The
2011 BMW Z4 is an attractive luxury convertible with an angular body and sleek curves that boasts an impressively smooth ride. The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6, while the sDrive35i has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, and the sDrive35is is equipped with a revised version of the 35i's twin-turbo engine. Three transmissions are offered: a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual.
The BMW Z4 boasts a gorgeous contrast between wood/leather and trim/plastic, including Kansas walnut-leather options. Fuel economy of 18 mpg city / 28 mpg highway is not bad for this class of car, and the great safety features complement the quality of the rest of this convertible.
New for 2011
For 2011, BMW added the Z4 sDrive35is to its offerings. The sDrive35is has the same 3.0-liter turbo I-6 found in other BMWs, but this one boosts the horsepower from 300 to 335 and the torque from 300 to 332 pound-feet. Plus, an electronically-controlled over boost increases torque under a full load by another 37 pound-feet.
Essentials
Engines: 3.0L I-6, 3.0L turbocharged I-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual
Body Style: Convertible
Trims: sDrive30i Convertible, sDrive35i Convertible, sDrive35is Convertible
On the Outside
The BMW Z4 sDrive35is is available with a choice of six colors, including Alpine White, Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Space Grey, and Deep Sea Blue, and Melbourne Red metallic.
From the Inside
The BMW Z4 sport upgrades include a new thick-rimmed M leather steering wheel, an M driver's footrest, sport seats, grey-faced instrument dials, Anthracite-colored roof lining, M door sill strips, and M interior trim in Aluminum Carbon.
Driving Performance
Among the BMW Z4 sDrive35is M Sport upgrades are adaptive M Suspension, which combines a ride-height reduction of 10 millimeters of almost 0.4-inch with electronically controlled shock absorbers to provide a comfortable ride while increasing the car's maneuverability.
Safety Equipment
Among the BMW Z4 standard safety features are four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side seat mounted airbags, driver and passenger side airbag head extension, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, traction control, and a DSC stability control.
Gas Mileage
30i:18 mpg city/28 mpg highway
35i: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway
35is: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Plusses
- Gorgeous body
- Powerful engines
- Energetic chassis
Minuses
- Lack of cargo space
- High price tag
Rating
Great drive and stunning looks
People Who Like the 2011 BMW Z4 Also Like
- Nissan 370Z
- Audi TTS
- Porsche Boxster
- Mercedes-Benz SLK Class