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The overall gesture of the feature lines on the 2009 BMW Z4 still stays true with a nice similarity to its conceptual older brother. Proportions equate from the formula of a long bonneted, two seated roadster.
With the sharp body line that shoots through from the door handle to the front lamp, and the hip crease that bounces to the tail lights, reminds us again of its roots. Similarly, the light catcher on the lower portion of the body side to the previous makes a good comparison as iconic features of a Z4. We can thank Chris Bangle (at the time, Head of BMW Design) for ‘flame’ surfacing.

Z4 - Contrast Accentuated Peaked Creases

However, sheered surfaces made with over accentuated peaked creases (where it makes an increased contrast of light and shadow) does not seem to have the feel of the successful ‘actual’ sheered surface of the previous showings. Furthermore, the front fascia has been cluttered with an over detailing that makes the whole car just seem a bit too complicated and obviously production-like. They should have taken more styling cues from the BMW CS Concept’s corporate face.

Z4 - Front Grille Detail

As a design, without the comparison, it’s detailing of the front does compliment the bonnet though the directional swoop of lines. In turn, the bonnet, when viewed from the side, compliments the body with its sympathetic curve to the earlier mentioned feature body line, thus creating that feeling of BMW’s frequent restrained aggressive look. The rear of the car makes for great viewing, specifically around the deck lid as it looks like a clean, more refined progression through simplification, of ideas from the BMW 6 Series. An interesting rear fascia design to (what it seems) accommodate the number plate is quite interesting in a very neutral sense if you come from the view of designing a car with its number plates.

Z4 - Rear details around plates

It seems that the overall styling direction has created a more aggressive, almost frustrated grrrrrrowl compared to the striking ‘slap in the face’ of the more conceptual model of past. The things that really stand out are the headlights that are logically themed from the style from the Z4’s other family members and the surface lift under the headlights that brings the body side surface across the front fender and to the front of the car, pushing it’s hungry looking grille forward (watch out bugs!). A more concave surface on the rear fender to wheel arch alludes to a tighter agile figure and with the hints of muscular pronunciation on the bonnet suggests something more athletic lives under its skin, drawing away from the poor handling of the previous Z4.

There is one thing that is unexplained…where did that 45 degree angle slash across the body side go from that production ‘concept car’?… bring it back!

Z4 - Previous model (inset) - Grrrrr!