BMW’s Z4 M Coupé is one of those cars that seem to detest everyday driving. The heavy clutch makes progress in traffic agonizing and the hard suspension gives a spine-compacting ride over the mortar-firing range of potholes that constitute our local roads. The Z4-based M Coupé, which costs R543 000 and will probably be BMW’s final vessel for the legendary 3,2-litre straight six, is an uncompromising driving machine that simply demands to be taken to the track.
BMW’s Z4 M Coupé is one of those cars that seem to detest everyday driving. The heavy clutch makes progress in traffic agonizing and the hard suspension gives a spine-compacting ride over the mortar-firing range of potholes that constitute our local roads. The Z4-based M Coupé, which costs R543 000 and will probably be BMW’s final vessel for the legendary 3,2-litre straight six, is an uncompromising driving machine that simply demands to be taken to the track.
In terms of styling, the Z4 M Coupé cannot be compared with its predecessor; the “Bavarian bread van”. This is one of the few Bangle-inspired BMW’s that has not met with recoiling distaste, the long nose and short muscular rear characteristic of this car are none the worse for the creases and bulges of flame surfacing. This car has a masculine and purposeful look that suits its nature entirely.
Getting into the cabin is easier said than done, but once inside the driver is confronted with a low-slung, cocooning environment with some neat touches. There is no i-Drive nonsense present here, just a satisfyingly uncluttered dash dominated by a swathe of brushed aluminium. The leather seats are well-bolstered and supportive, but legroom for taller drivers is limited. Being ensconced in the Z4 M Coupé gives you the feeling of being more involved with the car, but it has large blind spots that can make joining a lane of fast-flowing traffic a leap of faith.
So much has been said of the iconic 3,2 litre straight-six engine; from its continuously variable valve inlet and exhaust timing to the addictive snarl it emits when provoked. We know it well from its stints in the M3 and Z3 M, but in the Z4 M Coupé this engine has found its true calling. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, this engine delivers 252 kW at 7 900 r/min and 365 N.m torque at 4 900 r/min. Impressive, but when doing service in this car 0-100 km/h is dispatched in just 5,21 seconds on the way to an electronically limited 250 km/h (258 km/h was extracted from this car in the November CAR Magazine road test!).
There is immense grip from the 18-inch rubbers, so traction is quite hard to break. The steering is extremely direct and responds to the slightest input with alacrity while the slick gearbox, stiff springs and high-revving power plant make for an old-school sports car experience. An M diff lock and ASC help reel in the Coupé’s power on the twists with a relatively compliant DSC stability control allowing a fair degree of freedom before making its case for the driver’s self-preservation.
With no traffic, potholes and speed cameras in sight, CAR’s track shoot out sounds like the perfect environment for this Bavarian bruiser to show its competitors what it’s made of!
- A road test of the BMW M Coupé appeared in the November 2006 issue of CAR Magazine. To receive an unabridged copy of the road test by e-mail, access our easy-to-use SMS Road Test service.
- Click here for CARtoday.com’s driving impression of the M Coupé.
