The all-new BMW Z4: Pricing and specifications announced for New Zealand.

BMW Group New Zealand is proud to announce pricing and specification for the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster, which goes on-sale in April 2019.

Designed by Australian Calvin Luk, the BMW Z4 is firmly focused on the driving experience, with the striking road presence to match.

BMW Z4 pricing*:

        BMW Z4 M40i                                               $133,800

*Recommended retail pricing, excluding on-road costs.

Bold exterior by Australian designer Calvin Luk

The all-new BMW Z4 features a clean-cut body style that allows the various design flourishes and sharp contour lines to stand out.  It is Calvin Luk’s third BMW design, following the successful BMW X1, BMW 1 Series (2015) and latest-generation BMW X3 projects.

This bold design language is emphasised at the front, with the LED headlights arrayed in a vertical fashion for the first time on a BMW.  Adding further strength to its low and wide stance, the iconic kidney grille takes on a modern 3D-look mesh finish and sits wider and flatter than before.

Furthering this stance is the rising side character line with the large air breather leaning forward to create the illusion of movement when standing still. The smoothly integrated bootlid spoiler further announces the BMW Z4 from the rear.

From the rear, 3D taillights are similarly slim and wide, melding with the roadster’s natural curvature. The lower half is dominated by sharp breather cut-outs, dual trapezoidal exhaust pipes and a specific diffuser design.

Of course, the most distinctive stylistic flourish on the all new BMW Z4 is the soft top roof. Evoking traditional roadster tops of the previous century, the fabric top weighs less than aluminium or steel alternatives, while also lowering the centre of gravity. It is automatically- operated, with the process to raise or lower the roof taking only 10 seconds. The roof can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 50km/h.

The strong material offers effective acoustic insulation when the roof is closed, but also stores away behind the cockpit without impacting luggage space.

Individual rollover bars provide an additional safety layer when the roof is down, while the standard-fit wind deflector increases cabin comfort when exposed to the elements.

Increased practicality has also been delivered, with 281 litres luggage capacity available. As the soft top sits above the boot space, no reduction in capacity is realised when the roof is opened.

A driver-focused interior with high-quality touchpoints

Continuing the sharp exterior theme, the inside door design apes those crisp curves.

‘Vernasca’ leather upholstery is fitted as standard and fittingly, this upholstery is applied to the M Sport seats which feature integrated headrests and impressive bolstering to support occupants during dynamic driving.

The standard Vernasca leather is matched to Alcantara trim and is finished in Black with Blue Contrast Stitching. Upholstery is also offered (at no cost) in Ivory White, Black, Magma Red and Cognac full Vernasca leather finishes.

A Sensatec dashboard complements the high-quality leather upholstery, while textured interior trims – in Aluminium Tetragon pattern – add a further layer of cool sophistication.

The newly-designed cockpit seamlessly integrates BMW’s latest connectivity solutions with its driver-centric layout.

BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional offers a 12.3-inch customisable instrument cluster. This not only displays traditional speed, fuel and engine information but can also display navigation and audio content, among other items.

Augmenting this is the 10.25-inch Control Display, featuring BMW Operating System 7.0. This intuitive interface offers a broader range of customisation, as well as touchscreen operation. Other interaction options include a newly-designed centre console controller, or via the updated voice control interface. A BMW Head-Up Display

is fitted for the first time on the BMW Z4, and provides another customisable key information source.

The BMW Z4’s standard Connected Package Professional includes Remote Services, Real Time Traffic Information, wireless Apple CarPlay and Concierge Services, and Wireless smartphone charging and Extended Bluetooth connectivity add further engagement points.

Newly-developed six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine

Heading the range is the M Performance-powered BMW Z4 M40i. This takes the traditional straight-six engine layout BMW is famous for and adds a single turbocharger to hit 250kW from 5,000rpm to 6,500rpm, with an amazing 500Nm from 1,600rpm through to 4,500rpm. This strong performance is matched by high efficiency, with 7.4L100km fuel economy and 169g/km CO2.

Performance astounds, with 100km/h achieved in only 4.5 seconds.

The BMW Z4 is offered with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission with launch control fitted as standard.

A genuine sports car chassis

Given its rigid chassis, low centre of gravity, 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive, the all new BMW Z4 has a natural dynamic advantage. With a shorter wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, the engineers’ intention was clear: make the Z4 a driver’s car.

Making the most of these taut dimensions is a newly-designed double-joint spring-strut front suspension. Aluminium control arms and swivel bearings have reduced unsprung mass while suspension mountings are particularly stiff for increased response.

The five-link rear axle makes its BMW roadster debut in the all new Z4. The combined aluminium/steel construction is lighter and stronger, with stiffer bushings further aiding wheel control.

An electronically-operated limited-slip M Sport Differential is standard on the Z4 M40i, for even greater traction and dynamic control.

Adaptive M Suspension, BMW’s variable damper system, is fitted as standard the BMW Z4 M40i, along with 19-inch light alloy wheel as standard. The performance tyres are sized 255/35/ZR19 on the front axle and 275/35/ZR19 at the rear.

Standard specification highlights

The BMW Z4 M40i features an impressively high standard specification. Highlights include:

• 19-inch light alloy wheels with performance tyres
• Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
• Adaptive M Suspension
• Adaptive LED Headlights
• Ambient Light
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional
• Chinese Language Display (no-cost option)
• Comfort Access, including Digital Key to enable remote smartphone locking/unlocking and engine start from wireless charging tray
• Connected Package Professional, including Apple CarPlay
• DAB digital radio
• Driving Assistant
• Eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission with paddle shifters
• harman/kardon Surround Sound System with 12 speakers
• Head-Up Display
• Heated M Sport Seats, electrically-adjustable with memory function
• High-Beam Assistant
• Interior and driver’s side exterior mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function
• Interior trims in Aluminium Tetragon
• Instrument panel in Sensatec
• Lumbar support for driver and front passenger
• M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons
• M Sport Brakes
• M Sport Differential – electrically-controlled limited-slip differential
• Parking Assistant including Reverse Assistant
• Storage Compartment Package
• Through-loading system
• Two-zone Automatic Air Conditioning
• Tyre Repair Kit
• ‘Vernasca’ leather upholstery
• Wind Deflector
• Wireless Charging for mobile phones

As with all New Zealand-new BMW vehicles a five year warranty, three year service inclusive programme and five year roadside assist coverage is fully included.

The new BMW Z4 is arriving at BMW dealers from April 2019.