BMW Z4 SDrive18i

The BMW Z4 sDrive18i convertible is the entry-level model in BMW鈥檚 facelifted Z4 range. It uses a lower-output version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine found in the sDrive20i and sDrive28i, resulting in a less expensive list price of 拢27,615. Opting for the sDrive18i saves approximately 拢2100 compared with the previous base model, the sDrive20i, but it also dispenses with some of the kit. Dual-zone climate control and rain-sensing wipers are, for example, optional instead of standard. As well as the new engine option, the facelifted Z4 benefits from small cosmetic tweaks to keep it fresh among rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz SLK. These include white LED 鈥榗orona鈥?rings around the headlamps and a smattering of chrome trim. Under the BMW鈥檚 bonnet, you鈥檒l find a 154bhp 2.0-litre 鈥楾winPower Turbo鈥?engine, which features a single twin-scroll turbo and variable valve lift and cam timing control. Although its modest power output translates to a tame but acceptable 0-62mph time of 7.9sec, its wide spread of torque means that the BMW feels flexible and punchy, even in higher gears.

It sounds moderately potent, too, with frequent flutters from its wastegate, audible turbo spooling and a satisfying burble on overrun. There are no improvements in efficiency, though. Drive is transmitted to the rear by a six-speed manual gearbox. It offers a decent selection of ratios and a short and swift shift action, allowing you to make good use of the power on offer, but its action is baulky and notchy. The car we drove had several options, most notably 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive M Sport suspension, sports seats and a Comfort pack that includes a rear wind deflector. Although the Z4 has sporting pretensions, it doesn鈥檛 quite deliver on the road. The steering is precise and has enough weighting to avoid feeling nervous, and there鈥檚 plenty of grip, but it lacks feedback or consistency as you apply lock. This can make the BMW feel a little disconcerting around high-speed corners. The ride, although firm, is tolerable. The BMW Z4鈥檚 brakes are also strong and progressive, the clutch smooth and the throttle precise and easily modulated. The quality and layout of the cabin is good, too, the kit levels are acceptable and the folding hard-top drops quickly at the press of a button. In terms of usability, the Z4 is excellent. Overall, the BMW Z4 sDrive18i is tempting option. For one thing, its stylish looks garner it plenty of attention. It鈥檚 also quite fun to drive, comfortable, relatively frugal, well built and refined - even with the top down at motorway speeds. It鈥檚 ideal for those more interested in ease of use and appearance than outright performance. Be careful with options, though, or the final price will quickly spiral. You'll pay 拢27,615 for the standard model but our test car, with several options, was priced at 拢36,420.

Set to be unveiled this summer, the two models were previewed the 8-Series concept, but the styling has been notably tamed down even in the M Sport variants seen here. Regardless, the cars have a sporty front fascia with a wide grille, slender headlights and large air intakes with honeycomb mesh inserts. While the coupe and convertible are largely identical, the coupe is the more stylish of the two as it features a sloping roofline, muscular rear fenders and a small rear spoiler. The convertible is slightly less adventurous as the power retractable soft top required a number of changes to the rear end including a flatter trunk lid and a repositioned third brake light. Actually, aside from the 8-Series coupe and convertible you see here in prototype form, BMW will also build a four-door Gran Coupe. Codenamed G16, it was previewed earlier this year with the M8 GC Concept in Geneva. While most of the dash remains hidden in these 8-Series prototypes, we can see it has metallic accents, a stubby gear selector and an iDrive controller with a knurled surround.

Expect the same top-end technology features used in the current 7-Series and then some more, including BMW鈥檚 latest iteration of their autonomous driving system. Engine options will likely carryover from the 7-Series so we can expect a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder developing around 335 hp. There should also be a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 producing 455 hp. Buyers looking for something more powerful can look forward to the M8 which will likely use an upgraded version of the 4.4-liter V8 engine that resides in the M5. The exact output remains unclear but rumors have suggested it could produce between 616 hp and 641 hp. It will be connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission feeding a rear-drive biased xDrive AWD system. There has also been talk about an M Performance variant, a plug-in hybrid model with the iPerformance moniker, and a luxury model with a V12 engine, though the latter seems like a hard sale these days. June 15 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, before the 8-Series makes its public world premiere at the 2018 Paris Auto Show in September. Sales are expected to start later in the fall.