BMW Z8 review - verdict

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BMW Z8 5.0 V8 Road Test

Test Date 04 October 2000 Price When New £80,000

Verdict

It’s hard not to like the design of the Z8. It’s essentially a modern version of the quite beautiful BMW 507 roadster of the 1950s. It does the job of applying that design and taking it forward into the 21st century – much like the Mini – but doubtless there will be the purists who’ll be unable to take this latest design seriously. There’s no pleasing some people.

The Z8 is unique among post-war BMWs because it’s slightly more than a carefully conceived beautifully engineered and thoroughly modern looking car. This stylised roadster aims to soften prospective customers at a glance and a turn of the key. That isn’t a problem because under the bonnet is the 400bhp V8 engine from the M5 saloon. Give the Z8 a blip of the throttle and you hear music. So it looks fantastic, sounds fantastic has a great engine – what’s not to like? Well, all that beauty and style is fine, but the Z8 is a let down when you consider the driving experience. The truth is it’s not wonderful behind the wheel and you really do expect more for £80k. As a sports car, the Z8 is surprisingly way off the mark. It’s too wide, heavy and, critically, fails to involve its driver as any great car must before it can be labelled a great driving machine. It’s a better cruiser for sure, but it’s really not ideal in that role either.