Detroit show: Mild facelift for BMW Z4

BMW has applied a smattering of small updates to the Z4 roadster and will offer more customisation options such as contrasting roof colours when facelifted models arrive Down Under early in the third quarter of this year.

The minor cosmetic interior and exterior tweaks were unveiled at this week’s Detroit motor show, where the Z4 was displayed along with exciting new BMW metal including the 4 Series and fire-breathing M6 Gran Coupe.

Z4 updates include new LED headlights, redesigned vents on the front guards, additional gloss black interior trim, new alloy wheel styles and additional colour schemes including the Valencia Orange first seen on the 1 Series M Coupe.

However, the most significant change – a new engine option that creates the new sDrive18i variant – is not coming to Australia.

It is based around a 115kW low-blow version of the N20 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that powers the 20i and 28i variants.

BMW Australia product communications manager Scott Croaker told GoAuto a new Z4 Design Pure Traction package, which adds a bit of flash with black and orange interior highlights plus contrast stitching and piping, will be available here.

He said the pack “creates a whole new character for the car, which is different to what we’ve had previously”, and explained that the minor Z4 update is “more about being able to express the character of the car than changing the car itself”.

BMW Australia is also considering the introduction of Limited Edition Lifestyle versions of the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible, which were also shown at Detroit.

An exclusive Mineral White metallic exterior paint finish, special grille ornamentation with white and chrome slats, chrome window surrounds, two-tone 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, and matte black or black chrome exhaust tips identify the special editions.

Inside is Tobacco leather seat and steering wheel coverings with white contrast stitching, heated front seats, Fineline Stream wood trim, an anthracite-coloured roof liner, special colour-coordinated floor mats and Limited Edition sill plates.

The Convertible also gains an exclusive brown roof with silver pigmentation.

Mr Croaker said these variants, which serve to pique interest in a model close to the end of its lifecycle, would be available here in small quantities if the decision was made to import them.