Singapore. BMW Asia, Performance Motors Limited and Performance Munich Autos today announced the availability of the all-new BMW Z4, an updated interpretation of the classical roadster concept.

The all-new BMW Z4 is ready to steal the show as a premium open-top sports car boasting an emotion-packed body design, a fully-electric soft-top roof, compact proportions and a squarely driver-focused interior. Agility, dynamic performance and precise handling were all top priorities when developing the two-seater’s body, powertrain and chassis. The extremely high rigidity of the body structure and chassis mountings, the intelligent lightweight design and optimised aerodynamic properties provided the ideal basis for meeting these objectives. The new design of the front and rear axles benefits not just the car’s sporty on-road prowess, but its ride comfort too. And the all-new BMW Z4 combines its pure sporting pedigree with a wealth of highly advanced, top-class equipment features on the driver assistance, operation and connectivity fronts.

From the outside, the way in which the roadster concept has evolved is particularly plain to see from the car’s proportions. The all-new BMW Z4 has a low-slung, sporty, compact appearance when viewed from any angle. It is 85 millimetres longer than its predecessor (at 4,324 millimetres), 74 millimetres wider (now 1,864 millimetres) and 13 millimetres taller (1,304 millimetres). The shortening of the wheelbase by 26 millimetres to 2,470 millimetres serves to sharpen agility, as do the notably wider tracks – 1,609 millimetres at the front (+ 98 mm) and 1,616 millimetres at the rear (+ 57 mm). The car’s central seating position, low centre of gravity and minimised weight, as well as ideal 50 : 50 weight distribution, also contribute to the intoxicating dynamism of the all-new BMW Z4.

The all-new BMW Z4 is built at the BMW Group’s Austrian manufacturing partner, Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik in Graz. Production will take place on an assembly line installed and operated to the BMW Group’s strict standards.

Exterior design: a pure aesthetic wrapped in a new design language.

A precise use of forms and a number of signature details form the defining features of the emotion-packed, pure-bred exterior design of the all-new BMW Z4. The combination of just a few lines and a clean-cut surface design create a very distinctive take on sporting appeal. A powerfully sculpted front apron with large air intakes, a low, broad BMW kidney grille and headlights positioned at the outer edges ensure there is no mistaking the car from the front. The new-look mesh-design BMW kidney grille combines a track-inspired honeycomb pattern with a three-dimensional structure, whose elements have a vertical arrangement reminiscent of traditional kidney grille bars. The headlight units are another first, with the two light sources positioned one above the other for the first time. The vertical design is cut off at the top by a diagonal accent strip with integral direction indicator. The all-new BMW Z4 is equipped with LED headlights as standard, while the optional Adaptive LED headlights add a matrix function for the non-dazzling high beam and cornering lights.

The elongated bonnet with arrow-shaped contour lines directed at the kidney grille straddles the wheel arches in the “clamshell” style characteristic of classical sports cars. The joins at the bonnet’s sides merge into the flanks’ upper character line, which runs back to the tail lights. A second character line emerges from the large Air Breathers behind the front wheel arches. This interplay of surfaces mimics the flow of air sweeping along the new Z4.

The boot lid’s harmoniously integrated spoiler and the slender, horizontally arranged light assemblies in the brand’s customary L-shape help to give the tail of the all-new BMW Z4 a wide, road-hugging appearance. The rear apron’s powerful look is further strengthened by the side surrounds and the exhaust tailpipes flanking the eye-catching diffuser.

Scope for individuality: nine body and two soft-top colours, Sport Line, M Sport package and BMW M Performance model.

There is a choice of one non-metallic and eight metallic shades for the car’s exterior paintwork. The soft-top roof comes in Black as standard and Anthracite with silver effect as an option. It is electrically operated and can be opened or closed in the space of ten seconds, even while travelling at speeds up to 50 km/h.

Some striking individual touches can be added by opting for the Sport Line or M Sport package. Sport Line features design elements in High-gloss Black on the front crossbar and the rear apron’s insert, along with 18-inch light-alloy wheels. The highlights of the M Sport package, meanwhile, include a three-section air intake for the front apron, prominent side skirt contouring, a rear apron with highly distinctive side surrounds and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels. The all-new BMW Z4 M40i advertises its particularly sporty character with a Cerium Grey finish for the surround and front face of the mesh-design BMW kidney grille, the exterior mirror caps and other design features, plus trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes.

