To underscore the potency of the new BMW Z4 the model comes with a choice of three high output six-cylinder powerplants. The range flagship is an International Engine of the Year winner in the shape of the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine. The 306hp BMW Z4 sDrive35i powers its way from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The strong performance credentials are matched in terms of economy and emissions.The BMW Z4 sDrive35i records a combined consumption figure of 30.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 219g/km. It is worth nothing that the sDrive35i can be specified with a Double Clutch Transmission and a vehicle so equipped records a faster zero to 62mph time of 5.1 seconds, 31.4mpg consumption and lower CO2 emissions at 210g/km.
Joining this model in the launch line-up are the BMW Z4 sDrive23i and the Z4 sDrive30i. Both use the same magnesium aluminium alloy engine with Double VANOS and VALVETRONIC technology, but with varying capacities. The 2.5-litre entry-level BMW Z4 sDrive23i produces 204hp to achieve its zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 151mph. In contrast the BMW Z4 sDrive23i is capable of a combined 33.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 199g/km.
The BMW Z4 sDrive30i comes with a 3.0-litre powerplant producing 258hp. The six-cylinder engine records a zero to 62mph time of 5.8 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Like the BMW Z4 sDrive23i, the Z4 sDrive30i posts impressive combined consumption and CO2 emission figures, recording 33.2mpg and 199g/km.
Transmitting the power to the road in all three Z4s is a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Customers of the BMW Z4 sDrive23i and the Z4 sDrive30i who prefer the characteristics of an automatic can specify a six-speed Sport Automatic transmission featuring gear change paddles on the steering wheel. Buyers of the BMW Z4 sDrive35i can choose a seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission, again with gear shift paddles located on the steering wheel.
