BMW Z4 sDrive35is Review: 4 Play

What we like:

Brilliant DCT gearbox

punchy turbocharged performance

convenience of a hardtop

What we dislike:

Unsorted ride

body can do with more stiffness

somewhat inaccurate steering

not as fun as the old Z4 M

Like its predecessor, the Z4 features a minimalist and driver oriented cabin. The sDrive35is's sports seats are comfortable and supportive enough while headroom when the roof is in place is sufficient for the average adult. The cabin offers a wide variety of storage spaces including large door bins, a cubby hole under the centre armrest and so on. There is also space behind the seats to put a couple of overnight bags, Remaining boot space is adequate and easily accessible even when the roof is folded away.

In addition, the sDrive35is can be differentiated from lesser models on the inside by its M door sills, anthracite coloured headlining, aluminium carbon trim, an M Sport steering wheel with the M badge and contrasting red and blue stitching and grey coloured dials for the instruments.

The sdrive35is gets a long list of equipment and kit as standard. The list includes front and rear parking sensors, adaptive Xenon headlamps, cruise control, comfort access, sat nav, 18-inch wheels, iDrive and so on.

The range topping Z4 sDrive35is might have all the right goods on paper to match the driving capabilities and dynamism of the old Z4 M Roadster, but it is certainly no where near as epic and as fun as the latter as hardcore driving enthusiasts will find that the sDrive35is's extra power somehow manages to show off the limitations of the Z4's chassis, especially over uneven or bumpy tarmac. Average drivers or those who want a stylish premium roadster with strong performance though, will still find the other aspects of the range topping Z4 good enough to make up for its lack of dynamic traits that is worthy of the M badge.

Credits: Story by Mark Yeo Photos by Raymond Lai