BMW Z4 2019 - Is it the open-top sports car you can use every day?
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- Опубликовано: 11 июн 2019
- BMW knows a thing or two about roadsters and this third generation Z4 is one of its best. It may not be the sharpest car in its class to drive but on the right day, in the right mood on the right road, you may not care. The engines are efficient and willing, the looks are stunning and the feeling you get behind the wheel still makes you feel twenty years younger. This, it seems, is a Z that might be very hard to catch.
Background
It took BMW some time to discover a profitable sweet spot in the roadster segment but the Munich maker got there in the end. Having first brought us an exclusive low volume model in this sector (the Z1 of 1989), the brand finally launched an affordable volume contender (the 'E36'-series Z3 of 1995). That sold well enough to be replaced by the slightly larger and more mature first generation 'E85'-series Z4 in 2002. Which itself was replaced by a second generation metal folding-roof 'E89'-series Z4 design in 2009.
With the history lesson completed, let's acquaint you with what we're looking at here, a MK3 'G29'-series Z4 model launched in late 2018 after development shared with the new-era Toyota Supra. It claims to be something its direct predecessor really wasn't - a really serious driver's car. A really serious Porsche 718 Boxster rival. A really serious roadster? Let's find out.
Driving Experience
Sporting BMWs may have been inseparably associated with six cylinder engines down the years but the key powerplants on offer in this 'G29'-series Z4 line-up squirt fuel into the quartet of cylinders boasted by a TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre unit that's offered in two states of tune. The 197hp sDrive 20i and 258bhp sDrive 30i variants are more powerful than the models they most directly replace; even the sDrive 20i can make 62mph from rest in just 6.6s on the way to 149mph. At the top of the range, you can have a traditional BMW straight-six unit, courtesy of the 340hp unit fitted to the flagship M40i derivative, which sprints to 62mph in 4.6s and has to be artificially restrained at 155mph.
You can talk to your dealer about a manual version of the base sDrive 20i, but otherwise, all variants come fitted with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport auto gearbox with gearshift paddles. You're probably going to want to pay extra for adaptive damping - only the M40i gets it as standard, along with uprated brakes and an electronically controlled differential lock. The way the suspension interacts with the steering, the throttle and the differential is key to the way this car responds dynamically, so proactive use of the provided drive modes is crucial if you're pressing on.
Design and Build
Perhaps the biggest news from a design point of view is the decision to replace the previous model's metal folding roof with a fabric top. the change really was a no-brainer. The new soft roof operates in around ten seconds, about twice as quick as the previous tin top. Plus it lets in less noise on the move and slightly lowers the centre of gravity. More practically, it allows for the same amount of luggage space whether the roof is up or down (265-litres) instead of the previous car's 310-litre roof-up / 180-litre roof-down unhappy compromise. In proper roadster style, there are no rear seats.
At the wheel, it's nicer than a 718 Boxster, which is presumably what Renault was aiming at. The level of fit and finish are almost faultless and there's a lot more interior space and storage than you'd expect to find in a roadster. There's also plenty of evidence that the Z4 has entered the digital age. You get the same fully digital instrument cluster that's found on the brand's latest 3 Series and 8 Series models. And a huge 10.25-inch centre-dash iDrive infotainment screen. This features an adaptive navigation system, a hard-drive-based multimedia system, two USB ports, plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi interfaces.
Market and Model
List prices suggest that, allowing for a few well-chosen extras, you'll probably be paying somewhere in the £37,000 to £50,000 bracket for your Z4. Almost all BMW's business here is done with the four cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine that powers the sDrive20i and 30i variants, leading to an average Z4 purchase price in the £40,000 to £45,000 bracket. There's an £8,500 step up from the sDrive 30i to the M40i, so you've really got to want that flagship model's six cylinder engine.
The list of options includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, plus there are various Driving Assistant systems, as well as a BMW's 'Parking Assistant' package, including a 'Reversing Assistant' feature that can reverse the car back automatically along the path just taken. This Z4 is also the first roadster to be made available (as an option) with a Head-Up Display. Safety can be given a further boost by opting for the Adaptive LED headlights.
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Would you consider a BMW Z4?
Only the base model, because of the manual option. I can never understand why anybody would buy a car like this with an automatic gear box. Where's the fun in that ?
