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BMW Z4 sDrive20i and sDrive28i Preview

CarAdvice has arrived on the Gold Coast for the Australian launch of the new four-cylinder turbocharged additions to BMW's Z4 sports car line-up.

Anthony Crawford

00:0220 December 2011

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The Z4 sDrive20i becomes the new entry-level car in the Z4 model range, replacing the naturally aspirated Z4 sDrive23i. Although the new variant produces 15kW less power than the Z4 sDrive23i, torque increases by 20Nm.

The more powerful Z4 sDrive28i replaces the Z4 sDrive30i using a tuned version of the 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo engine. Although it produces 10kW less power than the outgoing Z4 sDrive30i, torque is up 40Nm, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 5.7 seconds.

Transmissions for the new rear-wheel drive Z4 variants will include a six-speed manual or optional 8-speed automatic.

As previously reported by CarAdvice in September, pricing for the new Z4 variants starts at $76,900 for the Z4 sDrive20i and $89,400 for the Z4 sDrive28i.

Prices have also dropped for the more powerful Z4 sDrive35i models to $107,500 for the 3.0-litre sDrive35i and $120,500 for the 3.0-litre sDrive35is with standard auto transmission.

As with most engine downsizing these days, expect greater fuel efficiency and fewer CO2 emissions, without sacrificing anything in the way of performance.