Steve, you are hands down one of the best automotive journalist out there. I always enjoy your car review videos, I'd sit and have a pint and talk cars with you any day. You and Auto Express are producing great content, keep up the great work!
The suspension can easily be sorted, soon the tuning houses like AC Scnitzer, Hartge etc will have suspension mods for this car soon that will make it handle the way it should but most importantly that engine is a gem and way better then the 4 pot in the Boxster and the interior is way better too. I know which one I would have.
The Z4 was never a car that was meant to be driven 10/10ths anyway. Its a “sports car” sure, but its supposed to be a comfy road car and not a stiff track machine.
Well. The Mk1 was supposed to be proper old school Roadster (case in point; Z4 M), the Mk2 changed the recipe to a cruiser. So it's been both sporty and comfy.
Adeel A. Ahmad you just proved my point . That was an M car. This really isn’t .. this is more like an M line or M performance variant, and for that, I feel it’s adequate. Any stiffer, suspension wise, than this and frankly it’ll be terrible on real world roads .. that’s the problem with reviewers now days, as not everything is meant to be tracked, and not every thing needs a sporty drive. This tbh is fine the way it is, very best of both worlds type deal, especially for the average person/ target demographic buying this . Same for the SLC.. they don’t need to be as sharp as a knife for college girls and guys wanting a cool BMW .. status buy rather than an enthusiast buy I feel.
@@atthelord It doesn't need to be an M car for it to feel like sportscar on the road without feeling like it's going to break your back. Back in the day, a 325i would be an exciting car to drive. It's no M car, but it's sharper and more exciting than anything short of a sportscar, and the Z3/Z4 were just the same. They are sharp sportscars that didn't make you feel like you were going to regret it in your back after the drive. BMWs nowadays aren't the same thing. This whole "comfort" argument, while valid for your typical luxury buyer anyway, is not what BMW used to be about.
ewt415 I agree with you 100% That’s not what BMWs were about, but it’s what this model is about - a comfy roadster with pretentious sporting credentials .. you want an exciting car? 340i m sport, 2 series (any variant), 4 series. They aren’t “pony” cars .. none the less, I like the new Z4, even though it isn’t apparent .. lol
@@atthelord Lol, that's what this model is about, in this day and age. This Z lineup was never about a comfy roadster. It was always the experience of a roadster first, and everything else is secondary. If a 2 series is something that should be exciting, yet the Z isn't, then there is something seriously wrong with your perception of the BMW lineup. The Z4 is not a full blown M car, no way. But there is no reason in the world why a 2 seater convertible shouldn't put the driving experience before the comfort experience.
I think the elephant in the showroom is the M2 competition BWM will sell you for around the same price, maybe even a bit less if you check some boxes on the Z4.
Fantastic review..benchmark..... I saw the bmw z4 in frozen grey and i really like it, you have to see it in person....But i have a question.. Would the bmw z4 30i also be satisfying to drive? I would be very thankful for an answer... the 40 i is way more expensive and I really would like to know if it is worth buying the more expensive 40i...Thank you.
I would have thought, that like the rest of the BMW range, the 30i won't have the 3 litre straight six, but the 2 litre 4 cylinder engine and as Steve says in his review, it's all about the engine.
Both Boxster and Z4 are cars for drivers who want dynamic sports cars. If Boxster offers better driving dynamics and Z4 offers a better engine and better interior, guess Sutcliffe is essentially saying Z4 is close but hasn’t done enough to unseat Boxster as king of that segment.
Z4 has to be a little soft, it's a GT roadster, not a full out sports car. Being comfortable and refined was always one of the main characteristics of the Z4.
The way I look at it, you get your money's worth with the beamer when it comes to space, luxury and infotainment. The engine in the beamer is better and its reliability and maintainability will be better. But everything else from styling, to driving pleasure, to balance will go to the boxter. Personally, if it were up to me I'd go with the beamer since the car I pick would have to be my daily driver. But if I already had a daily driver I'd go with a boxter.
I never like the Z4 (the old one), but this looks prettier and I like it. But no, I would not choose it over a Boxster S (If I had the money of course)
Wouldn't buy it w/o a manual but apparently those must have not been selling enough for BMW in the past to justify the additional cost of keeping it as an option. If the Z4 is really competing with the Boxter, that choice is interesting though: BMW knew (registration numbers) that the 718 isn't selling well (many say due to the 4 cylinder) and still decided not to at least try to capitalize on that opportunity with a manual option to try and bring some of those buyers over. So much research goes into these decisions today, I don't believe for a second that this was a mistake but instead a conscious decision. Most likely because roadster sales overall are declining and secondly because enthusiast manual buyers - as vocal as we are - only have a small impact on overall real world Z4 sales, unlike at Porsche.