@Pod feel free to contact our vehicle expert team here at OSV for more information www.google.com/search?q=osv+contact+us&rlz=1C1GCEA_enGB806GB806&oq=osv+contact+us&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60j69i64.10128j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Excellent comprehensive non-hyped review. Thanks
Just ordered mine.
Yes. A stunning car.
this guy has produced a class leading review. in reality it`s probably the best review i have had the pleasure to watch. fella, you have obviously put a lot of time and effort in to producing this and it is greatly appreciated. bmw should be giving you a freebie.
We appreciate the great feedback! Make sure to subscribe for more in-depth vehicle reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT
Best car review I've ever seen .
Just bought a z4 M and this told me everything
Great to hear we could help Richard 👍
I do like how you're driving a sports car and every single car, van and truck catches you up in every shot.
I was to say ow floored I am by the completeness of this review, thanks very much! My Z4 arrives in late June.
That's great news, Peter 👍 Enjoy your new car! What made you choose the Z4 over other models?
Quality review from a very knowledgeable chap. You always get the sense that Alan Partridge is lurking just below the surface but this only enhances the review for me.
Excellent review as always - you are the only channel that does a realistic review true to the design and purpose of a car. Truly the authority on car reviews!
Thanks so much for the great feedback Johannes 👍
Weirdly, this car looks much prettier in standard Sport trim. M Sport looks too fussy and overstyled in comparison!
Totally agree.
Very very good review. Very complete. Thanks.
How has this not had more views?! Amazing review video!
Thank you for watching!
Top notch comprehensive review as always! Thank you.
Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe for more in-depth vehicle reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT
Fantastic in depth review! Keep up the great work lad!
We certainly will, Stephen! Many thanks for watching 👍
Really a great comprehensive review!!! 👏🏼
Owned a z4 m40i for 8 months now with a few upgrades and it’s unbelievable cannot fault it
Best review I've seen on the G29 Z4 for the UK market
Many thanks for watching 👍 For the latest in-depth car reviews, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT
This is such a comprehensive review. Thanks very much.
Hi Andrew, glad you enjoyed the review. Make sure to subscribe for more car reviews in the future!
So detailed with information that I will be submitting this as my PhD application.
Many thanks, Mark 👍
Best review of any car on RUclips
Thank you for watching, Rae. We love reading comments like this 👍
Thank you for putting this together. I have a Z4 on order and quite look forward to flogging the heck out of it.
Fantastic to hear L.E! We hope you enjoy your new BMW Z4 👍 If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT
Great deep dive. Makes my hunt so much more efficient.
Thanks JF 👍 thats what were here for
Amazing review. Thank You!!!
Thank you for watching, Brian! Make sure to subscribe for the latest vehicle reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT
So deep and professional! I think this video is better than most of the RUclipsrs
the E89 is still one of the most beautiful BMWs ever made. It is imo way more awesome compared to the current G29...
Got my E89 2 weeks ago and loving it with each passing day …
I’ve owned both E89 and G29..Believe me, the G29 is a different beast altogether..
far superior in every way. 😊
I had an E89, agreed a brilliant looking car but you can't compare it to the G29 (which I currently own) far superior in lots of areas
Excellent review !!
Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to keep up to date with our newest reviews! bit.ly/319ZKoT
Great review!!
Thanks Michael, glad you enjoyed it!
The E89 was quoted as 50/50 weight distribution, but was that with the roof up or down?
Main problem with the E89 is the wooden feel to the steering. Never feels like it's on autopilot and unstable on rough country roads..
Terrific video, incredibly informative. I particularly liked the way you explained the differences with the so called rival cars. The Z4 is a different proposition to the Boxster. I’m sure the Boxster is the better handling car but 99% of the driving I do would not allow me to benefit from that. Currently have an M240i as our family car (it works way better than you’d think !) but seriously tempted to replace it next year with a Z4. Haven’t mention it to the kids yet...😉. Thanks again for a really great in depth video.
Our pleasure Alasdair, glad you enjoyed watching it!
Actually new BMW Z4..........is close to boxer in handling..........not better definitely .............but very comfortable
naughtyUphillboy i have the Z4 30i MSport on order with all the options. Arrives October. Looking forward to it 😊
Fine review.
