2023 BMW Z4 public Review

In recent years, the market for two-door convertible sports cars in Malaysia has gradually returned to the niche players' vision. Consumers are no longer just focused on high horsepower figures but are more concerned about the balance between daily driving and the joy of open-air motoring—this is precisely the core positioning of the 2023 BMW Z4 Public. As a model emphasizing "a convertible sports car suitable for daily commuting," it not only retains the sporty genes of the Z series but has also been optimized for practicality. In this test drive, we will see whether it truly balances driving pleasure and daily usability.

The exterior of the 2023 Z4 Public continues the family-style dual-kidney grille design but with a more compact size, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, making the overall front look refined and aggressive. The side profile of the car has smooth lines, with a waistline that stretches from the front fender to the rear, accentuating its muscular look. When the soft-top is retracted, the roofline blends naturally with the rear, avoiding the abrupt look common with hardtops. At the rear, the LED taillights feature a smoked design, and the dual round exhaust layout on both sides enhances its sporty character. Notably, the car is available in six color options, including Snow White and Melbourne Red, with the matte-finished Coastal Blue being newly added, offering high recognition.

Stepping inside, the first thing noticeable is the center console layout oriented toward the driver, with all core buttons within easy reach. The interior materials primarily consist of soft-touch plastics and Alcantara, with stitched trim on the door panels and seats to create a sense of luxury. The 10.25-inch central control screen is equipped with the iDrive 7.0 system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a fluid operation consistent with BMW's usual standards. The seats are of a sporty design with good side bolstering, and they also feature electric adjustments and heating functions, offering sufficient convenience for daily use.

In terms of vehicle dimensions, the Z4 Public measures 4,324mm in length, 1,864mm in width, and 1,304mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,470mm. Although the wheelbase is not particularly long, the front-row seating space performs well. After adjusting the seat, a passenger with a height of 175cm still has a fist's worth of headroom. In terms of storage space, the front cup holders can be folded away, and the central armrest compartment has a capacity of about 5L, sufficient to hold items like a phone and a wallet. When the soft-top is stowed, the trunk volume decreases from 281L to 180L; it can fit two carry-on suitcases for daily use, but long trips may require additional luggage capacity. There are no seats in the rear, which is instead designed as a storage platform with limited practicality.

As for power, the Z4 Public is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power output of 190 horsepower and a peak torque of 320Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic manual transmission. During daily driving, the power output in standard mode is smooth, with brisk starts and linear throttle response, making it suitable for city commuting. When switched to sport mode, throttle sensitivity increases, and the transmission downshifts more proactively when the accelerator is deeply pressed, providing a noticeable pushback during mid-range acceleration, with ample confidence for overtaking. At highway speeds, while cruising at 120 km/h, the engine speed remains at around 1,800 rpm, with good noise control.

The handling performance is one of the highlights of the Z4 Public. The steering wheel is precise, with minimal play, and clear directional accuracy. The car body follows well during cornering. The chassis features front double-joint spring strut suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension. It is tuned for sportiness with strong support. Although not particularly smooth when passing over speed bumps, it does not feel loose. Body roll is well-controlled in corners, and stability when cornering at high speeds is good. In terms of braking, the 100km braking distance is about 36 meters, performing excellently. The brake pedal offers linear feedback, providing ample confidence.

In the fuel consumption test, we drove 100km on a route that was 50% urban congestion and 50% highway cruising. The average fuel consumption was approximately 7.8L/100km, which aligns with the average level for vehicles in the same class. Regarding noise control, wind and tire noise are not noticeable below 60 km/h. However, wind noise gradually increases when the speed exceeds 100 km/h but remains within an acceptable range. When the soft-top convertible is open, in-cabin wind noise becomes significantly more prominent, so it is recommended to close the top when driving above 80 km/h.

Overall, Z4 Public's core advantages lie in its balanced driving performance and good day-to-day practicality. Compared to its class competitor, the Porsche 718 Cayman, it is more budget-friendly, and its convertible design is more appealing. Compared to the Audi TT Roadster, its power response and handling are more superior. However, its rear storage space is limited, and its luggage capacity for long trips is average, making it more suitable for individuals or young couples who prioritize driving pleasure.

If you enjoy the convertible driving experience, mostly commute in urban areas, go on short weekend trips, and also have certain expectations for handling, the Z4 Public will be a good choice. It retains BMW's sporty genes while achieving a balance between comfort and practicality, without overly sacrificing day-to-day usability for performance. All in all, the 2023 BMW Z4 Public is a versatile convertible sports car that meets the needs of most niche consumers.