BMW Z4 sDrive23i Review: Ace of Base

What we like:

Creamy smooth straight-six motor

the convenience of a hard top

dynamic character

What we dislike:

No DCT gearbox for this model

slightly soft looking rear end styling

a Boxster is even more fun

As expected, the sDrive23i isn’t as well endowed in the equipment area as the sDrive35i. The base model misses out on the latter’s comfort access, Adaptive M Suspension, iDrive system and dash mounted display. The sDrive23i also rides on smaller 17-inch wheels.

Obviously, the Z4 sDrive23i’s main rivals are models like the Mercedes-Benz SLK200 Kompressor, the Audi TT Roadster and the much more expensive Porsche Boxster. Incidentally, both the Audi and the Mercedes offer only four-pot motors while the BMW has its traditional straight-six and are both not as dynamic to drive as the Z4.

Despite the Z4’s efforts, the Boxster is still the finest handling car among its competitors but bear in mind that it is almost $50k more than the base Z4, which means that for the price of the base Boxster, you can get yourself the brilliant Z4 Sdrive35i. For a budget of less than $200k though, the Z4 sDrive23i should be the automatic choice in the premium roadster class.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai