2012 BMW Z4 - Coupe _ New Car Review _ AutoTrader.com

The BMW Z4: A Car that Lives up to its Reputation as the Ultimate Driving Machine

When meeting up with the 2012 BMW Z4 for the first time, our expectations were high. As an embodiment of BMW's slogan, "cars are the ultimate driving machine," we wanted to see if this car would live up to its reputation. We're happy to report that the Z4 comes pretty close to fitting that description and looks the part.

The exterior design of the Z4 is unmistakable, with a long nose, short rear deck, and low stance that makes it look ready for action. The retractable solid roof, which converts the Z4 into a hardtop convertible, adds another layer of sophistication to its already impressive appearance. Whether you're cruising down the highway or carving up twisty roads, the Z4's design is sure to turn heads.

In terms of trim levels, the Z4 offers three options: the four-cylinder S Drive 28i, the six-cylinder S Drive 35i, and the high-performance S Drive 35. Each of these models comes with a long list of standard and optional features that are familiar to fans of BMW. One notable exception is the S Drive 35, which comes standard with M sport seats that provide exceptional support and comfort during spirited driving.

One feature that sets the Z4 apart from its competitors is its advanced infotainment system, iDrive. This state-of-the-art technology provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for navigating menus, adjusting settings, and accessing various functions. Additionally, the instruments on the dashboard are classic BMW design, well-placed and easy to read. And let's not forget the folding hardtop – a true marvel of engineering that can be raised and lowered in just seconds.

When it comes to engines, the Z4 offers three potent options: the base inline turbocharged four-cylinder in the S Drive 28i, the twin-turbo inline six in the S Drive 35i, and the high-performance inline six with 335 horsepower. Each engine provides a unique driving experience that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning driver.

The S Drive 28i's base inline turbocharged four-cylinder may feel more powerful than its official rating of 240 horsepower, while the S Drive 35i's twin-turbo inline six delivers a sense of urgency and speed that is hard to match on public roads. Meanwhile, the S Drive 35's high-performance inline six is a screamer that leaves all comers in its dust.

In terms of safety features, the Z4 is well-equipped with stability control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, rollover protection, and six airbags – ensuring that occupants are protected in the event of an accident. Additionally, BMW's five-year, 50,000-mile warranty covers whatever powertrain you choose, providing peace of mind for owners.

In conclusion, the 2012 BMW Z4 is a true standout in the premium two-seater battleground. With its stunning looks, exceptional performance, and advanced features like iDrive and M sport seats, it's hard to argue with its reputation as the ultimate driving machine. Whether you're cruising down the highway or carving up twisty roads, the Z4 delivers an unforgettable driving experience that will leave you wanting more.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enbMW says it's cars are the ultimate driving machine so we had big expectations when meeting up of the 2012 BMW z4 for the first time we're happy report the z4 comes pretty close to fitting that description and it looks the part that's for sure it's long nose short rear deck and low to the ground ready for action exterior makes you want to climb in and go play the z4 is a hardtop convertible with the retractable solid roof then there are three models you can choose from the four-cylinder S Drive 28i the six-cylinder S Drive 35i and the high-performance S Drive 35 is those three trim levels offer you a long list of standard and optional features just like other BMWs the S Drive 35 is comes standard with M sport seats which are great for holding you in place when you're carving corners now they're optional on the other two trim levels and Jeff and I think that they're definitely worth the extra box BMWs hi-tech iDrive infotainment system is another valuable option the instruments as you can see our classic BMW well placed and easy to read oh and the folding hardtop is a wonder of Engineering it folds up and down in just seconds all three of the engines available in the z4 are winners it just depends on how much power and performance you're looking for that's for sure Jeff the base inline turbocharged four in the sDrive 28 I feels a lot more powerful than BMWs 240 horsepower rating now the sDrive 35 I has a twin turbo inline 6 with 300 horses so basically it drives and sounds like a race car that's built for the street and if that's not enough for you the sDrive 35 is is a screamer with a 335 horsepower inline 6 and your fuel economy will depend on your powertrain the base 4-cylinder s drive 28 I will give you the most and of course not surprisingly the turbo sixes will give you the least this BMW z4 surrounds you in safety including stability control 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes rollover protection and six airbags if you want to step up to a new z4 you'll be spending somewhere around $48,000 for the S Drive 28i and over 64 grand for the S Drive 35 is and that's before checking off some of the many options that we already talked about and BMWs for year 50,000 mile warranty will cover whatever powertrain you decide on the 2012 BMW z4 doesn't suffer many weaknesses in the premium two-seater battleground it's a hottie in terms of its looks and performance and it offers you all kinds of features and options if that doesn't sound like the ultimate driving machine to you we must be missing something but I don't think we arebMW says it's cars are the ultimate driving machine so we had big expectations when meeting up of the 2012 BMW z4 for the first time we're happy report the z4 comes pretty close to fitting that description and it looks the part that's for sure it's long nose short rear deck and low to the ground ready for action exterior makes you want to climb in and go play the z4 is a hardtop convertible with the retractable solid roof then there are three models you can choose from the four-cylinder S Drive 28i the six-cylinder S Drive 35i and the high-performance S Drive 35 is those three trim levels offer you a long list of standard and optional features just like other BMWs the S Drive 35 is comes standard with M sport seats which are great for holding you in place when you're carving corners now they're optional on the other two trim levels and Jeff and I think that they're definitely worth the extra box BMWs hi-tech iDrive infotainment system is another valuable option the instruments as you can see our classic BMW well placed and easy to read oh and the folding hardtop is a wonder of Engineering it folds up and down in just seconds all three of the engines available in the z4 are winners it just depends on how much power and performance you're looking for that's for sure Jeff the base inline turbocharged four in the sDrive 28 I feels a lot more powerful than BMWs 240 horsepower rating now the sDrive 35 I has a twin turbo inline 6 with 300 horses so basically it drives and sounds like a race car that's built for the street and if that's not enough for you the sDrive 35 is is a screamer with a 335 horsepower inline 6 and your fuel economy will depend on your powertrain the base 4-cylinder s drive 28 I will give you the most and of course not surprisingly the turbo sixes will give you the least this BMW z4 surrounds you in safety including stability control 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes rollover protection and six airbags if you want to step up to a new z4 you'll be spending somewhere around $48,000 for the S Drive 28i and over 64 grand for the S Drive 35 is and that's before checking off some of the many options that we already talked about and BMWs for year 50,000 mile warranty will cover whatever powertrain you decide on the 2012 BMW z4 doesn't suffer many weaknesses in the premium two-seater battleground it's a hottie in terms of its looks and performance and it offers you all kinds of features and options if that doesn't sound like the ultimate driving machine to you we must be missing something but I don't think we are\n"