Skip advert
Advertisement
Long term tests

BMW Z4 sDrive 35i

A short spell with the Nissan 370Z highlighted the BMW Z4's high standard of cabin construction

Having spent ten days with Henry’s 370Z recently, it was great to get back into the Z4’s cabin. The Nissan’s interior may not be low rent, but the BM’s is in another league. It’s far more elegant for a start, from the sweeping lines of the dash to the asymmetric door pulls (the passenger has fewer switches in their armrest, so they get a bigger handle), and the fit and finish are impeccable, as you’d expect. Meanwhile, the driving position can be tailored perfectly to your requirements (the lack of reach adjustment for the 370Z’s wheel just drove me nuts), and absolutely everything you press, pull, push or turn is wonderfully tactile – even flicking the lights to full-beam is a pleasure.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Perhaps the only thing I missed from the 370Z’s cabin was the silver button marked ‘S-mode’, but the Z4 even has an answer to that: perfectly positioned pedals that make heel ‘n’ toeing a more intuitive activity than in any other car I can think of. Maybe BMW has got it all covered after all…

Running Costs

Date acquiredJune 2009
Total mileage10,714
Costs this month£9.99 (oil)
Mileage this month1821
MPG this month27.1
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again
Toyota GR Yaris with aero pack
News

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again

We’re not getting the option of an Aero Performance pack in the UK. We’re still poring over the details, though
12 Sep 2025