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Breaking away from her ancestor’s awkward button-fest center console, BMW designers have finally scattered the controls throughout the cabin. The Z4’s windows switches are located conveniently on the door paneling, while other controls such as the hazard and central locking are located just below the automatic shifter. Meanwhile, soft top operation and traction system controls are located above it. The automatic climate control system makes use of easy-to-master rotary dials—something lifted from the flagship 7-series super sedan. Occupants sit low inside her excellently finished cabin. The standard leather seats gives the impression that she likes to hug, but thanks to generous elbow and knee room, it doesn’t feel even a bit claustrophobic inside. The three-spoke steering wheel, adjustable for both reach and height, is downright attractive and friendly with just the right rim thickness. Ergonomics is spot-on sporty thanks to highly flexible seating adjustments and a closely positioned shifter and handbrake. She’s more than prepared for a short, unexpected drizzle, thanks to a soft canvas top that has been redesigned to work faster—taking only six seconds to open and close. Those keen to closely inspect her mechanism would note that the Z4 features a ‘Z-configuration’ roof. The big advantage of this design is that it takes up very little space, and the front section of the roof can be placed like a cover on top of the fabric, closing flush with the body of the car, removing the need for a separate tonneau cover or lid. Weekend getaways are no problems for her with a wider, deeper trunk with improved openings and reach-in depth. However, golf bags may still have to be sent separately. Riding on a heavily modified E46 platform (the current 3-series), the Z4 addresses all the complaints thrown at her next older sister, the Z3. The younger sibling benefits from MacPherson Struts with forged aluminum control arms at front and independent multi-link with upper and lower lateral links and a curved longitudinal arm at the back. Aside from what’s underneath, more visible improvements include a 48 mm longer wheelbase and a wider track (61 mm at the front, 30 mm at the rear). Despite being two and a half times torsionally stiffer and more rigid than the Z3, she weighs just a fraction more, thanks to the use of high-strength steel throughout as well as an aluminum bonnet. In no time at all, we discovered that she’s a beauty to drive, as well. At her heart is the M54-series, 3.0-liter double overhead cam 24-valve inline-6. Listening to her breathe is an aural feast in itself; the burble is the best this side of an M3. All 231 horses and 300 Nm of torque seems to be standing at attention, ready and waiting for someone to press down the right pedal. Mash on the throttle and she pushes back, entering warp speed in absolutely no time. |
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