BMW's Z4 with more

Deb Anderson and Chris Harris

October 30, 2010
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How much? From $129,900 plus on-road and dealer costs.

Vital statistics: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged 6-cyl; 250kW/450Nm (500Nm with overboost); 7-sp dual-clutch auto; 9.0L/100km and 210g/km CO2; RWD

He: The performance of BMW's range-topping Z4 roadster can leave you speechless. Involving to drive and low to the ground, the "35is" sprints to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds — same as the Bavarian brand's M3 coupe.

But it's no successor to the old howling Z4 M cars. Instead, the 35is sits in between by upping the ante over the regular 35i. How did you find it?

She: There's no denying the low-ride Bimmer is a great-looking beast and the seduction continues on the road.

But I found the accelerator too sensitive in Sport mode. Beyond that, it's a relentless engine with seemingly infinite acceleration.

He: That'd be the computer-controlled overboost function, kicking in like a 10-second, 50Nm shot in the arm.

It's seamless but subtle, with no dash-light indicator or night-and-day-type acceleration.

She: This car reminded me why sports cars are said to be a man's reaction to a midlife crisis. Apparently, though, the Z4 was designed by women, inside and out.

I guess that shows just how subjective style and appeal can be.

He: Its visual differences from lesser siblings are subtle. The 35is costs $13,000 more than the regular 35i.

But your money goes skin-deep with boosted turbos, a delicious sports exhaust system and adjustable suspension at the touch of a button.

She: The Z4's exhaust note? No thanks. I grimaced.

He: What? BMW produces the best-sounding inline sixes and the 35is is no exception.

She: The Z4 has a firm ride; it's fantastic. In cruising mode, handling feels agile.

I mostly left the dual-clutch gearbox in full automatic mode: it works so effortlessly and felt much smoother than Volkswagen's equivalent DSG gearbox. And there's so much grip.

He: Agreed. But I found its busy ride and scalpel-sharp steering too frenetic. And $130,000 can buy you a plethora of excellent cars, including the benchmark Porsche Boxster S, Audi's TT RS coupe or a Lotus Exige Cup 260.

She: This performance-oriented Z4 will appeal to BMW enthusiasts after a Z4 with more. But a cheaper and still-exciting option is Nissan's 370Z roadster.