Interior: keen driver focus and an aura of class.

With its driver-focused cockpit design, lines that surge forward with dynamic élan and use of trim finishers restricted to just a few areas, the cabin of the all-new BMW Z4 is a picture of unadulterated driving pleasure. Electroplated detailing adds to the roadster’s sophisticated ambience, while the clearly structured arrangement of the controls focuses the attention even more on the driving experience. The design of the door panels echoes the wing-shaped contour visible externally in the car’s flanks, emphasising the harmony of the exterior and interior design.

Both driver and passenger settle into model-specific sports seats with integral head restraints. All variants are upholstered in Vernasca leather as standard, available in a choice of Black, Ivory White, Cognac and Magma Red, each with coordinated contrast stitching and piping. The trim finishers can be specified in High-gloss Black (BMW Z4 sDrive20i), Aluminium Mesh Effect (BMW Z4 M40i) or Aluminium Tetragon (BMW Z4 sDrive30i). The optional draught stop fits flush between the fixed rollover bars. The bars are finished in Aluminium satinated on Sport Line, High-gloss Black with the M Sport package and Cerium Grey on the BMW Z4 M40i. Specially designed door sill strips and trim finishers, a Sensatec instrument panel, and M sports seats with additional adjustment options come as standard for these model variants. The M Sport package and BMW M Performance model add an M leather steering wheel, M pedals and an M driver’s footrest.

Powertrain and driving experience.

With compact proportions, a low centre of gravity, low weight, perfect 50 : 50 weight distribution, a very rigid body and chassis structure, and optimised aerodynamic properties, the all-new BMW roadster comes with the ideal credentials for exhilarating, sporty performance. The requisite power is supplied by a choice of three petrol engines, each making their debut in the all-new BMW Z4 in their most recent incarnation. Assuming the role of range-topper in the all-new BMW Z4 M40i is a further improved straight-six unit featuring M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. Four-cylinder petrol engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and increased output take their place in the all-new BMW Z4 sDrive30i and all-new BMW Z4 sDrive20i models for the first time. The line-up of technology designed to boost both dynamism and efficiency includes a twin-scroll turbocharging system, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. There is also a new generation of eight-speed Steptronic transmissions to handle the task of directing the engines’ power to the rear wheels.

The Z4’s chassis technology has been designed and tuned with a very clear objective in mind: to harness the engines’ zest and turn it into unbeatable driving pleasure. The agile handling and dynamic performance potential of the all-new BMW Z4 is down in no small part to the variable sport steering that comes as standard on all model variants, while the electronically controlled dampers, M Sport brakes and electronically controlled M Sport rear differential fitted on certain models make the car even nimbler on the road.

BMW M Performance model with straight-six engine.

The roadster’s model line-up is spearheaded by a BMW M Performance version. The all-new BMW Z4 M40i conjures the power required for its breath-taking performance from a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, whose inherently instantaneous response, hearty appetite for revs and smoothness combine with improved efficiency and reduced emissions. The new power unit’s standout features include a water-cooled exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, sharper turbocharger response and superior acceleration, and direct injection technology which now works at increased maximum pressure of 350 bar. Drivers have a maximum output of 340 hp at their disposal between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm, plus 500 Nm of peak torque can be summoned from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm.

A ceaseless build-up of power enables the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The straight-six engine now runs more cleanly, too, thanks to a system of emission control that comprises of an enlarged, close-coupled catalytic converter.

More power with lower emissions – the new four-cylinder engines.

The choice of engines for the new BMW Z4 is rounded off by a pair of new four-cylinder units. Both have a capacity of 2.0 litres and likewise set new standards in terms of power delivery, efficiency and emissions. The output of both engines has been upped by 13 hp over their predecessors. Their updated BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology packages include a High Precision Injection system whose maximum pressure has now been increased to 350 bar.

The engine under the bonnet of the all-new BMW Z4 sDrive30i delivers its maximum output of 258 hp between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm, while peak torque of 400 Nm is available from 1,550 up to 4,400 rpm. The result is a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 5.4 seconds.

