ROADSTERS have played an important role in BMW’s history and the all-new 2019 BMW Z4 is set to write another chapter in their open-top story.

Since the birth of the first example, the BMW 328, all BMW roadsters have shared common proportions and design principles – long bonnet, low, set-back driving position, long wheelbase and short overhangs.

The new BMW Z4 is no different. It shares all of those traditional principles, but takes the roadster experience to the next level with a focus on agility, dynamic performance and precise handling thanks to the high rigidity of the body structure and chassis mountings, the intelligent lightweight design and optimised aerodynamic properties.

A powerfully sculpted front apron with large air intakes, a low, broad BMW kidney grille and headlights positioned at the outer edges ensure there is no mistaking the car from the front.

There is a choice of one non-metallic and eight metallic shades for the car’s exterior paintwork but the soft-top roof comes in black as standard and Anthracite with silver effect as an option.

It is electrically operated and can be opened or closed in the space of ten seconds, even while travelling at speeds up to 31mph.

The cabin of the new BMW Z4 has been improved to reflect the new driving dynamics and comfort from within the car.

It is upholstered in Vernasca leather as standard on all models and comes in a choice of four colours. Heated seats are also fitted to all BMW Z4s for the ultimate open-top driving comfort.

Boot capacity is 281 litres whether the soft-top is open or closed – an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to the outgoing model. Powering the new Z4 will be a choice of BMW’s latest turbocharged petrol engines.

The new BMW Z4 M40i features a straight-six unit with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology delivering up to 340hp.

The M40i can sprint from zero to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and has a combined fuel consumption of 33.2mpg, equating to CO2 emissions of 165g/km.

The choice of engines for the new Z4 is rounded off by a pair of new 2.0 litre four-cylinder units.

Under the bonnet of the BMW Z4 sDrive30i delivers its maximum of 258hp the result is a zero to 62mph sprint time of 5.4 seconds.

Combined fuel consumption of 37.7-38.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 138g/km. The maximum output of 197hp developed by the BMW Z4 sDrive20i propels the car to 62mph from rest in 6.6 seconds.

The new BMW Z4 sDrive20i burns an average of 38.7-39.8mpg and produces CO2 emissions of 138g/km.

The BMW Z4 is available now with on-the-road prices starting from £36,990.