2010 BMW Z4

Adaptive M Suspension
For a buyer who wants a Z4 softer, stiffer or both, the new Z4 offers an optional, three-setting "Sport Package featuring Adaptive M Suspension with Electronic Damping Control." "Normal" mode is softer than the standard suspension, "Sport+" mode is stiffer than the previous model's, and "Sport" mode splits the difference.

Dual-clutch Transmission
The transmission that made its debut on BMW's latest, world-beating M3 is yet another nail in the clutch pedal's coffin. In the 2010 BMW Z4, BMW's dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly and seamlessly, and engages more smoothly than the similar units we've experienced in VW, Audi and Mitsubishi vehicles.

The Z4's interior was also designed by a woman. While some of us have grown bored with BMW's slowly evolving interior design, settling into the 2010 BMW Z4 - especially one lined in lighter leather - might actually evoke stronger images of a chic hotel than the first BMW 3 Series you ever rode in. In addition to styling and materials quality, noteworthy interior bits include an available trunk pass-through for short skis, usable storage space behind the front seats and two more inches of interior width compared to its predecessor. Navigation-equipped cars enjoy the best version of BMW's iDrive central control to date, enhanced by a retractable, glare-resistant widescreen display.

When we saw the first pictures of the newest BMW Z4, we thought it looked good. When we saw it in person, we fell in love. The newest BMW drop-top combines perfect proportions and gorgeous lines in a roadster that's both classic and contemporary at once. Visual highlights include the wide front end, long, bulging hood, strong character line sloping upward from the rear wheel and a light, well-integrated hard top. We find it interesting that the newest Z4 looks more like an offshoot of the first Z3, than its immediate predecessor. BMW notes the Z4 is one of the few cars in history with sheetmetal designed by a woman, and we're hoping more are on the way.

The 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive 30i's 255-horsepower engine is another fine BMW inline-six engine, but the sDrive 35i's twin-turbocharged, 300-horsepower version is widely considered one of the best engines ever built. For some, any mention of turbocharging brings to mind words like "lag" and "surge" - both of which are virtually nonexistent here (and in many other modern turbos, thanks in large part to direct-injection technology). A six-speed manual is standard on both vehicles, a six-speed automatic is available on the sDrive 30i, but the standout transmission is the dual-clutch seven-speed unit available only on the 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive 35i.

3.0-liter in-line six (Z4 sDrive 30i)
255 horsepower @ 6600 rpm
220 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged in-line six (Z4 sDrive 35i)
300 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
300 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 (manual), 17/24 (dual-clutch auto)