2019 BMW Z4 Unveiled — Roadster Redefined

The BMW Z4 is also a product of the German brand's new Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform which embodies models such as the 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X4, X5 and the upcoming seventh-generation G20 3 Series. For the same reason, the BMW Z4 is lighter (by almost 60 kilograms) and more dynamic than it was before. Torsional rigidity has also improved.

The open-top sportscar was unveiled in its M40i M Performance First Edition avatar. Once launched, the 2019 BMW Z4 will also be available in sDrive20i and sDrive30i formats.

Starting from the looks, the new BMW Z4 looks a lot sharper than before. As seen in most recent sporty BMW models, the kidney grilles are wide and black. A lot of body formations are happening on the front bumper while the swept-back headlamps reveal a feminine touch.

The side profile shows a good stance in both open-top and soft-top formats. The sportiness is further enhanced by the side vents which channel out air from the front wheel wells. The side vents also initiate the smooth-flowing shoulder line which disappears into the rear ducktail spoiler. The 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels are finished in a gloss black shade contrasting the blue M Performance brake callipers.

At the rear, the sleek LED tail lamps are pushed upwards by the embossing bumper design. The pair of vents helps reduce the drag created in the rear wheel wells while also adding to the aesthetics. The vents also house the reflectors. The diffuser and exhausts tips are finished in black and there is a small reverse light incorporated in between.

Inside, the 2019 BMW Z4 has got all the technology and features of a latest BMW, put together in a modern-looking layout. The TFT instrument console has got a nice UI while the touchscreen iDrive infotainment system is much larger than before. The mix of black and silver is quite balanced.

The seats offer brilliant support and comfort while also being good to look at. Cabin space is better than the old model but it still isn't much, just like any other roadster.

The front-engine rear-wheel-drive BMW Z4 roadster is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine that makes 340bhp and 450Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

On the other hand, the sDrive20i and sDrive30i variants come with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The former makes 152bhp and 250Nm while the latter produces 264bhp and 390Nm.

The BMW Z4 mainly rivals the Porsche 718 Boxster and Mercedes-AMG SLC 43.

Thoughts On The New 2019 BMW Z4

The outgoing BMW Z4 has been losing its ground in the sportscar market at a rapid pace. The new Z4 brings some much-needed updates and additions to the table and is even more fun to drive. While the previous Z4 came in a hardtop format, the 2019 model makes do with a soft top; possibly the better option. There's no word on when it will reach Indian shores but we can expect that to happen sometime around mid-2019. Meanwhile, did you hear that BMW India is launching the new M2 Competition soon?