I have to make a choice last month either this That came in at $74,000 Loaded six-cylinder the Boxster $120,000 with just a few options so I had to choose this and I don’t regret it mine is called San Francisco red
if suspension was set much stiffer , chassis won't hold up well. will make excessive noise. because chassis wasn't made for roadster. this chassis is for coupe.
It not for everyone why do you think they had to join project with Toyota. Audi also thinking of stopping making TT so people can not long get new laxury sport car.
since Porsche dropped the 6 pot for a poxie 4 pot the boxster is no longer a competitor , i dont know what the 4 pot boxster and cayman is anymore ? maybe a fashion accessory or something useless like that, wish the z4 had a fold-able hard top but apart from that the new z4 and supra are pretty sweet
The Boxter 718's a great car and if it had the wail of a flat six the decision would be a foregone conclusion but it doesn't. I'm not entirely convinced by the styling of the Beemer but the sound of that straight six is peerless. The Z4 for me then.
Not to mention price difference when I ordered this car It is currently being built for me it came in at $74,000 loaded the boxer was $110,000 is just a few features added so I hope I made the right decision too late now I’ve already ordered this and paid for it.
Yes understand but in reality fooling yr self because the price difference yes the Porsche 718 is by far the better car and the Alpine is a match. BMW just does not look like a real sports car the Porsche always does + resale omg Porsche never let you down.
I don't get the comparison with the Boxter which is a little 4 pot sports car. This clearly is more of a cruiser in Mercedes and Jaguar market. 1st gen Z4 was a sports car, especially in hairy ///M spec.
I test drove the new 2.0 Z4 and it was very unimpressive. My e89 6l 2.5 feels better and sounds better. Maybe the top of the range makes the difference but I will stay away of the 2.0 if you are after the driving sperience.
I was thinking about buying one, because I have an E89 Z4 35i now. So, I had two test-drives, but the looks are very disappointing, the interior is very disappointing and even the driving of this new G29 model is not what I expected. So, i decided to keep my E89 that is still in top condition and the best car I ever had.
Oh God I like like these car critics pretend to know about cars, u would even think that they build cars for a leaving but no they don't, they really dont🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😭
Great update !!! Looks like how a new Honda S2000 would look, in that Japanese hood futuristic way, but thankfully nothing like the truly ugly sister Supra 🚗🤢
fulaan1 better packaging (electric motor sits neatly in the column), fuel economy (doesn’t need to run off the engine) and it’s compatible with auto-driving features (eg self parking and autonomous driving). Electric systems are much better now than they were a decade ago.
Fuel economy less parasitic drag on the engine weight less and also comes in a smaller packaging making it easier to fit and also more reliable then hydrolics and probably also cheaper to buy.
Steve, you are hands down one of the best automotive journalist out there. I always enjoy your car review videos, I'd sit and have a pint and talk cars with you any day. You and Auto Express are producing great content, keep up the great work!
A set of springs, M exhaust and a tune you got a killer...
Saw the thumbnail a couple of days ago wasnt really interested until I knew out Stevie is back.
been loving this bloke for a decade now
Is that Mrs Sutcliffe?
The US version got 382hp
It does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.
Hassan Ger why ?
@@161BMW EU has more stringent regulations on emissions
With a Dinan tune it makes 444 HP. You CAN feel the difference.
I see that you now put Sutcliff in the thumbnail to get us watching :P
Its working ! ...
I think the styling is brilliant, feels like a James Bond car! So I don't know why many reviewers show only a luke warm interest!?
the moment I saw Steve in a thumbnail I never clicked faster
More of Sutcliff less of Batch, Sutcliff is a true car guy who knows what he is talking about.
More of this content please and i might subcribe again.
I want more from Steve!
The suspension can easily be sorted, soon the tuning houses like AC Scnitzer, Hartge etc will have suspension mods for this car soon that will make it handle the way it should but most importantly that engine is a gem and way better then the 4 pot in the Boxster and the interior is way better too. I know which one I would have.
Mr. Sutcliffe, long time no see!
