2019 BMW Z4 debuts in the ASEAN region

ABU DHABI: The 3rd generation BMW Z4 made its international appearance in August last year. Now, at the 40th Bangkok International Motor Show, it was time for the Z4 to break cover for South East Asia. This comes straight after the Toyota GR Supra’s introduction in Thailand. For those who are not aware, the 2020 Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 share the same platform and share the same assembly line.

The new BMW Z4 is a true roadster with its long bonnet and short rear end look. The design of old Z4 is long gone, but you still have signature BMW traits (like the large kidney grille in the front). The new Z4 has very angular bumpers with big air intakes lower down, even the headlights have a sleek vertically upswept design. This is unique on the Z4 as it is not seen on other BMW models. Moving to the rear, the slim air outlets on either side of the bumper draw your attention while the LED taillights are reminiscent of the 8 Series Coupe.

In a bid to save weight, the metal roof from the older Z4 is replaced by a soft top one. Sadly, there will be no hardtop version of the new Z4, the Supra is probably your safest bet if you want one. Jump inside the all-new Z4 and you are greeted with a driver-focused cabin, where the centre stack is tilted slightly. An all-digital instrument panel makes its way to the new Z4, similar to many new BMW models.

We are not sure what specifications will make it to our region, but in Thailand, the Z4 will be available in M40i and sDrive30i variants. The top of the line M40i is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight 6 engine making 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque. The less powerful 30i version gets its power from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder unit which produces 258 PS. An 8-speed automatic gearbox is standard on all the variants of the new Z4. Official pricing for Thailand comes in at THB 3,999,000 (AED 462,500 approx) for the Z4 sDrive30i Msport while the Z4 M40i costs THB 4,999,000 (AED 578,280 approx). These details should give us an idea of what to expect when the Z4 finally lands on our shores.