BMW Z4 review - Practicality & boot space
The BMW Z4 proves a lot less compromised than many rivals when it comes to daily use
The BMW Z4 compares well against the Porsche Boxster and Alpine A110 when it comes to interior space and comfort, and represented a big improvement over the previous model, too. However, many will find the Z4 represents too much of a compromise over a BMW 4 Series Convertible, and the relatively small 52-litre fuel tank means top-ups may be frequent.
BMW Z4 interior space & storage
BMW says that the front seat runners allow 23mm more fore/aft adjustment than the last car to carry the Z4 badge, and that should mean it suits a wider range of driver sizes. The seats are manually adjustable on most models, although the M40i's seats are powered as standard. M Sport seats also offer pneumatic backrest width adjustment.
Of course, the Z4 is a strict two-seater, so you can forget carrying more than one passenger, however small they might be. As a daily driver, the Z4 is no less versatile than the Porsche 718 Boxster, but a conventional convertible will inevitably fit more neatly with most family routines. It's worth mentioning, too, that the Z4's roof can open or close in just 10 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph, so you can safely operate it while in traffic or waiting at traffic lights with a single button press.
Boot space
When it came to carrying weekend-away luggage, the previous generation Z4 was rather hamstrung by its hefty, heavy roof mechanism. The latest car, though, has a simple folding canvas roof that still leaves you with a decent-sized boot even when it's stowed away.
There's 281 litres of space in all, and the option of a ski hatch to lets longer items pass through to the passenger compartment. While it might not sound a lot, it compares well to the Mercedes SL’s 213-litre boot and it will take bigger items than the two separate luggage compartments the Porsche 718 Boxster can offer – even if the latter's 275-litre total is a near match for overall luggage volume.
