We’ve waited a long time to see the final production version of the BMW Z4, which made its debut as a concept at last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Now the wait is over, as the Z4 has reemerged at the same event a year later in First Edition guise.
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Introducing the new roadster line, the 2019 BMW Z4 M40i First Edition has a striking design. It doesn’t feature the same gravity-defying beauty as the concept, but the production-spec Z4 keeps the most important design details intact. Like the concept, it features a low center of gravity, a long clamshell hood, side gills, and bold body lines across the doors, as well as a rear lip spoiler, rounded back end, and narrow taillights. The roadster has a mesh grille design and lower vents that are much tamer than those on the concept.
BMW says the First Edition model has unique accoutrements. The model receives a Frozen Orange Metallic paint color, 19-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone design, and black mirror caps. The 2019 Z4 First Edition will also include a head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, two high-resolution digital displays, and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Powering the roadster is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. BMW hasn’t finalized output for the production model, but a prototype we drove recently made 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. That’s up considerably from the 335 hp and 332 lb-ft produced by the old Z4 sDrive35is. BMW estimates the new Z4 M40i roadster can hit 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds. In addition to a powerful engine, the model also benefits from an M-tuned sport suspension.
We recently drove a Z4 M40i prototype in France, and we were impressed. After a spin on the track, we wrote, “It only took one blast down the straight and two corners to realize that the Z4 M40i is a genuine sports car.” Considering this was a near-production prototype, we have a good feeling we’ll also like the final version once we get our hands on it.