I actually prefer the Sport-line trim vs the M-sport. Less fussy and more aesthetic
This is a much better review than Carwow’s - I don’t understand why it’s only got 1/10 of their views?!
*Thank you for yet another absolutely superb and thoroughly comprehensive vehicle review.* I never cease to be amazed, impressed (and grateful) for the outstanding detail that your very accomplished presenters consistently provide when reviewing vehicles. Whereas so many other “reviewers” simply settle for trashing a brand new set of tires by travelling sideways on a racetrack, you provide all of the pertinent information and relevant comparisons that buyers are REALLY interested in. MANY THANKS! 🙏
Ps. Can you please tell me where this review was filmed? The roads and village(s) through which you drove look absolutely sublime. 😊👍
Thanks, comments like this are great to see. Great to hear you are enjoying our channel. The car reviews are shot around Horsham in Sussex 👍
OSV Ahhh... Horsham. 😊 Thank you. Yes, that figures... Rural English countryside and rustic village charm at its quintessential best, and the perfect setting for relaxed, top down motoring in an accomplished, sporty all-rounder like the Z4. 👍 Thanks again. 🙋🏻♂️
Loved my Z4's was not keen on the newer shape at first, but just ordered a 71 plate 2.0 M sport auto, Not many different cars on the road today as most seem to be Crossovers or SUV
We hope you enjoy your new Z4 👍 What made you choose this model over the competition?
I can’t see any sports car enthusiast opting for the 20, the 40.I is where it’s at.
Top class review
I'm a firm fan of the previous model, the E89 and particularly the 35is and 28i models. I've driven the G29 on several occasions and the more modern tech aside, the G29 feels as big and bulky as it measures and ultimately it's the weird, uninspired design that made me pass on this model. The E89 Z4 was a design classic, in line with classic roadsters and sport coupes, the G29 looks rather forgettable in comparison.
But kudos for a well made test video. Really enjoyed it - if you do reviews of older models, I encourage to test drive the 28i E89.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍 It's interesting to hear your perspective on the BMW Z4. We'll pass this onto the team for review.
Thx for the nice review. Agree on all counts.
I did not like the G29 at all when it came out, but it's growing on me.
I drove the 3.0i and the 4.0i. The 3.0i is of course all you will ever need power wise, and nimbler, but the 4.0i is the brute :)
Currently, I have the previous E89 35is "tin top". Less comfy, smaller and a more tail happy even with ESP on, which I like a lot.
Lovely sound it makes. Rumbles at low RPM. Screams at high RPM. Like the DKG better then the ZF box as well.
I've done 202.000km with it. Hope to do some more.
My Z4 is a muscle car. A GT. A power cruiser. Not a sportscar. Too heavy. Too soft. Any Porsche will burn the Z4. I think the same goes for the G29.
If you accept this, you'll have a very enjoyable roadster.
Both models have this nice long "nose", which I love. The E89 even more so.
I do like the interior of my E89 better as it is Z4 only. The G29 looks more like my 3-series on the inside.
For now it's the E89. But the new G29 is for sure on the short list.
We love the E89! You've got yourself a lovely "little" car! Perhaps we could give you a hand with ordering your new G29!?
Pmsl just say it's brilliant engineering mate ..
the E89 roof was aluminum and weight 13 kilos had rear windows and a much bigger rear window.
The guy's hair doesn't shake. Awesome design. Good air flow protection.
🤣
No z4 (series 3) has a manual gearbox ?
Would look great next to my z3 :)
i think it would look like a modern version of a Z3
Tiene lugar para goma de respuesta?
Now this is a car review
Diferencia motor ( turbo pistones....) entre 20i y 30i o sólo es electrónica
Great review but sadly this car is far too wide to fit through my garage door. Would give my insurance company nightmares left on the drive at night.
OSV reviews are best for those seriously looking into buying a car. No BS and detail enough with no stones unturned!
Thank you for watching, we're glad you find our reviews informative 👍
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Forgot to mention that I really enjoy your guys' pure British accent!
The M sport has a different rear bumper. So this must be the sport.
This is the 'advantage' trim level; being the entry level.
You guys need more exposure. Sadly your superb lack of sensationalism is to your disadvantage here. Cheers.
