BMW Z4 sDrive35is – Australian pricing

When the BMW Z4 sDrive35is was announced it was remarkable how many of the car’s key stats were on par with the Audi TT RS. Well now we can add another one—price. With a starting list price of $129,900 the top range Z4 is a few grand cheaper than the TT RS. In regards to power and torque, both cars offer 250kW and 450Nm.

The Z4, though, includes a few party tricks in its kit to help it trump the TT RS. On paper, anyway. The sDrive35is can momentarily utlilise an overboost function on the 3.0 litre straight six twin turbo engine to push torque to a peak figure of 500Nm. While Audi is known for their S tronic double clutch gearbox it is an optional extra on the TT RS. With BMW’s new hero roadster a 7-speed DCT is all yours with the standard asking price.

Making the most of that nifty DCT is a launch control feature which should make it a doddle to perform repeated sprints to 100km/h in BMW’s claim of 4.8 seconds.

Helping to differentiate the most expensive Z4 in the range from its cheaper models is a tiny little “s” at the end of the model designation. Seeing as most punters will probably miss that you best point out the aluminium wing mirrors. Y’know, just like on the TT RS. Also, there is a more aggressive front spoiler, part of a more comprehensive M Sport Package.

After driving the Z4 range earlier this year AUSmotive is pretty sure the chassis can handle the extra kilowatts on offer from that little s. Of course, BMW has no doubts that it can, and you can read their spiel after the jump.

BMW Announces Pricing for New Range-Topping Z4 sDrive35is

BMW Australia today announced pricing for its new high-performance Z4 Roadster, which has now joined the Australian model line-up.

Priced from $129,900, the BMW Z4 sDrive35is sits atop the current Z4 range, which consists of the Z4 sDrive35i, the Z4 sDrive30i and the Z4 sDrive23i.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is features a modified straight-six twin turbo engine with high precision injection technology with an output of 250 kW. Accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, the roadster’s performance time is identical to the six-speed manual BMW M3 Coupé. Peak torque is 450 Newton-metres, increasing briefly to 500 Newton-metres courtesy of an overboost function.

The new hero model for the Z4 range is fitted with BMW’s seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission which includes a launch control function. The unique M Sport Package features a particularly aggressive-looking aerodynamics kit and includes adaptive suspension which lowers the car by 10 millimetres.

An exclusive 18’ Star-Spoke option is also now standard. And unique floormats, embroided with the BMW Z4 sDrive35is model-designation, complete the sporting appeal of the range-topping roadster.

Despite increased performance, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are identical to that of the 225 kW Z4 sDrive35i, exemplifying the BMW EfficientDynamics ethos of reducing emissions whilst improving performance.

The roadster is also equipped standard with BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration and Electric Power Steering.

BMW Group Australia managing director, Stavros Yallouridis, says the new hero roadster would extend demand for the BMW Z4 which has dominated the segment since its introduction in May 2009.

“The Z4 is already recognised as a design icon and a triumph of engineering. Now in the form of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is, Australian performance enthusiasts can enjoy the ultimate BMW roadster experience,” he says.

The new BMW Z4 sDrive35is is available now in local BMW showrooms.