Introduction

Teased in concept form at last year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the USA, the latest Z4 is intended to be more driver focussed than its predecessor, with a central sitting position, low centre of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution.

The BMW Z4 M40i First Edition is powered by a six-cylinder petrol engine producing 340PS, and comes with electronically controlled dampers, M Sport brakes and an electronically controlled M Sport differential to aid traction. BMW claims it will take just 4.6 seconds to hit 62mph.

Based on a new platform co-developed with Toyota, which will also underpin the new Supra when it arrives in 2019. The Z4 will also share a factory with the Supra, being built in Graz in Austria.

Despite being slightly larger than the old Z4, the new model is expected to be marginally lighter than its predecessor.

The design is intended to 'underscore the driver-oriented cockpit styling', says BMW, with that traditional long Z4 bonnet stretching out over the front wheels, large air breathers on the front arches and a rear spoiler integrated into the rear boot lid. 

Staying away from a heavy folding hard top roof, the Z4 uses an electrically operated textile roof. Lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels complete the sporty look.

The interior of the First Edition features black leather trim, electrically adjustable seats with memory function, ambient lighting and a Harman Kardon surround sound system. Adaptive LED headlights with matrix function for the high beam are standard, while BMW's head-up display features for the first time in a roadster.