2019 BMW Z4 M40i First Edition revealed at Pebble Beach

The much-anticipated new BMW Z4 has finally been revealed after a long wait, with its reveal at Pebble Beach also serving as the announcement of its first variant.

The version being shown to audiences at time of writing is the 250kW BMW Z4 M40i First Edition, which utilises BMW’s turbo straight six-cylinder engine.

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The new Z4 is claimed to have a “perfectly balanced” 50:50 weight distribution, though BMW supplies no weight figure for the roadster. Its Toyota Supra cousin, which is still yet to be completely revealed to the public ‘undisguised’, is expected to weigh just under 1500kg.

BMW claims the Z4 M40i will hit 100km/h from a standstill in just 4.6 seconds, which puts it on par with the likes of the similarly powerful M140i and M240i, both using the same 3.0-litre donk with 500Nm, a figure we wouldn’t be surprised to see attributed to the Z4 M40i.

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Electronically controlled dampers, M Sport brakes, and an electronic M Sport limited-slip differential add to the Z4 M40i’s sporting credentials, though images confirm that an 8-speed auto is likely to be the only transmission option.

After leaks revealed the BMW Z4 would look rather different to its concept sketched through patent renderings and some sneaky photos shared on Instagram, the actual design of the Z4 as seen at Pebble Beach shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who’s been watching the story develop.

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Its similarities to the ‘standard’ BMW design has riled a few vocal complaints from apparent BMW customers, who were hoping for a more daring look as the concept suggested.

Stay tuned as we await local pricing, specification, and expected arrival for BMW’s new two-seat roadster.