While we are all waiting for the next-generation Z4, it looks like BMW->ke178 has slid in a refreshed version for the 2014 model year for good measure. The model has been caught testing in many times and now it will be making its world debut in January 2013 at the Detroit Auto Show.

BMW’s decision to update for the current generation Z4 Roadster shouldn’t be a big surprise to anyone. First, the current-gen Z4 has been on the market since 2009 and secondly, a final decision on a third-generation Z4 is still to be made.

Of course, the updates on the 2014 Z4 aren’t very impressive; in fact, the U.S. market will be the only one not receiving the biggest update -- a new entry-level model that features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. Other updates will be limited to the exterior, and will include updated LED headlights and two new set of wheels… That’s pretty much it!

Updated 12/18/2012: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

Updated 12/26/2012: BMW has unveiled two very cool video for their new Z4 Roadster set to be revealed in Detroit. The new video show the car in action, but also a few exterior and interior design elements.

2014 BMW Z4

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 BMW Z4
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 240
  • Torque: 260
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The facelift given to the 2014 BMW Z4 isn’t much of a facelift at all, so you will recognize the tiny roadster and its sweeping hood, long wheelbase, low beltline and low-slung rear. Just like the previous model, the 2014 Z4 will come with the same low seating position that will offer both the driver and passenger the possibility to feel more in touch with the road.

The Z4’s roof will come in two versions -- a standard hardtop roof and an optional BMW Individual hardtop that’s available in two contrast colors, Jet Black and Titanium Silver metallic. Both can be operated at speeds up to 25 mph and can be open or closed in just 19 seconds.

Up front, the model will be distinguished by its distinctive four round headlights. The distinctive four round headlights team up with the broad BMW kidney grille and turn signal indicators that now feature a chrome-colored surround. BMW is also offering a newly designed, tapered surround for the side indicators. The 2014 Z4 comes with standard Xenon headlights, and LED lights are an available option.

The 2014 BMW Z4 can be ordered in 14 exterior colors, including three new ones: Mineral Grey metallic, Glacier Silver metallic and Valencia Orange metallic. The latter color is only available with an optional Hyper Orange package that replaces the previously available Citrus Yellow Package. There is also a new set of 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a new V-Spoke design.

Interior

On the inside, the new updates include high-gloss black surrounds for the central air vents and the iDrive control system. Selected trim levels are being offered with exquisite Fineline Anthracite wood, while the sDrive28i, sDrive35i and the sDrive35is offered with Kansas leather trim.

Standard features:

-Driving Experience Control with three modes: COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+

-Xenon headlights

-Automatic climate control

-Heated glass rear window

-Soft Close Automatic function for the boot lid and runflat tires

-Z4 sound system that includes: CD player, AUX-IN socket and 11 loudspeakers.

Assistance systems:

-High Beam Assistant

-Park Distance Control

-Control Display

-iDrive Controller

-Real Time Traffic Information

-BMW TeleServices

-BMW Remote Services

-Concierge Services

-Automatic Collision Notification

Packages

Hyper Orange package:

-Energy-charged contrast of black and orange

-Bespoke Alcantara door panel trim

-Black leather seats with contrast stitching in Valencia Orange and an accent stripe running down the central section of the backrests and seat cushions

-Metal weave trim strip

-Further decorative elements in high-gloss black for the door openers and the gearshift or selector lever

M Sport package

-Adaptive M suspension

-18-inch M light-alloy wheels

-M aerodynamics package with large air intakes in the front wing and a rear bumper inlay painted Anthracite metallic

-Sports seats

-M leather steering wheel

-M driver’s footrest

-M door sill finishers

-Anthracite-colored roof liner

-Aluminum Carbon trim strip

-M leather gear lever knob and grey dials for the instrument cluster

Engine

In the U.S. market, the 2014 BMW Z4 will come with a choice of three engines: one four-cylinder and two inline-six-cylinders. The base version -- the sDrive28i – will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 240 horsepower and a peak torque of 260 pound-feet. It will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, and deliver a fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

Next, there is the sDrive35i powered by an N54 TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine with an output of 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. It will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds, and deliver 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Finally, the top version -- sDrive35is -- gets an updated version of the N54 TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine with an output of 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet. It will hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The base model can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic, while the two sDrive35i models will only come with a 7-speed DCT.

In the European, market BMW has also added a new entry-level version that gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers a total of 154 horsepower and a peak torque of 177 pound-feet. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic gearbox and will sprint the car from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 137 mph.

U.S. Driveline Specifications:

ModelEngineHorsepowerTorqueAcceleration (0-60 mph)MPG
sDrive28i 2.0-liter four-cylinder 240 horsepower 260 pound-feet 5.5 seconds 22 mpg city / 34 mph highway
sDrive35i 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder 300 horsepower 300 pound-feet 5 seconds 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
sDrive35is 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder 335 horsepower 332 pound-feet 4.8 seconds TBD


Prices

The 2014 BMW Z4 will go on sale in the spring of 2013. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The list of competitors for the Z4 Roadster remains unchanged and includes the Audi TT and the Nissan Nismo 370Z Roadster. The TT lineup has the advantage of offering a TT-RS roadster that delivers a little bit more power than the sDrive35is: it is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with an output of 360 horsepower that makes it a little bit faster than the Z4: a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds.

The Nissan 370Z Roadster -- a model placed on the top of our favorite sports roadster -- is powered by a 3.7-liter VQ-series V-6 engine that delivers a total of 350 horsepower at 7,400 rpm with 276 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm.

Conclusion

The 2014 BMW Z4 Roadster comes with no big surprises, and the only semi-big change offered will not be available in the U.S. market. That makes us wonder what the point of the big teasing session was. The Z4 is a pretty amazing roadster, but for less money you can get the same performance figures numbers and a better look, like the Nissan 370Z, for example, which has already proven itself a reliable substitute for high-end German roadsters.