Used 2014 BMW Z4

Some luxury-branded roadsters are all about power, handling and feel, while most place a greater emphasis on style, comfort and open-air fun. The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Porsche Boxster and Audi TT each lean towards a particular side of the performance scale, but no competitor can appeal to both camps more so than the 2014 BMW Z4. The retractable hardtop makes convincing yourself into purchasing a convertible less of an exercise, and the driver-oriented cockpit is surprisingly roomy for the long of limb, a rarity in this class. Add in a pair of turbocharged engines, and the 2014 Z4 has the makings of a true world-class roadster.

No matter the road or driving condition, the 2014 BMW Z4 feels like a true reinvention of the classic sports car. What you might give up in everyday practicality – or the limits of what you can store in the Z4’s trunk – you gain in driving satisfaction. Even in base form with the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the Z4 is plenty fast, with a 0-60 mph time of about 5.5 seconds. Stepping up to the 6-cylinder models predictably quickens acceleration times and, consequently, one’s pulse. No matter your engine or transmission choice, the Z4 is an exceptionally satisfying car to drive. That it can transform from a sleek and cozy coupe to a wind-in-the-hair chariot in 20 seconds feels like icing on the cake.

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.

Outside, the 2014 Z4 is defined by a long hood, muscular rear fenders, and BMW’s signature “twin kidney” grille. 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 fixed-roof position, the Z4 passes as a voluptuous little coupe. Aside from nomenclature markings and the placement of the twin exhaust tips, the three trim levels are distinguished by slightly different front fascias, highlighted by a polished grille on 6-cylinder models.

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.

ADAPTIVE M SUSPENSION
The Z4’s optional adaptive suspension delivers the best of all worlds, as it allows you to adjust the damping force of the shock absorbers by way of three driver-selectable modes: Normal, Sport and Sport+.

As its near-$49K price tag suggests, the base Z4 sDrive28i comes generously equipped. Standard goodies include 8-way power seats, Comfort Access keyless entry and start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and adaptive xenon headlights that swivel in conjunction with the steering wheel for increased visibility around dark corners. Safety comes in the form of six airbags, embedded emergency services with automatic collision notification, and adaptive brake lights that emit a larger, brighter light as brake forces increase. Every 2014 Z4 includes BMW Ultimate Service, which consists of complimentary roadside assistance for 4 years/unlimited miles and scheduled maintenance for four years/50,000 miles.

Creature comforts available on the 2014 BMW Z4 are limited only by the size of your wallet. Most features that come highly recommended are bundled into packages. The M Sport Package ranks highest on our list of must-have add-ons, as it incorporates such features as the aforementioned adaptive suspension, a thick-rimmed steering wheel, aerodynamically-tuned body pieces, and sport seats. If your tastes run more along the lines of in-car gadgetry, the Technology Package should satisfy even the most discerning technophile with its iPhone application integration, Google Local Search function, and navigation with real-time traffic.

The 2014 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 model. All Z4s are rear-wheel drive and use premium fuel.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
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
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 twin-turbocharged inline-6
335 horsepower @ 5,900 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg