Forming a Bond with the BMW Z4

Whether you were introduced to BMW Z cars watching Pierce Brosnan, or rather James Bond, driving into the sunset in his Z3 in the film GoldenEye or cringed as a Z8 gets cut in half in the later film The World Is Not Enough, chances are you instantly became a fan of the Z model.

The suit

At first inspection, the new G29 model is unmistakably a Z model with its sharp front, long bonnet and a short boot. Framing the new-look mesh kidney grille is two new optional Adaptive LED headlights which provided for non-dazzling high beam and cornering lights on both test cars. Behind the front wheel arches, the air vents added to the drama as the body lines converge towards the rear of the car where you will find a beautifully sculpted integrated rear spoiler in between, what is for me a highlight to the new model, the L-shaped rear lights.

The diffuser of the M40i derivative featured more sporty exhaust outlets at both ends where the ones on the sDrive20i resemble the muzzle of a Walther PPK. While 18-inch wheels come standard on the Z4, our test vehicles were specified with the optional 19-inch options.

The gadgets

As with the exterior, the Q Division added all gadgets, on both models, a double-O agent might need on their adventures. Atop the dashboard, you will find a colour head-up display allowing you to keep your eyes on the target while the 464 watts, 12-speaker, Harman Kardon sound system can easily drown out the sound of gunfire.

Keeping you cool during sticky situations is a two-zone climate control system while bucket-like leather seats hug you around the corners. Traditional instrument dials make way for the BMW Live Cockpit Professional which is a 10.25-inch digital display with customizable graphics. The facia is also adorned with a touchscreen control display with the same size, granting occupants access to the intuitive seventh-generation BMW Operating System.

System options can be accessed by the iDrive controller and steering wheel buttons or voice control should your hands be busy. Even though there are no guns behind the headlights, the Z4 offers up,  281-litres of luggage capacity whether the roof is up or down.

The cavalry

While both the sDrive20i and the sportier M40i appears to be fairly similar, the M40i compares better to the Bird One rocket in You Only Live Twice; tons of power and consumes anything in its way. The sDrive20i still manages to push your back into the seat with the help of a 2-litre turbocharged petrol motor coupled to an eight-speed Sport Steptronic transmission.

This combination produces 145 kW and 320 N.m and will propel you from 0-100km/h in just 6.6 seconds while the M40i will reach the same speed in 4.5 seconds utilizing the same transmission mated to a 3-litre, straight-six, TwinPower Turbo motor developing 250 kW and 500 N.m of torque. While the M40i will allow for a quicker escape from the bad guys, the sDrive20i will run for much longer returning a combined cycle of 7.8L/100km whereas the M40i returned 9.8L/100km.

Verdict

Both derivatives of the latest generation Z4 impressed me with their looks and performance. While the M40i is a much faster and more precise car, it did leave me more shaken than stirred with the 275/35 R19 rear tyres quickly braking traction during spirited drives. The sDrive20i felt more controllable and easily changes its character from; ferocious sports car to Sunday drop-top cruiser.

If you are looking for the perfect tool to chase baddies on mountain passes, the M40i will accelerate like a Thunderball and easily navigate each corner with its razor-sharp steering. Should you rather be an agent that likes to take it easy with your Bond girl and still have a Licence to Kill, the sDrive20i will do the job just fine. If it was my monies and pennies I would opt for the sDrive20i.

Warranty

The BMW Z4 comes with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty, as well as a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Price

BMW Z4 sDrive20i M Sport – R 808 742

BMW Z4 M40i – R 1 070 199