Love this car! The Z4 M40i is quicker around the Nurburgring than an M2
Hold on don’t forget this isn’t a Z4M it’s z4 40i. (Like the m240i for the M2). It’s slightly softer and more GT version of the M
This Z4 M40i car in this frozen grey, but with a light interior, is my dream car and that's why i have it in my garage! 😍
The Z4 was never a car that was meant to be driven 10/10ths anyway. Its a “sports car” sure, but its supposed to be a comfy road car and not a stiff track machine.
Well. The Mk1 was supposed to be proper old school Roadster (case in point; Z4 M), the Mk2 changed the recipe to a cruiser. So it's been both sporty and comfy.
Adeel A. Ahmad you just proved my point . That was an M car. This really isn’t .. this is more like an M line or M performance variant, and for that, I feel it’s adequate. Any stiffer, suspension wise, than this and frankly it’ll be terrible on real world roads .. that’s the problem with reviewers now days, as not everything is meant to be tracked, and not every thing needs a sporty drive. This tbh is fine the way it is, very best of both worlds type deal, especially for the average person/ target demographic buying this .
Same for the SLC.. they don’t need to be as sharp as a knife for college girls and guys wanting a cool BMW .. status buy rather than an enthusiast buy I feel.
@@atthelord It doesn't need to be an M car for it to feel like sportscar on the road without feeling like it's going to break your back. Back in the day, a 325i would be an exciting car to drive. It's no M car, but it's sharper and more exciting than anything short of a sportscar, and the Z3/Z4 were just the same. They are sharp sportscars that didn't make you feel like you were going to regret it in your back after the drive. BMWs nowadays aren't the same thing. This whole "comfort" argument, while valid for your typical luxury buyer anyway, is not what BMW used to be about.
ewt415 I agree with you 100%
That’s not what BMWs were about, but it’s what this model is about - a comfy roadster with pretentious sporting credentials .. you want an exciting car? 340i m sport, 2 series (any variant), 4 series. They aren’t “pony” cars .. none the less, I like the new Z4, even though it isn’t apparent .. lol
@@atthelord Lol, that's what this model is about, in this day and age. This Z lineup was never about a comfy roadster. It was always the experience of a roadster first, and everything else is secondary.
If a 2 series is something that should be exciting, yet the Z isn't, then there is something seriously wrong with your perception of the BMW lineup. The Z4 is not a full blown M car, no way. But there is no reason in the world why a 2 seater convertible shouldn't put the driving experience before the comfort experience.
Yes, more Steve!
Drove back to back with boxster s and gts. Bought the Z4. Make sure if nothing else you test drive one. 718 is at least 10k more at the low end
Precisely
New Z4 looks fab!
I think the elephant in the showroom is the M2 competition BWM will sell you for around the same price, maybe even a bit less if you check some boxes on the Z4.
Great review as usually
we love you steve!!!
I see some Serra da Arrábida (Setúbal, Portugal) footage there, and that makes me happy
One of the greatest driving roads i know... in Portugal there are many, but Arrábida takes the biscuit because of the astonishing scenery!
nice and honest review, incredible contrast to f.ex. Straight pipes
Fantastic review..benchmark..... I saw the bmw z4 in frozen grey and i really like it, you have to see it in person....But i have a question.. Would the bmw z4 30i also be satisfying to drive? I would be very thankful for an answer... the 40 i is way more expensive and I really would like to know if it is worth buying the more expensive 40i...Thank you.
I would have thought, that like the rest of the BMW range, the 30i won't have the 3 litre straight six, but the 2 litre 4 cylinder engine and as Steve says in his review, it's all about the engine.
I own the 30i, and it is very quick and adequately powerful, as you can set it in Sport or Sport plus mode to get more speed and handling.
Kind reminder this is the same guy that said he'd rather have a flappy paddle than a manual.
Both Boxster and Z4 are cars for drivers who want dynamic sports cars. If Boxster offers better driving dynamics and Z4 offers a better engine and better interior, guess Sutcliffe is essentially saying Z4 is close but hasn’t done enough to unseat Boxster as king of that segment.
BMW interior is not some level so Porsche boxster. It's not even same level as Benz or Audi
I've owned all three , MB, Porsche, and Audi. BMW fit and finish is equal to or better than the other three. Also much more problem free.
I'd take the Alpine or this over the 718.... unless they bring back the 6.
GT4 comin
They bring back the 6er 2019/20.
@@000GunterGabriel000
For real!? 👍😲
@@devilgames2217 Yes. Non-S version keeps 2.0 B4 and S and GTS get 6 Cylinders Turbo.
