Lightly updated Z4 gets new exterior features, detailed interior refinements, a new Design Pure Traction equipment package, and more importantly, a fresh entry-level sDrive18i model.

Photos: BMW press

The boys at Munich have given the Z4 some new toys to bring it up to date with the new roadsters out there. A new entry-level 2.0 now packs 156 bhp and can be mated to their great 8-speed ZF gearbox. Sounds like a winner.

Exterior changes are hard to notice at first, but along with a host of new paint finishes, the distinctive twin circular headlights are new, and now feature LED light rings and daytime running lamps.

The LED accent lights on top now have metal inserts that bear BMW lettering. The integrated turn signal indicators have chrome-coloured surrounds, which add more character to the light units. Plus, a newly designed, tapered surround for the side indicators - that's about it.

There is now an optional BMW Individual hardtop – available in the two contrast colours Black non-metallic and Titanium Silver metallic. The hardtop can be opened at the touch of a button while the car is moving at up to 40 km/h, open-top motoring is experienced in 19 seconds.

New interior additions to standard specification include high-gloss black surrounds for the central air vents and the iDrive control system’s folding Control Display, which comes as part of the optional Professional navigation system. Elsewhere, exquisite Fineline Anthracite wood has been added to the selection of interior trim strips available as an option for the new BMW Z4. The BMW Z4 sDrive28i, BMW Z4 sDrive35i and BMW Z4 sDrive35is are offered with Kansas leather trim, which is available as an option for the two other models.

On the new Design Pure Traction equipment package, the black leather seats have contrast stitching in Valencia Orange and an accent stripe running down the central section of the backrests and seat cushions. This stripe is likewise orange and is flanked by two thin white lines. The door panel trim and lower section of the instrument panel can also be specified in black as an option. Another exclusive element of the Design Pure Traction package is the metal weave trim strip, which can be combined with further decorative elements in high-gloss black for the door openers and the gearshift or selector lever. This new equipment package replaces the previously available Design Pure Impulse and is also available in combination with other exterior paint colours as an option.

The BMW Z4 sDrive18i is the new entry-level model. Powered by a 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology which develops 156 hp at 5,000 rpm. The new variant of the four-cylinder unit delivers peak torque of 240 Nm between 1,250 and 4,400 rpm. The sDrive18i is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, but an eight-speed sports automatic can also be ordered as an option. It will complete the 0 to 100 km/h dash in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 221 km/h. Average fuel consumption for the BMW Z4 sDrive18i is 6.8 litres per 100 km, while CO2 emissions stand at 159 grams per kilometre.

New variants have been added to the range of optional light-alloy wheels as well, including newly designed 17-inch and 18-inch wheels in V-spoke design. An optional M Sport package, which contributes M Sport suspension, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M aerodynamics package with large air intakes in the front wing and a rear bumper inlay painted Anthracite metallic is also available. On the interior, are features such as sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, M driver’s footrest, M door sill finishers and an anthracite-coloured roof liner. The Aluminium Carbon trim strip, leather M gear lever knob and grey dials for the instrument cluster.