As things came to head in the America’s Cup Challenge, it was amazing to see the incredible speed with which the BMW Oracle team were able to apply to take the cup in the 33rd challenge. Amazing technology, amazing team work and an amazing event. BMW, as you well know, is also involved in making some of the world’s most exciting and rewarding cars to drive. One of these cars that I had the pleasure of reporting on wasn’t an ‘M’ car, but a sensational drive nevertheless. Perhaps the best of the BMW Z-cars, the BMW Z4 sDrive35i has the pace to truly reward the young at heart and the luxury to pamper the lady at his side (or the gentleman at her side).

From every angle the BMW Z4 sDrive35i looks built for speed. Elegant lines mixed with grace and aggression have produced a very tasteful and overall pleasing modern Z4-car design. Appeal not only comes from the proud owner of such a car, but from many admirers at the kerb side – a sure way of telling whether a car design is a success or a flop.

Under the sensual lines lies a potent power plant and chassis that combine to make a phenomenally quick car. The low profile bonnet hides a twin turbo straight six engine boasting a huge level of power and refinement. A thumping and superbly responsive 225 kW has the goods to accelerate the BMW Z4 sDrive35i from a standstill to 100 km/h in just over five seconds flat. Plenty of engine torque makes the BMW Z4 sDrive35i very docile in traffic and shatteringly quick on the open road. Few cars can match the sheer pace and ability of the BMW Z4 sDrive35i’s complete performance. The chassis makes use of three electronically controlled settings. The ride is superb, soaking up bumps like a much larger, more expensive convertible. Like the steering, the adjustable suspension’s Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes (included in the Sport Package) are well set for the driving situations they describe. Adjust the steering and chassis positions to Sport-Plus, and you have yourself a true performer just short of the M-roadster’s handling package. Colossal amounts of grip and surefooted, direct handling make the BMW Z4 sDrive35i a blast down deserted windy roads. This is an ultimate driving machine that just loves to be driven hard, with verve. Never does the BMW Z4 sDrive35i feel out of sorts on the tarmac. The confident feedback via the steering and the scintillating engine is backed up by phenomenally good brakes that are razor sharp and superbly effective at slowing you down.

The Z4 sDrive35i has the pick of the Z4 engines, and with 400 Nm available and a 250 km/h top speed, you can see why. However, you do need to choose between a manual six-speed or a sequential seven-speed gearbox. This could be a difficult choice for some as the sequential gearbox is easy to use; however, the manual box is slick and runs the car 0.2 seconds faster in the 0-100 km/h sprint times.

Cabin design is beautiful and the fit and finish impeccable. The nicest blend of sport leather is the red leather seats and black surrounds – at least in my book. The sport seats also have adjustable side bolsters, adjustable to a degree unmatched by almost any other roadster. Room inside this BMW two-seater is unmatched elsewhere; such is the spacious and relaxed feel one gets from sitting inside the cosseting BMW Z4 sDrive35i cabin. Premium safety features and elegant interiors make this a hard roadster to beat.

Splendid audio systems can make the journey a peach, and in the BMW Z4 sDrive35i there is a powerful unit that pumps out crystal clear sound. What more could you require in a two-seater? A perfect engine, superior chassis, nice leathers and great sounds would do the trick for me. However there are electric seats, an iDrive electronics interface, climate control electric windows and bluetooth communications (optional) which are some of the added pleasures available onboard. Don’t forget, the open top comes with a folding hard-top.

With a simple touch of a button (and the brake pedal), the Z4’s two-piece retractable hardtop folds into the trunk in twenty seconds. The large area needed to swallow the folded roof also creates an expansive trunk (when the roof is raised) capable of holding two sets of golf clubs and a carry-on suitcase. Even when lowered, though, there’s a deep, reasonably useful space for a pair of carry-on suitcases. There’s also a unique pass-through for longer items and a small parcel shelf behind the seats.

For the perfect GT weekend away for two, you can’t look past the fabulous, and very sexy, BMW Z4 sDrive35i.

The current model series includes the:

• Z4 sDrive35i Coupe
• Z4 sDrive35i Cabriolet

For any more information on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of BMW dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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