BMW has made the Z4 a lot more interesting for budget-conscious buyers with a new 159g/km entry-level model, the sDrive18i priced at £27,610.
The new BMW Z4 uses a detuned 156 horsepower version of the 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine already seen in the sDrive20i, and delivers a combined 41.5 mpg. Performance is still pretty good, with a 0-62 mph time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph.
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The introduction of the new engine option comes at the same time as small mid-life update for the Z4 range.
For the most part, BMW is keeping things subtle, with discreet changes to the headlights, which get white LED corona rings and white “eyebrows”, and the side gill features, which get chrome detailing and LED side repeater lights.
Z4 buyers who want to jazz things up a bit can also opt for the Pure Traction Design package. That includes a Valencia Orange paint job with an optional black contrast roof, as well as Sport seats in Alcantara and leather with contrast stitching, an Anthracite headlining and “metal weave” interior trim. Other exterior colours are available to special order. The Pure Traction Design package costs between £550 and £2,240 depending on model.
SE and M Sport derivatives will still be offered when the revised cars come through in March.
Apart from the new sDrive18i option, the other Z4 engine choices have a familiar look. As well as the sDrive20i, there’s the sDrive28i which also uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine, albeit with a twin-scroll turbocharger, and the six-cylinder twin-turbocharged sDrive35i and sDrive35is.
One omission – while the new sDrive18i model broadens the Z4’s appeal, there’s still no diesel option business car comparison to compete with the business-friendly 132g/km 56.5 mpg SLK 250 CDI from BMW’s arch-rival Mercedes.