When will reviewers finally understand that the G29 does not have a cloth soft top - it is a hard shell top covered with a textile fabric to make it look like one.
What? Where can I get more information about this?
This is a very interesting piece of information.
@@tugkansogut1364 Well you could visit your BMW dealer and take a look at it.
@@skyzkid415 Well you could visit your BMW dealer and take a look at it.
@@inspectorchicken already have a misano blue one for a year on 24k KM. Cats love textile fabric hard shell top. Thx god they cant damage it.
I'll take my hard top E89 over the new one every day of the week! I hate the Cloth top!
I had the E89. The metal top pretty much made the trunk unusable even compared to the E85. That actually mattered to me.
I would say the reason BMW went from the hard top to soft top, was cost… you see cost saving in the finish standards of there modern cars every time a new model comes out…
These car pundits with there snobbery about the Z4 metal roof make me laugh , chuck it & it improves weight ratio " BS" what about the wind drag on a rag top compared to smooth polished aluminum roof, I bought my Z4 because of metal roof it's poetry in motion that action Love it
Clarkson is to blame for bad daily drivers. They keep taking these cars around a track and wonder why it can't corner doing 150mph.
This or new MX-5?
This isnt the same price range. Depends of your needs. I think the Z4 IS more a daily car.
Miatas are for girls, and leave you saying where's the BEEF!
would be nice he would learn to laugh once in life
I can't seem to like the style of these new cars. The grille and the headlights don't look like they match. It looks like a worse version of the Pontiac Solstice.
But more awesome! Pontiacs do suck I agree, this roadster is a real head turner and elegant, unlike your wardrobe.
I’m sorry this assessment is so poor and negative. You will notice the true performance of the m40 as a brilliant Roadstar so perhaps try an M40 and review I have an m40 and it’s fantastic
Thanks for your feedback Amir. We pride ourselves on our comprehensive and impartial vehicle assessments.
Nicely modulated presentation - no strong accent, beards or tattoos. Rather traditionally British in fact so hurrah.
a pleasure to see such comments 👍 good day to you sir
But please...get a manual one. Save the manuals!
Does the engine have Toyota genes or BMW genes?
BMW
so it looks like a longer version of a look a like E85 and it will brake automatically for car jackers, plus a soft top so thieves can cut the roof. I think I'll stick with my E89 with aftermarket carplay, BMW should go back to letting women style their cars. wood dashboard and chrome make for a classier car.
Sneering disrespect of Lotus, man you want to take a good look at yourself.
I got half way through this pretentious review before giving up after the umpteenth disparaging asides to previous Z models. These track day critics know nothing about what the ordinary driver is looking for in a sporty daily drive. We are not all trying to set a new record on the Nurdbergering! It's only the fkwits who wrap their cars around a lampost every other month because they think they're 'real' drivers that are bothered about precise handling dynamics and performance stats. The rest of us want to drive from A to B in comfort and style without breaking the speed limit and endangering the lives of the general public by drifting every corner we come across.
Frankly there is no point considering the 30, or even the 20 with "M" package. Given the pricing structure it makes sense only to: either go for the basic 20, or go full-fledged with the 6-cylinder 40. Period.
bro, get your fingers off the windshield
Sorry for the grubby fingerprints, Collin! Hope you enjoyed the review nonetheless 👍😅
Really Ugly front mask.
Looking for a new car at the moment?
Mercedes copy, period
But better. :)
Mercedes copy?? Mercedes doesn’t have a two seat soft top roadster.
Yes the Germans share
No one does roadsters like BMW & Porsche!!!
Unfortunately, a cloth-top roof on an expensive sports car is a magnet to vandals
I’m not sure that cutting into a convertible top is any easier than just breaking a car’s window. If they want in, you’re done either way. 🙄
Who cares about Android?
Millions of people. Strange comment
@@MidLoafCrisis It's a pathetic copycat of iOS, "stolen" according to Steve Jobs. How "strange" is that? I've never used an Android phone that remotely compares with the iPhone, so indeed no loss if it doesn't serve Android. So who cares?!
@@ManlyHK1 I'm not getting pulled into a silly argument with a fanatic. This is a car review video. Let's respectfully agree to disagree
@@MidLoafCrisis Then why are you replying? You call me fanatic and you say that's respect?
First disliker