BMW details engine selection for new Z4
Rear-driven two-seater is set for full public debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show
BMW has revealed the engine line-up for its new Z4, following the roadster’s unveil at the Pebble Beach Concours last month.
Though the car’s exterior and interior design has been revealed in full, this is the first time that the German manufacturer has released details surrounding the car’s powertrain options.
Sitting at the very top of the range is the M40i, which utilises a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six with 335bhp and 500Nm of torque, and enables the Z4 to hit 60mph in 4.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 155mph. Economy is a claimed 38.7mpg, while emissions stand at 165g/km CO2.
Up next is the Z4 sDrive30i, with the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit here producing 254bhp and 400Nm of torque. Despite the drop in power over the larger engine, the 30i Z4 will still crack 60mph in a claimed 5.2 seconds, and hit the same 155mph top speed. That drop in engine capacity does mean an improvement in economy, however, with BMW claiming 47.1mpg and emissions of 138g/km CO2.
Finally, there’s the Z4 sDrive20i. This uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine as found in the sDrive30i, but detuned – now down to 194bhp and 320Nm of torque. Its 0-60mph time remains respectable – though not exactly pulse-quickening – at 6.4 seconds, while its top speed is lower than its more powerful stablemates at 149mph. There’s no improvement in economy over the sDrive30i, however; BMW claims the same 47.1mpg and 138g/km CO2.
The range-topping M40i benefits from an electronically controlled mechanical limited-slip differential fitted as standard – which is also available as an optional extra on the other two models.
No prices for the Z4 have been released, though deliveries are expected to start in March next year.
