BMW Z4 G29 vs. 8-Series Cabrio G14

BMW shook the world with the introduction of the new, third-generation, Z4 G29 roadster, and this new model is starting to regain its true form as a no-frills open-top sportscar that caters to even the most discerning car enthusiasts everywhere. So, what's it all about?

2020 BMW Z4

2020 BMW Z4

So this is the all-new BMW Z4 and what's not to like about the all-new model that is better than the previous Z4? The first Z4 is heavily made for the heartthrobs trying to woo the ladies with its sportscar charms that match the macho men of today while the second Z4 takes a more sensible approach with no hardcore stuff in sight. This new Z4 though is starting to return to its true form in new and exciting ways to entice Bimmer drivers that this is the sportscar to go for despite the Axis Powers connection between this car and a certain Japanese maker I can't spit it out until later.

First and foremost, the design, and while it draws inspiration from the concept car as seen from the 2017 Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach, the exterior design feels a bit more toned down compared to the concept but while it has some ups and downs its design process, it still appeals like the first Z4 made and by such demand, the soft-top roof that was absent from the previous model returns and it can be folded up or down in approximately ten seconds even while cruising on residential zones. With or without the roof, the new Z4 really shows its sportscar charisma, making it the ideal head-turner on the road.

2020 BMW Z4 interior

On the inside, the driver-focused interior really matches the Z4's charisma although most speedo boys will be having a hard time getting used to the new dashboard layout, the two-zone climate control, the Harman Kardon surround sound system, ambient lighting, and other high-tech stuff but as long as they're not bothering with any of the dashboard stuff, the true beauty of the Z4 lies within its driving experience.

2020 BMW Z4

The new Z4's starting price is 40.950 Euros for the base sDrive20i Advantage Steptronic, the one with the 197PS 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine mated to an 8-speed Steptronic with 7,3 l/100km of fuel economy on the WLTP scale combined but to get the most out of the new Z4, there's the high-end M40i variant, priced at 60,950 Euros, with the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine producing 340PS of power, 500Nm of torque, and when mated to the same gearbox I mentioned above, it does 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph.

Apart from the engines, the new Z4 is becoming more enjoyable to drive thanks to its new chassis design as well as its new suspension setup comprising of a double-joint spring strut axle at the front and a five-link rear axle, a first for a BMW roadster. With this setup as well as its lightweight design, the optimal weight distribution makes it a more enjoyable car to drive full-stop, not to mention its dramatic braking feel thanks to its lightweight braking system and other useful features, including the Performance Control function. In the M40i variant, however, this is a completely different story thanks to its M Sport differential, Adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes, and high-performance tires stuff like these makes it more like getting jabbed by a sweaty high-school girl several times. That hurts but that experience really makes it special.

So, the new BMW Z4 really is a driver's car that appeals just like the original but drives in a way it hasn't done before but for some gentlemen drivers, the new Z4 is much of a fluke because they had something better than the new Z4.

2019 BMW 8-Series Cabriolet

2019 BMW 8-Series Cabriolet

What this is is the new 8-Series Convertible, an open-top version of what is known to be the successor to the old 6-Series and since today's 8-Series is now based on the current 5-Series, it wasn't made to compete against grand tourers like the Bentley Continental GT. In fact, this is now an unrivaled grand tourer in its class, and for this convertible version, you can expect the same choice of engines as the coupe equivalent but the V8-powered M850i Cabrio with the 530PS 4.4L V8 Bi-Turbo is the only choice they had because the diesel variants are not friendly to European drivers right now.

2019 BMW 8-Series Cabriolet interior

2019 BMW 8-Series Cabriolet interior

Of course, while this is basically heavier not just the hardtop equivalent but also the new Z4 because it has an xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the same 8-speed Steptronic as the new Z4, not to mention every M Sport stuff mentioned above for the M850i variant, the new model chews the Z4 for breakfast, lunch, and tea, not because it has a 0-100kph time of 3,9 seconds but only because it has a lot of traction and grip to cleanly get past the Z4 like it was nothing happened. What a trump card this grand tourer has and unlike the Z4, this has two extra seats in the back but sadly, it's hard to squeeze through, meaning only your peripherals can fit into the rear seats following your trips to the rummage sale.

So, there we are, the 8-Series Cabriolet is by no means the ideal open-top BMW fit for gentlemen drivers everywhere but because of the 108,000 Euro price tag, looks like the Z4 wins because you can afford two for the price of one 8-Series Cabriolet while having some spare change for some stuff to do. 

The new Z4 is all about delivering old-school thrills to its new form while the new 8-Series Convertible is a grand tourer that handles almost everything on the road and on the track but either way, these new models will make the grand tour more interesting in the spring season and we can't blame either of these two for what they are capable of. Still, even though the new 8-Series Convertible's got the muscle for its start dash sensation, the new Z4 is still the best pick not only it's cheaper than the 8-Series Convertible but also much more enjoyable to drive full stop.

Photo: BMW AG