2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe - Luxury, Speed and Perfection in a Car

Few manufacturers can blend performance and luxury as seamlessly as BMW can. While almost every European car maker offers the same features that BMW does, and many offer faster cars, none seem to offer those fast cars with a truly elegant feel. It is this blend of style and substance that has kept BMW in our minds as both a driver's car and as an enthusiasts dream. As an auto reviewer, I place a great emphasis on innovation; when manufacturers strive to improve their product and make an overall enjoyable driving experience, I give them a lot of credit. This makes reviewing the Z4 M Coupe so difficult - BMW really doesn't offer too much innovation, simply because the way they do business sets industry standards. Sure, there is a performance gain, but all in all, it's just another name on a list of perfectly engineered cars. If you're reading this to see if the Z4 M Coupe is worth buying, it absolutely is, as is any BMW in your price range. They are engineering marvels loaded with luxurious features, and you will truly feel like a king of the road inside one. If you're still reading, you're probably wondering what makes it such a great car, and I'm more than happy to share my experience.

First - the body. If Batman were German, he'd order one in black. Smooth and stealthy curves, but nothing too extravagant. It's designed to look fast and draw attention, but the styling doesn't scream for looks like many other sports cars. The color options are fairly standard for BMW, and the non-metallic black, white, and red really give it a very neoclassical feel. Next we come to the interior, which is nothing short of perfect. Comfortable leather sports seating, with options that make the drive even more regal, and several choice of dashboard trim allow you to make the Z4 truly your own. The interior is lacking in one respect, and that is the lack of a heads-up display. If BMW would introduce this option on to all of their models, I could guarantee that my next lease or purchase would be one of theirs. Although this is not a fault of the M Coupe, I really am disappointed that it wasn't offered.

Of course, looks and luxury are only half of what makes the M Coupe. The M-Series has long upheld the standard of high quality performance, and the 2007 iteration doesn't break tradition. The 3.2 liter inline six engine boasts 330 horsepower and is more than a capable contender at the autocross. Rear-wheel drive is great, but once again, I feel that if BMW would have offered all-wheel as an option the car would have felt a little more complete. Not exactly a fault, just a hope for the future.

For around $60,000 you can have the car fully loaded; a value by any means. However, it's not a family vehicle, and it's not an auto for someone who has a lot of things to carry day-in-day-out. It's a recreational car for sports enthusiasts and folks that just want to have a fun ride, and in this respect, it excels with flying colors.