Five Things to Know About the 2019 BMW Z4
BMW’s roadster is back. After pulling the plug on the second-generation Z4 at the end of the 2016 model year, the two-seat sports car is returning to the market entirely redesigned, but with the same basic recipe.
Here are five things to know about the 2019 BMW Z4, which will go on sale in Canada in March starting from $62,450 before freight and delivery charges. It will once again rival the Audi TT, the Mercedes-Benz SLC and the Porsche 718 Boxster.
- Also: 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster: the sDrive30i Version Will Arrive First
- Also: 2019 BMW M850i xDrive: Master of its Art
Only One Trim Level for 2019
The 2019 BMW Z4 will only be available as the sDrive30i. It’s equipped with a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 255 horsepower as well as 295 pound-feet of torque that peaks between 1,550 and 4,400 rpm. The automaker claims the car will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. However, the 2020 Z4 M40i and M40i First Edition, both with a 382-hp, turbo six-cylinder engine will arrive as soon as April.
No Manual Transmission for Now
Every version of the Z4 will be equipped with a rear-wheel drivetrain and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the latter getting a sportier calibration in the 2020 M40i trims. For now, no manual transmission is planned for the roadster, but if an eventual Z4 M variant is introduced—no word yet from BMW about this—we think a manual gearbox could be offered.
A Little Bigger Than Before
Compared to the previous generation, the 2019 BMW Z4 is longer by 85 millimetres and wider by 75 mm, with a roofline raised by 13 mm. Said roof is now made from fabric—unlike the preceding Z4’s power-folding hard top—and can be raised or lowered in as little as ten seconds, even while the car is travelling at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The new Z4’s trunk is rated at 281 litres whether the top is raised or folded down—the old Z4’s boot had a volume that varied from 180 to 310 litres.
Luxury and Technology on Board
As standard, the Z4’s cockpit is dressed in black leatherette upholstery, but a combination of leather and Alcantara with blue stitching is optional, as is a Vernasca Leather Package which four colours choices—Ivory White, Black, Magma Red and Cognac. The Z4 will also feature heated seats and steering wheel as well as BMW’s 7.0 infotainment operating system with iDrive controller and Apple CarPlay integration, while head-up display, an intelligent key, wireless charging and a Harman/Kardon sound system are optional.
A Partnership with Toyota
In order to split development and production costs, BMW and Toyota worked together during the creation of the Z4. The roadster shares its architecture, powertrains and many interior components with the 2020 Toyota GR Supra.