RECENTLY unveiled by the distributor of BMW in the Philippines were the latest Z4 and 3 Series models. The Z4 comes in two variants. The 3 Series is available in only one — and it is pricier than one of the Z4 variants.
Brought to the country by SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. were the third-generation Z4 M40i and the Z4 sDrive20i, as well as the seventh-generation 330i M Sport.
Powering the Z4 M40i is a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that makes 340hp and 500Nm. The Z4 sDrive20i gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 197hp and 320Nm. Both are fitted with gasoline particulate filters to reduce emissions. They also have twin-scroll turbochargers.
Sending the engines’ power to the rear wheels is an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The new droptop Z4 is longer, wider and taller than the model it replaced. But its wheelbase has been reduced by 26 millimeters, which BMW said makes the car more agile.
Fitted to the Z4 M40i are the adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes and electronically controlled M Sport differential. Also standard to this variant are 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch alloys available as an option. The Z4 sDrive20i uses 17-inch wheels. Both cars have selectable chassis settings: Comfort, Sport and Sport+.
For its part, the 330i M Sport is propelled by a four-cylinder 2.0-liter gasoline engine putting out 258hp and 400Nm. A Steptronic transmission also bolts to the engine, sending the engine’s output to the rear wheels (which measure 17 inches in diameter).
Like the new Z4, the latest-generation 3 Series is larger in every dimension compared to the model it replaced. It is also equipped with driver-assist systems like the BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional and Gesture Control. As an M Sport variant, the 330i have more aggressive bumpers and aero pieces.
The 330i M Sport costs P4.590 million. In comparison, the Z4 sDrive20i is priced at P3.990 million. The Z4 M40i sells for P5.790 million.
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