The maximum output of 197 hp developed by the all-new BMW Z4 sDrive20i between 4,500 and 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 320 Nm on tap from 1,450 to 4,200 rpm propel the car to 100 km/ from rest in 6.6 seconds.

Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with optimised efficiency.

All model variants of the all-new BMW Z4 come equipped with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard. Besides a wider ratio spread, the latest version of the automatic transmission also offers even sportier gear shifts. The shorter ratios for the transmission’s lower gears are a boon for acceleration and the unit’s improved internal efficiency allows it to operate more effectively too. Plus, there are shift paddles on the steering wheel enabling manual gear selections.

The transmission also features a Launch Control function for accelerating hard from a standing start with optimised traction. The eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission fitted in the all-new BMW Z4 M40i has been configured with M-specific shift characteristics very much in tune with the straight-six engine’s power delivery.

New chassis design enhances both agility and comfort.

The chassis technology in the all-new BMW Z4 has been designed squarely to deliver supreme agility and handling dynamics, and comprises of a newly designed double-joint spring strut axle at the front and a five-link rear axle making its debut in a BMW roadster. This combination strikes just the right balance between sportiness and ride comfort. The front axle subframe and control arm mountings are extremely rigid, which lends itself to precise cornering characteristics and also has a beneficial effect on the drivetrain’s acoustics. The sports car tuning of the front axle elastokinematics aids the all-new Z4’s steering precision at the same time as making its lateral handling characteristics more dynamic. Fitting aluminium control arms and swivel bearings has reduced unsprung masses, resulting in superior agility and efficiency. The new rear axle likewise employs a lightweight aluminium/steel design that saves weight. The large supporting base and very rigid structure of the rear axle subframe as well as the shear panels used for connecting it to the body result in extremely precise wheel guidance. All of which makes it possible to blend agile handling with a high level of ride comfort.

Another feature to be found on the standard equipment list is the variable sport steering with adjustment of both power assistance and steering angle to suit the situation at hand. This particular version of the Electric Power Steering system is designed to promote not just straight-line stability in the all-new BMW Z4, but also slick cornering and effortless low-speed manoeuvring. The car’s impressively sporty handling characteristics are further aided by a powerful lightweight braking system and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, whose wealth of features includes the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Start-Off Assistant. The Performance Control function also included as standard gives the all-new BMW Z4 even nimbler handling by varying the distribution of drive torque to the rear wheels according to the situation at hand.

M Sport differential, Adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes and high-performance tyres for maximum dynamism.

The Adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes and M Sport differential (all part of standard specification for the all-new BMW Z4 M40i, together with high-performance tyres) elevate the car’s sporty handling abilities to even greater heights. With these chassis systems on board, the differences in the car’s responses when moving between the COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes with the Driving Experience Control switch are particularly noticeable. As well as lowering the car’s ride height by ten millimetres, the Adaptive M Sport suspension also adds electronically controlled dampers, whose operating characteristics can assume a more comfortable or more dynamic bias depending on the mode selected with the Driving Experience Control switch. The electronically controlled M Sport rear differential gives the handling of the all-new BMW Z4 an even sharper sporting edge. An electric motor generates a locking effect that limits speed equalisation between the inside and outside rear wheel when cornering, making it possible to power out of bends with remarkable dynamic verve. The active differential lock also gives the car greater assurance when darting through corners, and aids ride comfort and traction, too. The variable distribution of drive torque between the left and right-hand rear wheels nips any understeer or oversteer in the bud without the need to brake.

The standard 18-inch (BMW Z4 sDrive20i) or 19-inch (BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 M40i) light-alloy wheels are all shod with mixed-size tyres. The wider rear tyres’ increased potential for directional control was factored into the chassis tuning for all variants of the Z4.

Equipment and driver assistance systems: innovations to enhance driving pleasure, comfort and safety.

The all-new BMW Z4 isn’t just about classical roadster proportions, punchy design and pure driving pleasure – it is also awash with top-class, state-of-the-art equipment features. Besides treating the driver and passenger to an exhilarating driving experience, the two-seater also pampers them with the latest comfort features. The options list contains all sorts of different ways to customise the all-new BMW Z4 so that it reflects the owner’s personal style.

