The aluminum-spoke steering wheel is nice, an appropriate size for spirited cornering, and has buttons for the sound system and cruise control. The optional on-board computer provides information through a digital readout, your choice among temperature, fuel mileage, average speed since the last setting, or miles to empty. The latter is the only one that means much.
Unfortunately, BMW has skimped on storage space for small items. There's a decent-sized compartment between the seatbacks, but it's hard to safely access while driving because you need to either swivel in your seat or be double-jointed. BMW provides small door pockets and an ashtray-sized cubby in front of the shifter. For those who want more storage possibilities, four tight nets for maps and papers come with the Premium package.
The Z4 coupe's body styling is more than just attractive. Its hatchback design allows for 12.0 cubic feet of cargo volume, a little less than an average midsize sedan. So, yes, you can load the clubs in back and drive out to the golf course, looking for twisty roads along the way. Unfortunately, you lose almost 2 cubic feet when you deploy the security cover. And there is one other drawback to the coupe body: The rear roof pillars create a large blind spot to the right rear. But then the blind spot is bigger in the roadster when the top is up.
Coupes offer a relatively quiet cabin. The engines are subdued at normal driving speeds, and only the M's high-performance unit gets very loud under heavy acceleration. Wind noise is well checked, but road noise is noticeable.
In the roadster, wind-buffeting with the top down isn't a problem, even at high speeds. With the top up, the Z4 is quiet for a sports car. With it down, of course, you are susceptible to the sounds of your surroundings. Next Page