2011 BMW Z4

There's an iDrive controller and an electric parking brake in the center console; the navigation screen, when so equipped, pops up from the top center of the dash. You can have the 2011 BMW Z4 in two different power trains, primarily: The BMW Z4 sDrive30i sports a 255-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-six; a 300-horsepower, twin-turbo version of that engine comes in the sDrive35i. In short, the sDrive30i drives more like a classic roadster, while the sDrive35i is faster but is best enjoyed in a different way. The dual-clutch gearbox lets drivers choose gears and then reverts to an automatic shift mode, or it can be locked in Manual mode for all-paddle control.

Three modes-Normal, Sport, and Sport+-are programmed into the car's electronic controls for steering feel, automatic-transmission shift speed, and stability control response. In cars equipped with the optional Adaptive M Suspension with Electronic Damping Control (part of the Sport Package), it also controls the suspension damping. A cold-weather package adds seatback netting, luggage straps, and a storage box at the bulkhead. Bluetooth, for instance—standard on many inexpensive cars—is only offered as part of a $3,900 BMW Assist package. The available premium sound system gets 14 speakers and 650 watts, and the base system has ten speakers and subwoofers, though our editors aren't very impressed with its top-down sound.

For 2011, the BMW Z4 gets a range-topping, higher-performance model known as the sDrive35is. Many of that trim's enhanced handling features are available on the lower trims in a new M Sport package.

Trust us; it's a lot cooler than its clunky name sounds, boasting 35 additional horsepower from the 35i's twin-turbo inline-6, enhanced steering and an M Sport package that adds adaptive suspension dampers, 18-inch wheels, an aerodynamic exterior kit and sport seats.

The 2011 BMW Z4 is a two-seat retractable-hardtop luxury roadster available in three trim levels that correspond with engine choice: sDrive30i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is.
Standard equipment on the sDrive30i includes 17-inch wheels, adjustable sport driving settings (steering, throttle and automatic transmission if applicable), automatic adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, a fully powered retractable hardtop, cruise control, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, six-way manually adjustable seats and a sound system that includes a single-CD player, auxiliary audio jack and HD radio. This package includes 18-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, an aerodynamic body kit, increased top speed, a thicker M steering wheel and 10-way manually adjustable sport seats with power bolster adjustment.

The Cold Weather package adds to all models heated seats, a heated steering wheel, retractable headlight washers and a trunk pass-through. The Premium package adds auto-dimming mirrors, power-adjustable seats, BMW Assist telemetric, Bluetooth and on the 30i, leather upholstery and automatic climate control. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a traditional six-speed automatic is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy with both transmissions is 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a dual-clutch seven-speed automated manual is optional. The dual-clutch automated manual is standard. BMW estimates a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 17/24/19.

Side impact airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist and stability control are all standard on the 2011 BMW Z4. BMW Assist emergency telemetric is optional.
Even the base 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an entertaining drive thanks to its willing and exceptionally smooth 255-hp inline-6.

The top-of-the-line sDrive35is exterior is distinguished from other Z4s by its more aggressive front bumper styling, which calls to mind the high-performance M3, and a restyled rear bumper.
The sDrive35is' natural rotation and overall balance make it a fun track car. The sDrive35is is one of the few production cars I've driven there that managed to hold its own. The low-slung Z4 sDrive35is proved to be a cornering champ, exhibiting little body roll and plenty of grips. The engine sounds great, too.

With its 2009 redesign, the BMW Z4 went from soft-top roadster and hardtop coupe body styles to a retractable-hardtop roadster, which theoretically offers the best of both worlds. Cruising on the highway with the top down, road noise is replaced by wind noise and general wind buffeting.

What's a little unusual is that the sDrive35is doesn't come with standard power seats (they're optional), which many potential customers will likely expect considering the car's starting price — regardless of any weight savings the manual seats may offer.
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags, an electronic stability system and roll bars behind each of the seats.