I'd take a manual 718 GTS over the Z4. Probably even a Miata and BRZ.
A proper car review
The soft top is back? Is that a progress?
Yes , 50kg less
People buy this type of car don't care... Mostly British for some reason. Uk had the high sale of this type of car.
Looks great on that spec. 👌
Z4 has to be a little soft, it's a GT roadster, not a full out sports car. Being comfortable and refined was always one of the main characteristics of the Z4.
Put it in Sport plus and it's a REAL sports car.
nice video! thanks!
Could you do a comparison with a 2018 Jaguar 400 sport convertible. Which car is better?
Proper car journalism right there. :)
If only BMW would make a Z4 M
Just make do with M sport for time being.
Retro Collected I know right? What's with BM and their naming convention?
Definitely needs a manual!
The biggest issue with the new Z4 is no manual offering in the States.
Clear 6cyl over 4cyl .without a question , the 718 is a great car ,but the the 4cyl Sound is bad for such a extensive car.
Have a look back at the Boxster gts review he did a few years back and compare the excitement he has to the excitement he has testing this new Z4 ....
The way I look at it, you get your money's worth with the beamer when it comes to space, luxury and infotainment. The engine in the beamer is better and its reliability and maintainability will be better. But everything else from styling, to driving pleasure, to balance will go to the boxter. Personally, if it were up to me I'd go with the beamer since the car I pick would have to be my daily driver. But if I already had a daily driver I'd go with a boxter.
I saw one on the road the other day in black and I have to admit it looked the bollocks.
Man I love this thing.
Erm is mr Sutcliffe sharing the car with Dr Evil in the long shots?? Surely Mr S has more hair???
Before and after the toupee flew off :)
No comparison to the A110...?
Clickbait at its best 👎
Nice sound through the speakers.. 😂
Z4 40i or M2?
Isnt this z4 just a 2 seater m140
Peter benn pan yeah but it’s sexier
Bimmer just brought back the 8 series.
Now bring back Z8!
I never like the Z4 (the old one), but this looks prettier and I like it. But no, I would not choose it over a Boxster S (If I had the money of course)
Jorge Tamacas its hard to beat a mid engine sports car
I think the old one looks better (E89) or is it just me?
I've had both of them and I agree, the E89 has the better looking exterior but the new Z4 interior is WAY better.
The front grill looks kinda like Kia Stinger
Z3 M Coupe ♥
Is this the new Supra?
Carcaine Supra is the new name for Z4 coupe
Great video review The new Z4 is not stunning but I hope it got some of the old ":ultimate driving experience" back
I'm happy with my ND and I prefer the looks of the ND
Wouldn't buy it w/o a manual but apparently those must have not been selling enough for BMW in the past to justify the additional cost of keeping it as an option. If the Z4 is really competing with the Boxter, that choice is interesting though: BMW knew (registration numbers) that the 718 isn't selling well (many say due to the 4 cylinder) and still decided not to at least try to capitalize on that opportunity with a manual option to try and bring some of those buyers over. So much research goes into these decisions today, I don't believe for a second that this was a mistake but instead a conscious decision. Most likely because roadster sales overall are declining and secondly because enthusiast manual buyers - as vocal as we are - only have a small impact on overall real world Z4 sales, unlike at Porsche.
I have to make a choice last month either this That came in at $74,000 Loaded six-cylinder the Boxster $120,000 with just a few options so I had to choose this and I don’t regret it mine is called San Francisco red
Mx-5 lover passing by
Just wait until the Z4M comes out
NICE Toyota..... What is the price point difference?
Z4s like 20k more so it's like 70k while the mk5 is going to be 49-50 with extra features 52-55k.
if suspension was set much stiffer , chassis won't hold up well. will make excessive noise. because chassis wasn't made for roadster. this chassis is for coupe.
New shirt Steve?
The front, when you see the car coming at you looks like the Fiat 124 and abarth, doesnt it?
atascatorDAOC not really.
Style doesn't do it for me at all :(
no matter.its not like you can afford it anyway
It not for everyone why do you think they had to join project with Toyota. Audi also thinking of stopping making TT so people can not long get new laxury sport car.
Take a look at the M240i then Same engine.
reminds me of a Merc SL from a distance
since Porsche dropped the 6 pot for a poxie 4 pot the boxster is no longer a competitor , i dont know what the 4 pot boxster and cayman is anymore ? maybe a fashion accessory or something useless like that, wish the z4 had a fold-able hard top but apart from that the new z4 and supra are pretty sweet
Since Porsche has EVs on the brain, it's just a matter of time before they make the Boxster electric powered.
