By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
16 October 2006
BMW has completed the release of its Z4 range with the Coupe and the M
Coupe joining the Roadster models. The Z4 Coupe is a sensational looking
car with a neat blend of past and present in its design.
Striking as it is to look at, the BMW Z4
is a driver’s car pure and simple. It’s strictly a two-seater and it’s
the person in the right hand seat that’s going to have just about all
of the fun. BMW Australia made sure that we experienced all that the Z4
Coupe had to offer sending us on a gruelling 600 kilometre drive around
Tasmania including many of the most testing sections that are used in
the island’s famous Targa rally.
Viewed from the outside the Z4 looks tiny
yet such is the clever interior design and ergonomics that even my ample
frame remained comfortable throughout a period of almost eight hours
behind the wheel. Despite its height of just 1268 mm (1283 mm in the M
Coupe) there’s ample headroom thanks to the so-called ‘double bubble’
contoured roof. The M Sport seats are firm and supportive, yet
comfortable.
The Z4 3.0Si is powered by a lightweight
aluminium-magnesium 3.0-litre straight-six engine, while under the
bonnet of the M Coupe is BMW’s renowned 3.2-litre Motorsport engine
that has won its category at the annual International Engine Awards in
Europe for the past six years.
The combination of the M Coupe’s light
weight and this 252 kilowatt, 365 Newton metre engine lets it go from
zero to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds. The 3.0Si generates 195 kW and 315
Nm and is 0.7 of a second slower in reaching the 100 km/h mark.
This sharp acceleration allowed us to
overtake quickly and safely while the Z4’s superb balance and handling
made cornering safe and precise at speeds that couldn’t be
contemplated in many cars.
There’s a real burble from each of the
engines, especially from that of the M Coupe although it does have a
slightly annoying drone when cruising at around 2000 rpm. Perhaps to
remind you that you shouldn’t be cruising!
The BMW Z4 3.0Si comes with the option of
either manual or automatic transmission, both six-speed units.
Surprisingly, BMW Australia expects about 80 per cent of buyers to
choose the self-shifter although it does have a tiptronic manual
override with steering wheel paddles. No such choice with the M Coupe,
it only comes as a six-speed manual.
Adding to the enjoyment of driving the
BMW Z4 hardtop hard is the knowledge that it’s packed with safety
equipment including dual front and side airbags, dynamic traction and
stability control and ABS brakes with cornering brake control.
According to BMW it also has one of the
stiffest body structures of any production car, achieved without adding
the extra weight of additional bracing.
Given the enjoyment that can be gained
from driving these brilliant little cars their prices of $87,900 for the
3.0Si manual ($2600 more for the auto) and $127,200 for the M Coupe isn’t
unreasonable. BMW Australia expects to deliver 100 models during the
remainder of 2006 (45 of the 3.0Si and 55 M Coupes), and approximately
200 in 2007.
