2013 BMW Z4

FOLDING HARDTOP
What's better than having an open-air convertible for sunny days? Having a buttoned-down coupe for the rainy ones. With the Z4's power folding hardtop, you essentially get two cars in one that's ready for any condition and climate.

TURBOCHARGED FOUR
The engine in base Z4 models certainly doesn't feel "base." With 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, there's plenty of scoot in the sDrive28i trim. The smaller engine also results in fuel economy above 30-mpg in highway driving.

The bane of some roadsters is that while their headroom is measured in miles, the rest of the cabin's dimensions are not so fortunate. Driver and passenger are treated better in the Z4's cockpit, which feels more open and accessible. Base models are dressed in leatherette, while upper trims come standard with the real thing. Storage space behind the seats is a convenient spot for a purse or small bag. With a pass-through slot from the trunk compartment, you can bring your big club to the driving range. If there's one misstep, it's the fighter stick transmission in automatic-transmission models that can be confounding at first.

The Z4 is defined by a long hood, muscular rear fenders, and BMW's signature "twin kidney" grille up front. While just about every convertible looks good with the top down, the Z4 is one of the few whose aesthetics are equally as impressive top-up. Credit this to the Z4's retracting hardtop. When in the roof position, the Z4 passes as a voluptuous little coupe. Aside from nomenclature markings and the placement of the twin exhaust tips, the three trims are distinguished by slightly different front fascias highlighted by a polished grille in 6-cylinder models.

The 2013 Z4 is available in three potencies. Choices are a 240-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder tuned to either 300 or 335 horsepower. All use BMW's TwinPower turbo technology and direct injection for immediate and gratifying throttle response. Transmission choices are a 6-speed manual, an 8-speed automatic, or a 7-speed double-clutch automatic, with the latter being the only option in top-end sDrive35is models. All Z4s are rear-wheel drive and use premium fuel.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Z4 sDrive28i)
240 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/34 mpg (manual), 22/33 mpg (automatic)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (Z4 sDrive35i)
300 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
300 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (manual), 17/24 mpg (automatic)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (Z4 sDrive35is)
335 horsepower @ 5,900 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (automatic)

The 2013 BMW has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at just over $48,000 for an sDrive28i model. On the other end, a top-line sDrive35is model goes for just over $65,000. And keep in mind these prices are before options, which can add several thousand dollars to the bottom line. The BMW Z4's starting price is in line with that of the Porsche Boxster, and several thousand higher than those of the Mercedes-Benz SLK and Audi TT Roadster. Before buying, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the BMW Z4. Resale value is expected to be comparable to those of the Mercedes-Benz SLK and Audi TT convertible, but below that of the Porsche Boxster.

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