It\'s Official: BMW Releases the BMW Z4 sDrive35iS

Over the past several months we have been showing you spy shots and telling you about a rumored performance oriented version of the Z4. We ‘re happy to report that our sources were correct as today BMW officially launched the Z4 sDrive35is.

This new version just happens to be the one we would want (though we still would like a solid roof) because of the performance upgrades. It builds on the already well liked E89 Z4 by stepping it up a notch in areas that we enthusiast may have been a bit disappointed by. On paper this car looks like it addresses all of our initial concerns (see our review on the right of this page) with the original steering, suspension, and power. BMW is bringing the “S ” back!

The horsepower of the N54 bi-turbo inline six has been up tuned to 335 hp and 332 lb-ft (367 lb-ft in overboost under full load) and is said to take the car from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds. The exhaust note is tuned to a deeper sportier sound, something that is welcomed news to our ears.

The electric power steering has been reprogrammed to impart greater feedback as has the 7 speed Double Clutch Transmission to allow for more aggressive shifts and a launch control.

The Z4sDrive35is also features an M Sport aerodynamics kit, M Sport wheels and M adaptive suspension (featuring adjustable damping and a lowered ride height). Completing the package are the M Sport accouterments throughout the interior. One thing that just is not sitting right with us is that this car come with silver mirror caps…. at BimmerFile we think of that as an “S ” from a company that likes putting engines in front of the wheels. But stranger things have eventually grown on us.

While this car will perform and look great it will also do it efficiently. The BMW Efficient Dynamics inner workings on this sportier model actually allow it to have the same EPA numbers as its tamer twin turbo sibling. Brake energy regeneration (recently launched in the US with the 5 Series Gran Turismo) helps improves overall efficiency.

The M Sport Package

Also released today (and available this spring) is the optional M Sport package. Like other M Sport packages, the Z4 ‘s will offer exterior and interior features seen on the Z4 35is but with different wheels and rear defuser.