BMW Z4 sDrive35is
The hottest Z4 of the current generation arrives in the UK. And Auto Express has driven it.
The top-spec Z4 is not without its charms. Lowering the chassis by 10mm really benefits the looks, while the engine and gearbox are a great combination. However, the poor ride and lack of body control when you’re driving the car in a committed fashion negate the benefits of the excellent powertrain. While the range-topper will no doubt appeal to some, we’d recommend going for the entry-level car with the optional M body kit. That means you get the looks of the 35is, but an engine and transmission that are better matched to the chassis’ particular characteristics.
Bad news for BMW fans: there will definitely not be an M version of the current Z4. So for drivers seeking the ultimate in drop-top thrills, this new range-topping 35is version will be the hottest car we get in the UK. It’s based on the 35i, and its smooth straight-six turbo engine is carried over unchanged.
However, the new car gets a sports exhaust which boosts power to 335bhp and is 10 decibels louder than previously. What’s more the noise is much better to hear, the raspy thrum is reminiscent of a old Jaguar MkII, and there are pops and bangs as you change gear.
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To set the car apart from the rest of the range, the 35is gets special badging, bespoke 18-inch wheels and an aggressive M Sport bodykit. Thanks to the fact that the top-spec car rides 10mm lower than the rest of the range, the wheels seem to fill the arches better, giving the car a little extra visual drama.
On the inside, supportive sports seats, aluminium and carbon trim and a multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles for the standard-fit seven-speed DCT gearbox complete the makeover.
The ’box is just part of an extensive list of standard kit that includes an MP3-compatible stereo, leather seats and Drive Dynamic Control, which lets you adjust the set-up of the car’s throttle, steering, gearshift and dampers by switching between its three modes; Normal, Sport and Sport+.
You sit low and a long way back in the Z4, looking down the car’s long bonnet. With the top up, all round visibility is good, though obviously improved by folding the aluminium roof into the boot. The process is very slick, and takes only 20 seconds to switch from coupe to roadster.
The DCT gearbox isn’t at its best at low speeds, when manoeuvring around a car park for example. However, once up and running, it swaps between its seven ratios very smoothly. The engine is brilliant, as well as making a characterful noise, it offers loads of turbocharged torque from low revs, something that was missing in the old Z4 M.
But while the drivetrain shines, and sets incredibly high expectations, the car’s chassis is a little disappointing. The ride is very harsh on UK roads, no matter which of the three Dynamic Control modes you select. It was made even worse by the optional 19-inch M Sport wheels fitted to our test car. But while the ride is hard, the car’s body control is too soft, particularly at the rear, where the suspension squats down too much under acceleration or over bumps.
Just like the rest of the Z4 range, it’s best to wind back the revs and just enjoy cruising along with the wind in your hair.
