While turbocharging crept into the E89-generation Z4 later in its life, it’s only the current G29 model that uses turbocharging from the outset. Things kick off with a 2.0-litre petrol, and while a four-cylinder felt fairly hamstrung in the Z3, here there’s much more go; indeed, with 194bhp on tap, it’s more potent than the older car’s 2.8-litre model, especially with so much low-down torque and a superb eight-speed auto to work with.
But the real performance comes once again from six cylinders. The range is topped by the 3.0-litre M40i, which ups the power to 335bhp and 500Nm. That’s enough for a flat-out acceleration run that dispatches the 0-62mph time in just 4.5 seconds.
Earlier this year, BMW bolstered the all-auto range with the Handschalter package, introducing the option of a six-speed manual transmission to the M40i. While it adds 0.1 seconds to the 0-62mph time, it more than makes up for it with the level of feel and interaction of that extra pedal. Indeed, for all of its modern tech and touchscreen systems, the G29-generation Z4 still has a pleasingly old-school feel to its driving experience that seems right at home in this company.
But where does that leave the Z4 going forward? Well, the future doesn’t look so bright as it stands. Production of the current car is set to end in 2026, and there are no immediate plans to bring out another. That would be a huge shame in our view, because if the latest Z4 is anything to go by, BMW still knows how to instil a bit of character into its sports cars. If a replacement does come, we just hope we won’t have to wait as long as fans of the 507 had to hang around for the ZT department to produce the Z1, and begin a dynasty that has entertained for 35 years and counting.
Tester’s Notes
Given that each car comes from a different era, picking an outright winner is impossible – but push me and I’d still choose a favourite. If money was no object, I’d go for the Z1; it looks like nothing else, it’d be fun to live with, and to me it’s one of the most feelgood cars BMW has ever built.
