Category: Affordable Sports 
Price Range: No data available
Conversation-piece looks, great engines, fine finish, solid feel, road-holding, well-engineered roadster hood, monstrous Z4 M
Looks aren't to everyone's liking, limited stowage space, hard ride in some versions
Intriguing-looking sports car that's a massive step up from the Z3, but keen drivers will still prefer the Porsche Boxster or Cayman.
The Z4's a tautly sprung, stiff-bodied sports car, although its supple suspension does cope well with bumps and ruts in the road.
Noise levels are well-contained - apart from the welcomed engine notes - and the driving position is good, with multi-adjustable seats and steering wheels. The seats are well-bolstered - earlier Z4s lacked side support - and the bucket-type chairs of the Z4 M grip tightly.
There's also the usual, expected kit such as air conditioning, electric windows, a good stereo system and such like (sat nav optional) and thankfully, no iDrive control system.
Cabin storage isn't fantastic, with a tiny glovebox, a couple of tiny boxes, fold-out cupholders and narrow door pockets, but it's enough - after all, this doesn't pretend to be an MPV. The boot is reasonably generously-sized, thanks to the omission of the spare wheel (those run-flat tyres) and deep enough for the proverbial set of golf clubs. Headroom is good and, as the Z4 is wide-bodied, there's plenty of elbow-room.
But make sure you know what you're letting yourself in for with the Z4 M. Besides its heavier, springier clutch and steering, it is much, much harder-riding. It may be ultra-precise and well-suited for track use, but it's unforgiving and unrelenting for road use - this could get wearing for the daily commute, not to mention spine-jarring.
