2023 BMW Z4

The Z4 is, in a word, low, both inside and out. 

Aussie designer Calvin Luk’s exterior handiwork bucks tradition – the main character lines rises nose to tail, in opposition to prior generations – and styling is highbrow and arresting, with a broad nose and very squat proportions. The more time I spent with Z4, the more handsome it seemed to become. 

The angular design theme is evident inside, too. You don’t so much climb as fall into the Z4 and the sensation of having your bum so close to Mother Earth is key to that roadster charm. Entry and egress requires effort and it’s a machine to avoid if you have back problems.  

The new styling package brings a new design for the kidney grille with horizontal slats, as well as new side air curtain intakes for the front apron.

The rich purple Thundernight Metallic from the new 2 Series has been added to the Z4’s palette, alongside M Portimao Blue and Skyscraper Grey.

There’s also a new 19-inch M light alloy wheel design, finished in Bicolour Jet Black matte with a ‘diamond polished’ edge.

The optional M Sport Plus package also includes BMW’s M Lights Shadow Line treatment, swapping out the chrome headlight elements with black ones.

The BMW Z4 sDrive20i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 145kW of power and 320Nm of torque, while the M40i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six with 285kW and 500Nm.

Both models are rear-wheel drive and use an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

Inside, the cabin has fully electric M Sport seats with leather trim and heating, 10.25-inch digital instrumentation, a head-up display, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment with inductive phone charging, DAB+ radio, proprietary sat-nav, a 32GB hard drive (for music) and something of a rarity these days: a console rotary controller.

You also get a three-year subscription to BMW Connected Package Professional that includes real-time traffic info and wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as ConnectedDrive Services that include feel-good novelties such as real-time news and weather app displays

The infotainment system is powerful, razor sharp and chock-full of features, though the effort required to uncork BMW’s connected universe might be more than some users – not just owners – might care to invest.

For instance, CarPlay isn’t simply plug – or place, in the case of wireless application here – and play, but demands subscription and dicking about, robbing the format of its usual convenience in simplicity.   

Boot space is modest 281 litres though, dimensionally, it’s roomy enough to fit a fairly large suitcase or most ‘weekend away’ gear you might have within reason. There’s a ski port, too. No spare, however, as you’ll have to make do with the goo.