2016 BMW Z4 Roadster

Fun in the Sun

For car lovers like us, there’s nothing quite like driving down the freeway with the top down and the wind blowing your hair. While some will agree and others may not, those of you in the first group will find a lot to love about the 2016 BMW Z4 Roadster.

The Z4 Roadster is a unique specimen that’s designed to make every single drive an indulgence. Its combination of stunning hardtop and elongated hood are a callback to days where all that mattered was the open road; only, BMW has infused the Z4’s dynamic personality with luxurious accommodations, resulting in a car that is as fun to drive as it is to be in.

Performance

When it comes to open-top driving, performance determines whether or not that vehicle is a sunny day plaything, or if it will indeed keep your attention when the weather refuses to cooperate.

Top up or down, the Z4 Roadster is equipped to bring a smile to your face. There are three engine options to choose from, beginning with the base Z4 sDrive28i’s 2.0-liter turbocharged mill. This particular powertrain serves up 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Drivers can select between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic at no extra cost. Rear-wheel drive is standard.

Next up is the sDrive35i. It packs a larger 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder under the hood that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with a seven-speed automatic manual transmission known as DCT.

Finally, the sDrive35is packs the most powerful engine of the lineup. Similar to the sDrive35i engine, the sDrive35is gets a more powerful version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder good for 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The DCT is the only available transmission.

Regardless of engine choice, though, the Z4 Roadster delivers strong acceleration and an appealing exhaust note. For driving purists, we strongly recommend the six-speed manual; those looking for a more practical solution, especially if you intend for it to function as a daily driver, will be more than pleased with the smooth-shifting DCT.

The very nature of an open-top roadster is that of a car meant to be driven, which is where the Z4 truly shines. It encourages drivers to have fun, thanks to handling that is crisp and responsive, and a suspension that delivers a very confident ride quality.

Steering feedback is another area where the Z4 makes a name for itself. Whether you’re tackling sharp corners or simply switching lanes, the Z4 communicates every move with poise and precision.

One area roadsters typically overlook is fuel economy, choosing instead to focus on driving dynamics while paying little regard for any potential pain at the pump. Thankfully, the Z4 Roadster provides the best of both worlds, earning an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (22 city/34 highway) when equipped with the base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and manual transmission.*

Features

The 2016 BMW Z4 Roadster is a two-seat convertible that is available in three versions that correspond to engine size. Starting MSRP is $49,700. **

Standard exterior features found on the sDrive28i include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic and adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, and power-folding heated mirrors. Standard interior highlights include keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, “SensaTec” premium vinyl upholstery, and eight-way power sport seats.

The sDrive28i also comes with a robust list of technology features designed to make your drive more enjoyable, such as Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity, iDrive electronics interface, and a sound system that includes a CD player, HD Radio®, and USB port. Also standard is the BMW Assist™ eCall system, which includes emergency assistance button and automatic crash notification. This system can be upgraded to include BMW Assist™ Remote Services with features like stolen vehicle recovery and remote door unlock.

The sDrive35i sports all the features found in the sDrive28i (where applicable) and adds a more powerful engine, along with 18-inch wheels and sun-reflective leather upholstery.

The sDrive35is adds an even more powerful engine and unique styling cues, as well as special 18-inch wheels, a sport suspension with adaptive dampers, and upgraded interior trim and sport steering wheel. An upgraded audio system is also included.

There are a number of packages to help tailor your Z4 Roadster to your liking. These include a Cold Weather Package, an M Sport package, and a Technology package, to name a few. Stand-alone options include different wheels, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and more.

Design

The 2016 BMW Z4 Roadster sports a handsome design, and it’s among the few roadsters that look as good with the top up as they do with it down.

The Z4’s hardtop can open or close in 19 seconds, even at speeds up to 25 mph. Its long hood adds to its striking design, as do its muscular fenders and LED running lights.

A low stance and seating position just ahead of the rear axle not only help the Z4 Roadster look the part, but they help further highlight the Z4 Roadster’s authentic performance and character.

Take a seat inside and it’s made immediately clear that the Z4 Roadster was designed to be driven. The circular instrument cluster shows its classic BMW lineage, while intuitive placement of every single control makes for a tight cockpit experience that’s in complete service to the thrill of the drive.

Space is often at a premium in two-seat roadsters, but you’ll be surprised by how much room there is. Legroom is plentiful, even for tall drivers, and there’s enough room for elbows and shoulders as well.

As you’d expect, material quality is exceptionally high, communicating luxury that’s unmistakably unique. There’s even a handy storage compartment behind the seats that is big enough for a purse or small bag, as well as a pass-through to the trunk that allows larger items like a golf bag.

Safety

Just because the 2016 BMW Z4 Roadster is all about fun doesn’t mean it neglects the importance of safety. Every BMW Z4 Roadster comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, and side airbags. The antilock brakes integrate several features designed to improve braking performance -- one periodically wipes the brake rotors dry when the windshield wipers are in use, while another snugs the brake pads against the rotors if the driver abruptly lifts off the throttle.

Verdict

The 2016 Z4 is the only roadster that performs like a BMW. Its combination of powerful engines and signature BMW handling make it the ultimate accessory for summer and beyond.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit BMW of Silver Spring at 3211 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

* EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions. Use for comparison purposes only.

** MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.

Image Credit: BMW