Here is an equation that driving fans know well: brawny horsepower coupled with light curb weight equals what is commonly referred to as an "enthusiastic driving experience."
As is often the case when such an experience is described, the three letters BMW precede it. I submit the BMW Z4 coupe 3.0si as my most recent "enthusiastic driving experience."
And why not? My Z4 arrived for the weeklong test sporting my favorite sports car color combo: exterior white with brown leather interior. More specifically - Alpine White with Saddle Brown leather. Truth be told, when it comes to the BMW brand, all the fun (and sophistication) is in the details.
When you talk about BMW, you have to lead with the driving experience. This Z4 is BMW's only two-seater and it rightfully stakes it reputation on hairpin handling and thrilling acceleration. Highlights are of the expected kind: long, sculpted nose with optimal rearward seating positions for the driver and passenger, front-engine and rear-wheel drive.
I'd be remiss to not mention the Coupe has a Convertible cousin that brings a laundry list of exciting driving options and its own brand of driving enthusiasm. My coupe tester was distinctly BMW from the signature grille and swooped rocker panels to the aggressive rear wheel wells and traditional rear seating position. The tiny side mirrors are pretty small and take some getting used to while driving, but as a whole they really fit the smallness of the Z4 and serve to minimize any distractions from the sizzling lines running fore and aft.
The Z4's Alpine White paint surface was of exceptional quality. I found the low seating position to make me especially aware of every little pebble that came up in contact with the surface. Sitting so low to the ground enhances the driving experience, but one must cope with the reality that the elements seem to always be trying to take it away pebble by pebble. (Okay, I've exposed my weaker side - but remember those little details.)
My tester featured 18-inch alloy wheels that played well with the exterior color scheme while grabbing plenty of attention to their gleaming massive proportions on such a low-slung coupe. It looked great.
Inside the coupe your body is cradled in supple leather as if a massive gloved hand was gently supporting you in the perfect position to rev up the engine and get it on with the road. I should back up a bit because several six-footers expressed some discomfort not only getting into the car but never really getting comfortable in that massive 'gloved hand.' Sports car enthusiasts know you have to be somewhat forgiving on the entry and exit, after all you have to get yourself low to the ground somehow. But once you get in, larger bodies will not find the seating, side bolstering in particular, very accommodating. I'd say any man more than six feet tall and sporting a waist size more than 36 might never find a comfort zone.
I found the seating position adequate and quickly forgot about all of that once I got the Z4 onto the road and put it through some maneuvers. Visibility is limited compared to other cars and takes some getting used to. Visibility (the other kind) is high profile and worthy of plenty of looks everywhere you go.
From tire pressure monitors and a sleek multi-function steering wheel to auto dimming mirrors and a helpful Navigation system, the interior of the Z4 is contemporary tech with a wonderful touch of sophistication. I appreciated the simple gauges in the dash cluster and the fine dark poplar wood accents throughout the cabin.
Under the hood you have one engine option: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine mated to an optional ($1,265) 6-speed automatic transmission. The inline-6 delivers 255 hp, plenty of ponies to make this relatively lithe vehicle stand up at attention and bolt for the road.
The shifter is Steptronic, meaning you can play with it as if it were a manual, but it feels like smoking a cigar that is Cuban only in its marketing. I found it to shift flawlessly and I never really yearned for the manual. Fun is fun, but having a hand to operate the great audio system or handle the phone were important tasks easily accomplished.
The Z4 has great acceleration, outstanding stability and expected braking that is immediate and ensuring on every surface I drove. If you really need to know, fuel mileage is 21-city and 30 highway. Loads will be light because there is little room to store much in the Z4 (including my golf clubs, shame-shame). There is an M version of the Z4 that ups the ante on horsepower. I know what you are thinking ... and, yes, it is worth it.
My Z4 coupe was based at $40,400, but once you add the Premium Package and Sport Package and automatic transmission you find the total at $50,320. That's a little more than some other competitors who may offer more horsepower but I'd suggest lack the "details" or the especially fine-tuned driving experience worthy of a BMW.
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