Introduction
Four years since its last complete redesign, the
BMW Z4 roadster returns for 2014 with a new standard engine, minor cosmetic modifications, and expanded technology features. The 2014 Z4 is offered as four models with varying levels of power and performance, capped by a power soft-top or a power-retractable hardtop.
Exterior Features
Aside from headlights with new 3-dimensional styling elements and revised fender gill trim, the most noticeable differences between the new 2014 BMW Z4 roadster and the previous model are new paint colors and new aluminum wheel designs. The 2014 Z4 is also offered with a choice of a Design Pure Traction option package with unique exterior paint color selections, or a Hyper Orange option package with Valencia Orange paint, which fans of the
BMW brand will remember from the limited-production BMW 1 Series M Coupe.
Interior Features
When equipped with the new Hyper Orange package, the 2014 Z4 gets orange dashboard and door panel trim, black leather seats with orange exposed stitching and orange/white stripes, exclusive metal-weave dashboard trim strip, and high-gloss black door handles and shifter trim. All 2014 BMW Z4 models receive high-gloss black trim around the air vents and the iDrive system's optional folding navigation control display.
Optional Features
For 2014, the BMW Z4 offers the option of new Fineline Anthracite wood interior trim. A power-retractable hardtop roof continues, painted the same color as the car's body and operable at vehicle speeds of up to 25 mph, BMW says. An optional BMW Individual roof treatment is painted in contrast colors of Jet Black or Titanium Silver.
An optional M Sport package also returns for the updated 2014 Z4. It includes revised front and rear styling, unique lightweight aluminum wheels, adaptive sport suspension, sport seats, gray-face instrument dials, and various interior trim modifications.
Under the Hood
In the United States, the 2014 BMW Z4 is offered as the sDrive18i, sDrive28i, sDrive35i, and the sDrive35is.
The 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive18i is a new entry-level model equipped with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated for 156 horsepower. It is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i is equipped with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. BMW says it will accelerate to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox. With the optional 8-speed automatic transmission, 60 mph arrives in 5.6 seconds, by BMW's stopwatch.
The 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive35i offers a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, delivering 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The optional 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) makes the same run in 5 seconds, according to BMW.
The 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive35is has the same turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, modified to produce 335 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. The 7-speed DCT is the only transmission choice, and it takes just 4.8 seconds to get to 60 mph, the automaker says.
A standard Driving Experience Control switch allows the driver to select between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, which adjust throttle response, automatic and DCT shift characteristics, suspension settings, steering feel, and activation thresholds for the traction and stability control system.
BMW also continues to offer free scheduled maintenance for the duration of the car's standard warranty, which is 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Safety
In addition to expected safety features for a car of this price, the 2014 BMW Z4 is available with BMW ConnectedDrive services, including Automatic Collision Notification with accident severity detection. If service is active, this feature automatically puts a live operator in touch with the vehicle if the air bags deploy. Even if none of the passengers is able to respond, the operator can send rescue personnel to the exact location to speed help for the vehicle's occupants.
Technology
BMW ConnectedDrive services are expanded for the Z4 for 2014. When fitted with the optional navigation system, BMW ConnectedDrive offers new Internet-based information and entertainment options. Continuing from last year, Apple iPhone owners can use BMW Apps technology to stream Internet radio stations, run Pandora and MOG services, and to receive Facebook and Twitter feeds that are read to the driver.
2013 BMW Z4 Summary, Photos & SpecsBMW Car & Truck Ratings2013 BMW Buyer's Guide