M2 for me but love it
ZenGamer97 from a huge bmw fanboy i rather have an rs3 instead of an m2
This is not a full on M car thats okay for the suspension
Z4 M where are you?
Instrument display fail BMW 😝 would be deal breaker for me just as the 4 pot in the Boxster would be.
no sound
You’ll be out in the BMW more Mr Sutciff than the Boxster as the Porsche will always be in the shop fixing the issues that arise!
Roy Kenyon what issues? Porsche has higher customer satisfaction than BMW.
Sure if you talking about a Toyota Camry Vs boxster but bmw z4 Vs boxster they don't inspire much confidence in long term reliability both of them.
@@matthewp9015 BMW rated higher than Porsche for quality by JDPowers
Nicest-looking new bmw for some years.
The Boxter 718's a great car and if it had the wail of a flat six the decision would be a foregone conclusion but it doesn't. I'm not entirely convinced by the styling of the Beemer but the sound of that straight six is peerless. The Z4 for me then.
Not to mention price difference when I ordered this car It is currently being built for me it came in at $74,000 loaded the boxer was $110,000 is just a few features added so I hope I made the right decision too late now I’ve already ordered this and paid for it.
Yes understand but in reality fooling yr self because the price difference yes the Porsche 718 is by far the better car and the Alpine is a match. BMW just does not look like a real sports car the Porsche always does + resale omg Porsche never let you down.
🙄 another mention of the 718 engine noise.
I don't get the comparison with the Boxter which is a little 4 pot sports car. This clearly is more of a cruiser in Mercedes and Jaguar market. 1st gen Z4 was a sports car, especially in hairy ///M spec.
Tach should be round. Period.
I test drove the new 2.0 Z4 and it was very unimpressive. My e89 6l 2.5 feels better and sounds better. Maybe the top of the range makes the difference but I will stay away of the 2.0 if you are after the driving sperience.
Obviously, cant compare 2.0 with a 6-in-line. For the price diff tou can almost buy another car. Z4 need a 6 cil.
Is this the Z4 or Toyota Supra review?
Both...
@@campkira 😜😎
Front grille reminds me of z8
The new C43 AMG convertible is better in quite every detail! Especially the awsome sound!
Its also a completely different type of car and no competitor to the z4
Reminds me of a Pontiac solstice
Now, I like this Z4 , better looking than the old one....🤔😎
Peter Cavellini
I think the Z4 mk 1 looks better still.
@@MrBirgerB I think so they not the same category now. This is more like a Z8 with small engine.
SO so look. You should the new & series.....
I was thinking about buying one, because I have an E89 Z4 35i now. So, I had two test-drives, but the looks are very disappointing, the interior is very disappointing and even the driving of this new G29 model is not what I expected. So, i decided to keep my E89 that is still in top condition and the best car I ever had.
Will they make an M .
Supra looks much more sexier.
I agree, Supra all the way!!
At the end Steve says "latest Porsche Boxster" but the video is actually the 992 cabriolet.
Oh God I like like these car critics pretend to know about cars, u would even think that they build cars for a leaving but no they don't, they really dont🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😭
This Z4 is 10kg heavier than the old one, merely the roof is lighter.
Mr. Sutcliff!!!
Take a shot every time he says proper
First of all why this look leaner and lower than the supra? And wow mr sutcliff is back👍
Great update !!!
Looks like how a new Honda S2000 would look, in that Japanese hood futuristic way, but thankfully nothing like the truly ugly sister Supra 🚗🤢
What’s the advantage of electric powered steering? No one seems to like it. Why do car companies make it?
fulaan1 better packaging (electric motor sits neatly in the column), fuel economy (doesn’t need to run off the engine) and it’s compatible with auto-driving features (eg self parking and autonomous driving). Electric systems are much better now than they were a decade ago.
Fuel economy less parasitic drag on the engine weight less and also comes in a smaller packaging making it easier to fit and also more reliable then hydrolics and probably also cheaper to buy.
I don’t like the front and side shape I feel old style looks way better
look it's a kia stinger coupe what a beauty
Will be "more enjoyable", with the option of 3 pedals, like a Boxster...
shifting sounds like a CVT :(
BMW should be following benz and Audi bcz Porsche is much superior and higher class than any BMW. BMW need million year to be same level as Porsche