h. The numbers just serve as a reference, with real world stop and go, highway onramp merging, cruising and overtaking being what truly matters. To this end the Z4 is a major step forward from the Z3. It feels more stable at high speeds, delivers more confidence inspiring handling in the curves and while changing lanes, plus it generally feels racier through and through.
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| The Z4 feels more stable at high speeds and delivers more confidence inspiring handling in the curves and while changing lanes than the Z3. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
The standard 6-speed manual shifts crisply, clicking from gear to gear with little more than finger input. While it would be my first choice, BMW's Steptronic 5-speed automatic reportedly does a good job of changing gears too, but unfortunately none were available to drive. I've tested the auto box mated to the 6-cylinder in 3 and 5-Series models, mind you, and it's a great transmission. I can only imagine it would perform at least as well in the lighter Z4. The same goes for the SMG option, a less complicated setup than used in the M3. I recently spent the afternoon with a similar sequential manual gearbox in the 645 Ci that worked marvelously, but it's difficult to give an opinion on how it would mate up to the much less powerful 6-cylinder engine. My educated guess is it would fare well, especially considering the Z4's light weight and smaller size.
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| Even with the top down, there's still plenty of room in the reasonably large trunk for baggage. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Size in mind, the new roadster is more accommodating inside than its predecessor. It's much larger, with better hip and shoulder room by far, increasing legroom and especially seat travel. Tall occupants notice improvements in headroom, not an issue for my 5'8" frame, and less claustrophobia with the top up.
The top raises and drops quickly, easily giving enough time in between stoplight intervals if timed right. It's a one step procedure, just needing the press of a dash mounted button to execute either up or down. The roof liner and window surrounds are coupe-like, perfect for cold Canadian winters, with little need for the optional hardtop other than to protect the fabric from inclement weather and the associated road salt. When the soft top is stowed under the hard tonneau, there's still plenty of room in the reasonably large trunk for baggage, and there's a decent amount of storage between the seats too.