Currently reading: Detroit motor show 2013: BMW Z4
A new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine joins the refreshed BMW Z4 line-up

A new entry-level sDrive18i has joined the BMW Z4 line-up as part of a series of mid-life changes to the roadster. The car has made its first public outing this afternoon at the Detroit motor show.

Power for the model comes from a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 154bhp and 177lb ft. That is enough to propel the six-speed manual sDrive18i from 0-62mph in 7.9sec and on to 137mph. Combined fuel economy is rated at 41.5mpg, with CO2 emissions of 159g/km.

An optional eight-speed automatic is also offered.

The engines in the other Z4 models - sDrive20i, sDrive28i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is - continue unchanged.

Cosmetically, the changes to the facelifted roadster are minor, the revised LED headlights being the stand-out change. New alloy wheel options are offered, while there are minor exterior trim detailing changes.

Other changes include the option of a new Design Pure Traction styling pack, which adds contrasting black and orange trim to the cabin. The interior also features new gloss black trim for the air vent and iDrive surrounds as standard. Leather trim is also standard for the sDrive28i models and above, with a Fineline Anthracite wood finish available as an option.

The M Sport package - comprising bespoke suspension settings, alloy wheels and exterior and interior trim - is again offered, with a more focused version of this pack available on the sDrive35is range-topper.

The revised Z4 is due to reach the UK in April.

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The BMW Z4 has more comfort and added practicality, but has it gone soft?

The BMW Z4 is a fine-looking two-seat roadster with indifferent driving dynamics

Mark Tisshaw

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Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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Peter_Mould 9 July 2013

A very elegant addition to

A very elegant addition to the BMW Z4 range which has both class and speed. Even with a high torque level and a six-speed manual gear shifts, fuel efficiency is still not compromised with its combined fuel economy feature. It is a truly compact combo in a car providing style and substance even to the speed demons. Those who want the extra highlighting details can always opt for the sport package for an even sleek ride.

http://www.pmwltd.co.uk

cardillac 18 December 2012

Himmel, Arsch und Zwirn!

Or so they tend to curse over there in Bavaria ...

So very close to an almost great looking car ... let down by truly sick labeling: "I got a Bee-Emm-Doubble-You Zet-Four sDrive35iS Design Pure Traction styling pack" - so how does this go down at your pub? What kind of drugs are they consuming in the Bavarian Motor Works marketing office? Beer alone won´t suffice to arrive at a model name like this -hkl

Cyborg 18 December 2012

Why does the Z4 range need

Why does the Z4 range need the 'sDrive' prefix? Just call it Z4-28i...forinstance.