The array of cutting-edge driver assistance systems available for the Z4 is unrivalled in this segment. They are designed to optimise specific aspects of comfort and safety and relieve the strain on the driver, particularly on long-distance journeys and in city traffic. The all-new BMW Z4 is also the first roadster to be made available with the BMW Head-Up Display (standard on the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 M40i).

Safety can be given a further boost by opting for the Adaptive LED headlights, whose pioneering matrix technology for the high beam allows range to be increased while preventing other road users from being dazzled. Here, high beam is divided into four LED segments, which can be activated and deactivated independently of one another as the traffic situation demands, and when travelling at speeds above 70 km/h. The instant the front-mounted camera on the new BMW Z4 detects an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle in front, low beam only will be used to illuminate the area around the vehicle. The other features of the Adaptive LED headlights include the adaptive and cornering light functions, which use an additional LED module. Finally, the low-beam range is increased in motorway driving to optimise illumination of the road ahead.

A personal sense of well-being: two-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, Harman Kardon surround sound system. 

The driver-focused cockpit design and clearly structured arrangement of the controls help drivers of the all-new BMW Z4 to concentrate on the main job at hand. The Start/Stop button for switching the engine on and off has been incorporated into the control panel on the centre console, whose harmoniously styled surface is also home to the shift lever or gear selector, the iDrive Controller, the Driving Experience Control switch, as well as the button for the Electric Parking Brake and the switch for the electrically operated soft-top roof. There is a further panel of buttons in the centre of the instrument panel for controlling the air conditioning system. The standard two-zone automatic climate control with extended content allows the temperature and ventilation settings to be adjusted separately for the driver and passenger side. Automatically dimming and folding exterior mirrors are also available, as is Comfort Access (standard on all variants). With this feature fitted, the soft-top can be operated using the car key.

The standard ambient lighting brings a particularly atmospheric mood to the cabin. LED fibre-optic guides light up the instrument panel’s accent strips on either side of the steering wheel and provide indirect illumination of the centre console’s edging, accentuating the areas of the cockpit of most importance for focused driving. The colour and brightness of the lighting effect are adjusted in the iDrive menu. The standard hi-fi speaker system comes with a total of 10 speakers and output of 205 watts. For an even more impressive aural experience, there is the Harman Kardon surround sound system complete with digital amplifier, 12 speakers and 408-watt total output (standard on the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 M40i).

Model-specific seats, large cupholders and over 50 per cent more boot capacity. 

The all-new BMW Z4 comes as standard with M sports seats including integral head restraints. The seat rails have been extended in length by 23 millimetres over those in the predecessor model, allowing the seats to be adjusted to the ideal fore/aft position. Electric seat adjustment with memory function is standard for both seats, allowing their fore/aft position, height and tilt as well as the backrest angle to be altered and stored using a control pad on the outer edge of the seat cushion. The M sports seats include electro-pneumatic backrest width adjustment to optimise lateral support through high-speed corners.

The practicality of the all-new BMW Z4 has been increased by features such as a storage space behind the seats with a retaining net, large cupholders under the centre armrest cover (which folds open in two sections with a longitudinal split) and roomy door pockets. The boot capacity is 281 litres (with the soft-top open or closed), an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to the previous Z4. The standard through-loading system extends the possibilities for handling various transportation tasks during everyday use and when going away on trips.

Innovative systems to help drivers stay in lane, park and reverse. 

The highly advanced nature of the all-new BMW Z4 is further underlined by the class-leading variety of driver assistance systems on offer. The features include, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and front collision warning with brake intervention, Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Prevention and Speed Limit Info.

Elsewhere, the BMW Head-Up Display (standard on the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 M40i), which projects driving-related information onto the windscreen and therefore straight into the driver’s field of view, is available for a roadster for the first time. The only system of its kind in this segment, it shows the driver the car’s speed in figures, along with status indicators from the driver assistance systems, route guidance instructions and lane recommendations from the navigation system, Check Control messages, and in-car entertainment details, such as the radio station or track title. Full-colour graphics are used to convey the relevant information.

