Get to know the new BMW Z4 in 18 steps

The name’s the same but not much else is. In BMW’s words, this is a “radically revised” kind of Z4 with the fundamentals – the proportions, weight, centre of gravity, rigidity – all having been rethought in order to focus on maximum agility, dynamism and handling. It’s BMW’s sports car at the next level, which is of course where a Porsche-hunter needs to be…

We know lots about this car already; there has been no shortage of concepts and teasers and ”mini reveals”, the last at Pebble Beach during the Monterey Car Week. We know it ditches the folding metal hardtop for a lightweight fabric roof, and that it is BMW’s half of a joint sports car project with Toyota (expect the new Supra soon). We know it’s front engine/rear drive, six or four-cylinder, and no manual gearbox.

Now from today we have all the pics and know a lot more about it as well – aside from a price which is promised for October 2^nd, which is when it gets its public unveiling at the Paris Motor Show. First deliveries are promised for March 9^th 2019.

While you make up your mind about the new design – we like it, and especially the new-look front end with, unusual for a BMW, vertically stacked headlights – here are our top 18 fast facts that tell the story of how Z finally got serious…

1. Top model is the Z4 M40i whose turbocharged straight-six delivers 339PS (335bhp) plus 500Nm (369lb ft) of torque.
2. The M40i sprints from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and has a combined fuel consumption of 38.7mpg.
3. Standard on the M40i are electronically-controlled M Sport rear differential, adaptive M Sport suspension and M Sport brakes. You can tell the M40i by its grey finish for the BMW kidney grille.
4. There are two 2.0-litre four-cylinder variants: one with 258PS (254bhp), (0-62mph 5.4 seconds and 47.1mpg) and the entry-level model with 197PS (194bhp) (6.6 seconds and the same 47.1mpg).
5. All new Z4s come with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission complete with Launch Control.
6. A new five-link rear axle makes its debut in a BMW roadster.
7. All Z4s are three inches (75mm) or so longer and wider than the outgoing Z4, with a shorter wheelbase and wider tracks. 
8. With the seat rails extended by 23mm, there’s more scope for taller drivers to get comfortable.
9. The long bonnet straddles the wheelarches in traditional clamshell style.

10. There are nine body colours and two soft-top colours (black or Anthracite with silver effect).
11. The hood is electrically operated and can be opened or closed in 10 seconds at speeds up to 31mph.
12. There are two trim levels in the UK, Sport and M Sport in addition to the M Performance model.
13. Heated sports seats with integral head restraints and covered in leather are standard on all models.
14. Boot capacity is 281 litres whether the soft-top is open or closed – an increase of more than 50 per cent over the outgoing model.
15. Variable sport steering comes as standard on all variants.
16. The Z4 is the first roadster to be available with a head-up display.
17. Other options include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning systems, as well as a Parking Assistant including Reversing Assistant,  and Adaptive LED headlights.
18. You don’t need a key: with the optional Comfort Access feature, you can unlock the car and start the engine using your smartphone.