DRIVEN: BMW Z4 Becomes Sportier, But Is That Enough To Take Down The Boxster?

The Z4 has changed. It’s become sportier – the old one, with its folding hardtop and cuddly dynamics, took aim mostly at the Mercedes SLK (now SLC). The new one has a fabric top, dropping the weight measurement and centre of gravity. It’s evidently having a pop at the Porsche 718, itself in a vulnerable position since the much-lamented departure of that old flat six.

To prove its sporting bent, we’re driving a Z4 with an M in its name. Well, a part-way M car, the Z4 M40i. It’s got a turbo six with 340bhp. Other engines are four-cylinders in the 30i and 20i.

focal - 11/7/2018 11:15:57 AM

+5 Boost

lost me on flappy paddles

dlin - 11/7/2018 12:00:58 PM

+5 Boost

These 2 pieces of shiny black plastic adjacent to license plate simply ruined the front face.

dlin - 11/7/2018 12:09:18 PM

+2 Boost

And although the design is too busy for my taste, at least it has some good carving moves, much better than the blobby 8 series.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 11/7/2018 1:04:14 PM

-2 Boost

It will appeal to female buyers. All the BMW Z car owners I have ever met have been women. Not sure why.

MDarringer - 11/8/2018 8:33:37 AM

-1 Boost

It's obviously a Miata for Barbie B!+ches with money.

skytop - 11/7/2018 1:58:39 PM

+2 Boost

The Z4 looks like it came out of the Mercedes Benz design studio.

TomM - 11/7/2018 2:05:16 PM

+3 Boost

Funny - I was thinking how much it reminded me of old SL designs from some angles

greGARYous1 - 11/7/2018 4:26:40 PM

0 Boost

Side profile is almost identical to the Chrysler Crossfire...
Can't be original BMW... Just copy someone else's design.

senft - 11/7/2018 5:16:45 PM

+2 Boost

!. Why does anyone think the Z4 is meant to be a 718 clone as opposed to an alternative? You know, there's abetter case for a GT than a sports car these days; sports cars' performance is such that they're boring to use on the road in the way maybe Its aren't. Too, look at the demographics of buyers.
2. You know who's dis-enamored with the idea of the 718? Porsche. Is it possible they know something?

PUGPROUD - 11/7/2018 6:46:37 PM

+1 Boost

Different strokes for different folks though if you are into sports cars you never have to justify buying a Porsche, rarely if ever asked "Why did you buy it?"

MDarringer - 11/7/2018 8:19:18 PM

+1 Boost

Yawn

focal - 11/8/2018 11:09:58 AM

+2 Boost

As a GT street convertible, it looks great except for the flappy paddles. I would pick up a 4cyl 718 Boxster just for the manual. The 981.1 Boxster is holding values just for the flat-6.

valhallakey - 11/9/2018 9:33:24 AM

+1 Boost

Overwrought design, especially in the front. The designers need some Valium to chill once they get to a certain point. I like that BMW has tried to push it towards a more sporty demeanor but that may be missing its audience as mentioned by some above.

Holydude - 11/16/2018 2:30:49 PM

+1 Boost

Looks like a mini 8 (series).