Benjamin M. Monroe Blog: WORLD PREMIERE: BMW Z4 sDrive20i, sDrive30i and M40i

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

WORLD PREMIERE: BMW Z4 sDrive20i, sDrive30i and M40i

As you might’ve expected, the BMW Z4 range is not going to be made up solely by the M Performance model – the M40i. BMW did confirm more models are coming, but up until today they were shy about the details. The moment to see what kind of performance the sDrive20i and sDrive30i models are bringing to the table has finally come though, as the Germans released their final details.

The cheapest and least powerful Z4 will be the sDrive20i. Powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine with 197 PS (194 HP) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque, the entry-level Z4 will do 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds and will only be available with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Tipping the scale at 1,480 kg (3,262 lbs), the sDrive20i will have a five-link suspension setup at the back with a double-joint spring-strut axle up front with hydraulically damped torque strut bearings.

The same suspension setup will be used for the sDrive30i model as well, but with a different engine. We’re talking about a similar 2-liter 4-pot, but developing 258 PS (254 HP) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, which is capable of sending the 1,490 kg (3,285 lbs) roadster up to 62 mph from standstill in just 5.4 seconds. This model too is only available with an 8-speed automatic transmission for now.

For those seeking even more exhilarating performance, the all-new BMW Z4 M40i Roadster’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder in-line engine delivers 382 hp between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm, and 369 lb-ft. of peak torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. The BMW Z4 M40i Roadster sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

The Adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes and M Sport differential are standard on the all-new BMW Z4 M40i Roadster and optional on the Z4 sDrive30i.

No matter the engine choice, the roof of the Z4 will be open or closed in just 10 seconds, making it the fastest on a BMW model today, beating the i8 Roadster’s 15-second dash. You will also be able to operate it at speeds up to 50 km/h (30 mph). The soft top comes in either Black (standard) or Anthracite with silver effect as an option. Last but not least, we should also mention that the boot will offer 281 liters of space no matter whether the top is raised or lowered, which is 50% more than what you’d get on the E89 Z4.

The US market gets the Z4 sDrive30i Roadster, which will arrive in March of 2019, and the 2020 BMW Z4 M40i Roadster, which will follow a few months after.