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What is it?

When BMW launched its second-gen Z4 last year the more relaxed nature and folding hard-top roof were enough for us to question whether Munich’s popular two-seater had gone soft.

This new sDrive35iS variant shows that BMW is not about to let its roads slip off the radar of enthusiasts seeking an alternative to the Merc SLK and Nissan 370Z.

Sporting a body kit developed at BMW’s M division, the sDrive35iS looks more aggressive than standard S4s (although fr...Read the full article

Lovely, its great to see Bmw regain some lost honour when it comes to great handling cars. I would not even think of a Boxster now... I only hope it rides as well when it goes to the Uk.

Nice looking car too.

Lupe:

Lovely, its great to see Bmw regain some lost honour when it comes to great handling cars. I would not even think of a Boxster now... I only hope it rides as well when it goes to the Uk.

i do have to agree! what a stunning car! the only reason anyone would choose a porsche over this z4 is the badge i would say! it gets my vote well done beemer 

VX220EDDIE:

i do have to agree! what a stunning car! the only reason anyone would choose a porsche over this z4 is the badge i would say!

The price is remarkably silmilar to a Boxster Spyder which weighs 300kg lighter, is almost certain to have better steering and better control feel. It's the Porsche which is most likely to be more fun up a tight twisty Alpine pass or around a circuit. You can also bet that the Spyder will depreciate less - I think that will be the Boxster model enthusiasts still crave for in 10 years time and will go down as a classic.

Dear Autocar

Does it come in a manual, or is it slushbox only?

chandrew:

The price is remarkably silmilar to a Boxster Spyder

Not the PDK version, which is the fairer comparisson.  Around £4000 difference.  Weight differential drops off a bit too.

To be honest, anyone seriously looking at the Spyder probably hasn't even thought of a Z4, let alone seriously consider it an purchasing alternative.  Boxster or S, maybe.

 

evanstim, it is DCT only.

I would like it but over 1.5 tonnes is just too heavy for a sports car.

 This is the kind of car that needs over 400bhp if it wants to be taken seriously.

I expect some company will sort that out.

 

beachland2:

 This is the kind of car that needs over 400bhp if it wants to be taken seriously.

True.  It's a shame that this is probably the nearest we'll get to a Z4M.  The V8 fits, so why not?  Conversely, with the 3 Series, it's a shame there isn't a non-M V8 340, or such.

evanstim:

slushbox only?

If so, I'm off to the Porsche garage - they still know that real drivers car has a stick coming out of the floor and three pedals in the footwell.

Challenger440:

evanstim:

slushbox only?

If so, I'm off to the Porsche garage - they still know that real drivers car has a stick coming out of the floor and three pedals in the footwell.

Damn straight. Apparently them lot down at Maranello and Sant'Agata ain't got a clue what "real dirvers'" car are either, seeing as the great majority of their cars have neither a stick, nor three pedals these days.