Active Park Distance Control and the rear view camera come to the driver’s aid when manoeuvring or parking. These two systems both form part of the standard Parking Assistant, which takes care of steering, accelerating, braking and selecting gears during parking manoeuvres. The assistant can be used for reverse parking in either parallel or perpendicular spaces, as well as for manoeuvring out of a parallel parking space at the side of the road. The range of functions also includes the Reversing Assistant, which offers the highly convenient option of automated reversing in situations where there is little margin for error or the driver does not have a clear view. To do this, the system stores the steering movements for the section of road the car has just driven forward along. It then traces these last forward movements when reversing and keeps the car on exactly the same path for a distance of up to 50 metres. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals and keep an eye on the area around the car.

Display and operating system, BMW Connected and ConnectedDrive.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional offered for the all-new BMW Z4 brings a new display & operating system and the ultimate in connectivity together into a superb all-round package. Its ensemble of fully digital displays consists of a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and the Control Display in the centre console, each of which has a screen diagonal of 10.25 inches. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional also features an adaptive navigation system, a hard-drive-based multimedia system, two USB ports and a Bluetooth interface.

The inclusion of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional means that the car benefits from the most recent incarnation of the display & operating system, powered by the brand new BMW Operating System 7.0. Its displays are fully digital and geared even more closely to the driver’s personal needs so as to optimise attention levels. Clear presentation and structuring are designed to always provide drivers with the right information at the right time, further helped by customisable and personalised displays. The redesigned information display in the middle of the instrument cluster now leaves enough room for an excerpt from the navigation map, for instance. The main menu of the Control Display allows the driver to configure up to ten pages, each showing two to four pads (tiles) with live content. Both the content and the visuals are personalised to an even greater degree, as illustrated by vehicle graphics that match the actual model colour and equipment line. The intuitive multimodal interaction between driver and vehicle has been further improved. The Control Display graphics adapt depending on the operating method, and the voice control system based on natural language understanding also reaches new heights. Depending on the situation, the driver can choose from the familiar iDrive Controller, the controls on the steering wheel, touch control using the Control Display or voice control.

Always up to date thanks to Remote Software Upgrade.

The Remote Software Upgrade feature keeps the all-new BMW Z4 up to date with the latest software. All updates can be imported over the air, either via the BMW Connected app on a smartphone or directly into the car using its built-in SIM card. Installation is every bit as simple as a smartphone update. The contents of the upgrades vary, from security and quality enhancements to new software services and improved vehicle functions. Customers can also select or deselect functions that have been added at a later date. This maximises flexibility while also saving customers a great deal of time, as they no longer need to pay a visit to the BMW Service Partner for updates.

BMW Digital Key: turning a smartphone into a car key.

The BMW Digital Key employs Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to allow the all-new BMW Z4 to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone, dispensing with the need for a conventional car key. The smartphone simply has to be held up to the door handle to open the vehicle and, once inside, the engine can be started as soon as it has been placed in the Wireless Charging or smartphone tray. Accessible via the BMW Connected app, the Digital Key offers unrivalled flexibility, as the driver can share it with up to five other people. The BMW Digital Key is available for selected NFC-capable Samsung smartphones. For customers with non-compatible smartphones, a high-quality BMW Key Card is provided.

The all-new BMW Z4 is now available for viewing at the Performance Motors Limited and Performance Munich Autos showrooms.

Additional information enclosed:

• The all-new BMW Z4 prices.
• The all-new BMW Z4 specifications.

-End-

1. The all-new BMW Z4 prices.

2. The all-new BMW Z4 specifications.

BMW Z4 sDrive20i
Four-cylinder petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing
Capacity: 1,998 cc.
Output: 197 hp at 4,500 – 6,500 rpm.
Torque: 320 Nm at 1,450 – 4,200 rpm.
Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h): 6.6 seconds.
Top speed: 240 km/h.
Combined fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km.

BMW Z4 sDrive30i
Four-cylinder petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing
Capacity: 1,998 cc.
Output: 258 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm.
Torque: 400 Nm at 1,550 – 4,400 rpm.
Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h): 5.4 seconds.
Top speed: 250 km/h.
Combined fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km.

BMW Z4 M40i
Six-cylinder petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing
Capacity: 2,998 cc.
Output: 340 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm.
Torque: 500 Nm at 1,600 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h): 4.5 seconds.
Top speed: 250 km/h.
Combined fuel consumption: 7.4 l/100 km.