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It’s the edge of winter, and a BMW Z4 convertible is in our testing paddock wearing summer-only tires. No fear, the weather is unseasonably mild and dry, so we had a chance to stretch its legs. This story won’t be focused on specs and numbers. Instead, here are five things that impressed us about the 2023 Z4.
Related Story: BMW 430i Convertible Review - Details Matter
The Top Is Made By Haartz Corp., One of Our Favorite Automotive Suppliers
Massachusetts-based Haartz Corporation supplies the premium top material used to build the convertible top in BMW’s Z4. Luis M. Vasquez, the International Sales Manager at Haartz, is a friend, and he told us a bit about the material. It’s made in the Haartz Mannheim, Germany facility. The material is called Sonnenland A5B/DS, and it is similar to the U.S.-spec Twillfast RPC product the company provides to many U.S.-based vehicles. It is a three-layer material with great acoustical and waterproof properties. Our tester is about a year old, and the material still looks showroom-new.
The Z4 Looks Great Top Up or Top Down
Whichever way the top is secured the Z4 looks fantastic. The gray color of the paint may not have been our first choice, but it is a great match with the black Haartz Sonnenland soft-top material. In person, the Z4 seems way lower and wider than the images portray.
The Z4 Roof Is Super Fast Operating, and There Are Zero Squeaks and Rattles
Convertible tops can really be a bummer if not built right. BMW took the time to get this one right. It goes from open to covering your head in about seven seconds, and the top and side glass up are up and locked in place within 14 seconds of you starting the closing sequence. One big bonus of the soft top is that the trunk is huge. Hard tops take up much more cargo area.
The Z4 Offers Fantastic Ergonomics
If the Z4 is one thing, it is a driver’s car. When you sit inside the Z4 it is absolutely perfect with regard to ergonomics. Your arms are comfortable, and you can see out of it even if you are over six feet tall. The seating position is superb for grand touring. This is as much a luxury touring car as it is a sports car. The ideal balance for real-world use.
The Z4's Price Is a Pleasant Surprise
Our well-appointed media tester had an as-tested price, including the delivery fee of $64,620. Now, we keep it real here at Torque News. We understand that $64K is a LOT of money, but the BMW Z4 is a very unique vehicle. Having tested a lot of $64K-ish EV crossover jelly beans in the past year, we are pleased that BMW is able to offer this special vehicle for a price that has just five digits. Had we guessed its market price before looking, we would have added about $25K to the sticker.
Of course, the Z4 drives splendidly, offers snappy performance, and has BMW’s trademark solidity and quality feel. These are not surprises, but givens. Having had the chance to try this vehicle was something we really appreciated, and thankfully the weather cooperated. If you are a fan of the Z4’s looks, and you like BMW’s performance feel, don't hesitate. Grab a 2023 while you still can.
Image of 2023 BMW Z4 by John Goreham.
John Goreham is an experienced New England Motor Press Association member and expert vehicle tester. John completed an engineering program with a focus on electric vehicles, followed by two decades of work in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive supply chain before becoming a news contributor. In addition to his eleven years of work at Torque News, John has published thousands of articles and reviews at American news outlets. He is known for offering unfiltered opinions on vehicle topics. You can follow John on Twitter, and connect with him at Linkedin.
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