Bmw Z4 Reviews

BMW updates range with a host of new models

BMW has announced a series of updates for a number of models across several of its vehicle ranges.

Highlights include the new BMW 520d EfficientDynamics saloon, four-cylinder turbo engines for the BMW Z4, and BMW X1 xDrive20d EfficientDynamics – the most economical BMW X model to date.

How do BMW models score in our tests? Read all our BMW reviews to find out

BMW has managed to reduce the CO2 output of the 520d EfficientDynamics saloon to just 119g/km.

This means a claimed fuel economy figure of 62.8mpg combined – yet the 2.0-litre turbodiesel powering the car still produces 181bhp and can reach 62mph in just 8.2 seconds. This is thanks to the full compliment of EfficientDynamics technologies, including start-stop, active aerodynamics, gearshift indicator and brake energy regeneration.

The 520d EfficientDynamics saloon also features low-rolling resistance tyres fitted on Streamline design alloy wheels, a longer final drive ratio to reduce engine revs at higher speeds, and a new Eco Pro driving mode that optimises the throttle response, gearshift patterns, throttle sensitivity and electrical power consumption.

It goes on sale this September, priced from £30,435.

Read the Which? Car review of the BMW 5 Series

Elsewhere in the 5 Series line-up, BMW is adding two new four-cylinder turbo petrol engines and a twin-turbo diesel – seeing the range expand to 11 derivatives in total.

The new 520i is powered by a 181bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol capable of a claimed 44.1mpg and 149g/km CO2 emissions and 0-62mph in 8.0 seconds (all figures for the saloon with the optional automatic gearbox). The new 528i offers 241bhp, 0-62 in 6.3 seconds, 152g/km and 43.5mpg.

The new 2.0-litre 525d diesel, meanwhile, has two turbochargers and replaces the old single-turbo 3.0-litre single-turbo diesel. With 215bhp it’s faster – 0-62 in 7.0 seconds – yet also up to 20% more efficient than before; claiming 58.9mpg and 126g/km CO2 at best.

Further changes for the 5 Series include overhauled versions of the twin turbo 3.0 six-cylinder 530d and 535d turbodiesels, which both offer increased power and efficiency, and the introduction of the 550i Touring, powered by a 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 petrol with 401bhp.

Prices for the new models start at £31,190 for the 520i saloon – that’s £1,512 cheaper than the six cylinder engine it replaces – rising to £54,680 for the 550i Touring.

2009 BMW Z4 Review by Sara Lacey

This price range reflects the Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail value for all trim levels, but not necessarily all available options.

The Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail value represents the amount an auto dealer might ask for a specific vehicle; the actual sale price will vary. A vehicle's popularity, condition, warranty, color and local market conditions are factors involved in determining a final price. The retail value is not a trade-in or private party value.

The Suggested Retail value assumes that the vehicle has been fully reconditioned and has a clean title history. The Suggested Retail value also allows for advertising, sales commissions, insurance and other costs of doing business as a dealer. Most vehicles offered at this price have passed an inspection, and some may carry a warranty. Vehicle mileage is assumed to be normal or below normal.

Oh, you know I said, "Yes!" when our Chief Mama Kristin Varela asked me if I'd like to drive the 2009 BMW Z4 for a stint (one of the days was my birthday). All of my friends and neighbors were extremely jealous, and I loved every minute of driving this indulgent little creature from BMW.

This wasn't my first time in the two-seater Z4. I test drove the 2007 Z4, but it wasn't a convertible and I had a lot of problems with it. I had to duck just right to get in the door, which was tricky with its ultra-bolstered seats. Once inside, the '07 felt dark and reclusive, but the Z4 has been redesigned for 2009. There's more room now, and the convertible version remedied almost all my gripes. The grin on my face from driving the Z4 erased any other petty complaints I'd otherwise make.

Let's be clear, the Z4 isn't a family car. However, if you've already got a trusted family-hauler or two in the garage, it'll work well as a fun-to-drive car that's mostly for grownups. If your family consists of you and a child, you could make a case for trying to make the Z4 into a family-hauler, but it's a tough sell since there's not a lot of trunk space for that grocery store run with the kid in the passenger seat. Keep in mind that there isn't a tiny backseat in this car for storing all of those bags.

You know the Z4 is sexy-looking, but you didn't know it's sexy under the hood, too. My test car had a twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine that got me everywhere in a big hurry.

BMW Z4, design, development and production, how BMW creates the ultimate driving machines

Vibe

The Boss

Disseminative Capabilities, A Case Study of Collaborative Product Development in the Automotive Industry

Business review weekly, BRW