Price Car BMW Z4 Sdrive35i

BMW Z4 Sdrive35i Design

Just when we thought BMW’s convoluted naming scheme couldn’t get any longer, the company resurrects the “is” suffix and tacks it onto the sDrive35 badge. We're surprised the company didn't call it a Z4 M. Until this year, BMW M cars all had engines distinct from those in standard BMWs, but the X5 M and X6 M which share the guts of their V-8s with more pedestrian BMW models have already crossed that line.

Tuners have proven it time and again: the twin-turbo BMW inline-six is capable of more than the factory-provided 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. BMW is now ready to admit as much, apparently, and has given the engine better intake breathing and higher boost pressure for new output of 335 hp at 5900 rpm and 332 lb-ft from 1500 rpm, with overboost providing quick bursts of 369 lb-ft. A specifically tuned exhaust system is promised to provide a “deep rumble with a focus on the low-frequency sound range.”

BMW Z4 Sdrive35i Interior

M Sport upgrades also adorn the exterior and interior. New front and rear fascias (the latter with an integrated diffuser) give the already attractive car a more aggressive look. Standard wheels are 18-inch five-spokes, with 19s available as an option. The sDrive35is also receives Audi-like silver mirror caps. Inside is a thick M leather steering wheel with the aforementioned shift paddles, an M dead pedal, M door sills, floor mats with colored piping, and sport seats. Interior trim is done in what BMW calls Aluminum Carbon, which supposedly renders the look of a carbon-fiber weave in aluminum.

Pricing has not yet been shared, but we expect a base price similar to that of a fully decked-out sDrive35i about $60K. Options should push the price north of $70K. Sales will begin in the spring of 2010. M badges sold separately.