2010 BMW Z4 Review

Preview

What We Know

The first Z4 prototypes caught on the streets of Munich wore traditional soft tops that gave us no reason to suspect any major changes. Now, however, it appears that those canvas-trimmed roofs were nothing but placeholders for a more complicated retractable roof system still in development. The latest prototypes spotted on the Nürburgring have tops that appear more robust. More important, these cars have cutlines in the rear deck that suggest a reconfigured trunk section similar to the 2007 BMW 3 Series hardtop convertible. Adding the new top would put the Z4 in more direct competition with the Mercedes-Benz SLK, which has featured a retractable hardtop since its debut in 1998. This Z4 will also benefit from a choice of more powerful engines, a new chassis and a slightly larger size. Although the prototypes appear significantly bigger than the current model, most of the extra bulk is part of the disguise. Our spies noted as much as 2-3 inches of dead space between the plastic panels and the actual bodywork. The car rides on the latest 3 Series chassis, so expect to see the same lineup of 3.0-liter inline-6 engines as well. Unlike the current Z4, which is built in BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the new Z4 will be built in Regensburg, Germany, starting in late 2009.

What Edmunds.com says

Other than a likely switch to a retractable hardtop, the 2010 BMW Z4 will remain much like the current model in terms of size, power and purpose.