The article was originally produced on 22 July 2019, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

The third generation Z4 has now seen the light of day and we have let it blow our hair.

In 2002, BMW presented the first generation of the Z4, a strictly two-seater convertible that primarily competed with the Audi TT and Mercedes SLK. Without being overly prejudiced, you can probably say that a large part of the buyer group for this type of car are women. Partly hence the rather prejudicial nickname “hair dryers” when it comes to these compact cabriolet models. Other models that can also be compared to the Z4 are the Porsche Boxter at the top of the price scale and the Mazda MX-5 at the other end.

However, what is common to all of these small, roofless and often sporty cars is that they are insanely fun to drive! So putting them in a compartment like a car for women who want to dry their hair is obviously not right in any way. These are cars for people, regardless of gender, who want to enjoy behind the wheel, both the sun and the road.

A large part of the buyer base for this type of car is women

As previously mentioned, the Z4 is in its third generation. It initially replaced the Z3 model which was a slightly smaller car. The range of engine options has been large, from small and frugal engines up to the M versions with horsepower so it’s enough and it’s over. All previous generations of both the Z4 and Z3 have been released as pure M cars. However, the new Z4 is not said to come as a pure M car, but what is offered is an M40i which then has the M package with a little more horses, better road characteristics and a sportier attitude.

But it is not a pure M car and it shows. It is much kinder and smoother than an M car would have been. Something that actually feels clear and that makes it feel like something is missing. Of course, this does not mean that the Z4 M40i is a boring or bad car in any way, and I will elaborate on that below.

The new shape of the Z4 is bolder than previous generations. They were also far ahead in terms of design, but the new one feels even more compact in its shape. There are folds and lines everywhere on the car and at the front the massive front with the classic BMW kidneys that have grown considerably since previous models. The headlights extend far in and almost all the way to the center above the front wheel. It looks really angry at first glance. Behind the front wheels are air intakes or rather exhausts to conduct the heat from the engine.

The rear is also aggressively designed with two large exhaust pipes on each side. Inside, the aggressive design is also included, but when the light falls, a panel lighting appears that is very harmonious. With this you can change color and brightness. To match it all, a sound system from Harman Kardon has been installed in the car. 408 W and twelve speakers guarantee that you will hear nothing but your music when you turn up the volume to max. However, if you select a normal sound level, the sound of the straight 6-cylinder engine will be heard through. Some of the engine’s sound actually also comes through the speakers as it is digitally amplified to some extent.

The engine in the Z4 M40i, as mentioned above, is a straight six of three liters with twin turbo units. This machine squeezes 340 horses and 500 Newtons, which is enough to reach a hundred in 4.6 seconds. Although the Z4 M40i is not a pure M car, these are speed resources that go a long way. The car certainly does not feel lethargic in any way, rather the opposite.

It’s not just straight ahead that the new Z4 feels fast, even when the road turns, the car sits incredibly well and you have full control. Here, however, one could wish for a slightly harder damper setting. But I doubt many buyers will complain or miss this in the end. The Z4 M40i feels extremely versatile and comfortable while being sporty when needed. So if a pure M version is something only I would miss liters I will be unsaid. The new Z4 will without a doubt find its customers of both sexes who will certainly be very satisfied and happy in addition to guaranteed blow-dry hair. 

BMW Z4 M40i

Basic price	From SEK 636,400
Engine	3-liter straight six, biturbo, 340 hp. Torque 500 Nm
Transmission	Front engine, 8-speed Steptronic automatic, rear wheel drive
Acceleration	0-100 in 4.5 seconds
Top speed	270 km/h
Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer	0.85 l/mile
Weight	1,610 kg
Guarantees	New car 2 years, wagon damage 3 years, 12 years rust
Web	www.bmw.se