AutoExpress Test Drive: BMW Z4 sDrive23i

For those of us that live in the U.S., BMW is offering only two choices when it comes to the new BMW Z4 roadster: the entry-model, sDrive30i and the more powerful, sDrive35i.

We recently had the opportunity to drive sDrive30i model and our review should be up tomorrow, but what we won’t have for a while is the opportunity to drive an European only model, like the sDrive23i that is available in the United Kingdom as well.

The UK based fellows at AutoExpress decided to go back and this time drive their entry model as well, especially since they were highly impressed with the sDrive35i they have previously tested. Has the sDrive23i lived up to their expectations? We shall find out next.

This UK-spec model provides the answer. It’s fitted with the entry-level 201bhp 2.5-litre straight-six engine, which revs sweetly all the way to 7,000rpm and produces a tuneful exhaust note.

Our example was also equipped with the optional M Sport adaptive suspension. This gives a choice of Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings, selected through the Drive Dynamic Control (DDC) function. DDC applies the same modes to the throttle response and steering weight.

The standard ride setting on the previous Z4 compares to Sport+ here. And in Normal and Sport, refinement is vastly improved – during our run, the springs soaked up the worst the UK’s roads could muster, instantly making the BMW feel like a more grown-up car.

Full Review

4 Responses to “AutoExpress Test Drive: BMW Z4 sDrive23i”

Carlos Perez says:

May 26, 2009 at 9:45 pm

The sdrive23i is going to be sold in mexico as well at 55k

Andys120 says:

May 28, 2009 at 8:46 am

I an not happy about the annoying pop-up ad that obscures pictures on this site these days. I refuse to patronize any company that runs such ads (they cannot be clicked off!)

I would suggest that you are driving traffic away from your otherwise valuable blog by accepting this type of pop-up

- Horatiu B. says:
  
  May 28, 2009 at 9:24 am
  
  Andy, I think you’re refering to the sidebar longer ad….don’t worry….some things will change today, so trust, hang in there and the entire user experience will go to another level very very soon
  
Matt Stokes says:

May 28, 2009 at 9:20 am

@Andys120: What pop-up ads? I’ve been using the site for a while now, and I’ve not noticed an pop-ups and certainly nothing that obscures any content?