By Otsile Kadiege

The Bavarian’s third-generation pure-bred, open-top two-seater has been updated for model year 2023. The updates to the BMW Z4 include fresh design accents to the exterior, an expanded range of standard equipment and adds new items to the options list.

Exterior updates

The exterior design of the BMW Z4 encapsulates the modern interpretation of the classical open-top sports car. Hallmark features of the front end include the large air intakes, the LED headlights with vertically arranged light sources positioned to the outer edges, and the long bonnet, which stretches over the wheel arches.

New to the updated Z4 is the standard M Sport package for all model derivatives. BMW has also updated the the signature Kidney grilles with horizontal inner structure. The performance-centric character of the BMW Z4 M40i is underscored by features including exterior mirror caps in Cerium Grey and trapezoidal tailpipe trims for the exhaust system.

New additions to standard equipment include 18-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design. These bi-colour wheels are fitted with mixed-size tyres: 225/45 R18 at the front axle and 255/40 R18 at the rear. Options now available to customers include M light-alloy wheels in 19-inch format designed exclusively for the BMW Z4. The V-spoke design, Jet Black matt finish and diamond polished rim edges bring an extremely striking and sophisticated aura to the roadster’s side view. The 19-inch M light-alloy wheels are shod with tyres in 255/35 ZR19 format at the front axle and 275/35 ZR19 at the rear.

For the first very time, the updated Z4 will be available in Thundernight metallic, Portimao Blue metallic and Skyscraper Grey metallic. the selection also includes four other variants spanning a broad spectrum between white, black, red and grey – including the shimmering matt BMW Individual paint finish Frozen Grey metallic. The fabric soft-top of the BMW Z4 will continue to be offered in Anthracite Silver effect as an alternative to the standard black.

Also new to the options list are the M lights Shadow Line, which can be ordered in conjunction with the likewise optional Adaptive LED Headlights. The headlights’ dark inserts help imbue the front end of the car with a discreetly sporting aura. And they form a neatly judged composition with the M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim with extended elements.

Interior updates

Inside, the driver focused cabin of the Z4 sDrive20i comes as standard with Vernasca leather, which can be specified in Black, Ivory White, Cognac or Magma Red. The BMW Z4 M40i and BMW Z4 sDrive30i  have leather/Alcantara trim with blue contrast stitching and blue piping as standard. The interior of the BMW Z4 sDrive30i adds an M leather steering wheel, M Sport seats, M pedals and an M driver’s footrest to raise the levels of sporty driving pleasure another notch.

Added to which, the classical sports car cockpit is now combined with an instrument panel in Sensatec in the Z4 sDrive30i. Seat heating, the wind deflector, extended storage, the through-loading system, Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, the automatically dimming rear-view mirror and two-zone automatic climate control are included as standard in all model variants. The Z4 M40i and Z4 sDrive30i are also fitted as standard with ambient lighting and M door sill finishers.

Performance

Powering the Z4 range is either a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-litre straight-six engine. The Z4 sDrive20i develops 145kW and 320Nm whilst the Z4 sDrive30i makes 190kW and 400Nm. The 20i and 30i sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.6 and 5.4 seconds respectively. The mighty Z4 M40i xDrive churns 250kW and 500Nm. BMW claims 0-100km/h is achieved in 4.5 seconds.

The powertrains are paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission that is standard specification for the other engine variants in the line-up. The Steptronic Sport transmission comes with shift paddles on the steering wheel and a Launch Control function for traction-optimised acceleration off the line.

The M Sport suspension, now part of standard equipment for the BMW Z4 sDrive30i, optimises driving dynamics with its firm damper and spring tuning. The BMW Z4 M40i has adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and – like the BMW Z4 sDrive30i – M Sport brakes with a choice of blue- or red-painted callipers.

BMW South Africa is yet to confirm local pricing and availability.