BMW Z4 production ends ahead of Z5 launch

The BMW Z4 has ceased production, the manufacturer has confirmed to Autocar, paving the way for the Z5 to be revealed in mid-2018.

The second-generation two-seat Z4 roadster was first launched in 2009 and cost from around £30,000 to £40,000.

The new Z4 has now been revealed - take a look here

However, while the E89 was likeable it didn't live up rivals like the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK because of its poor ride and handling.

BMW has now predictably pulled the plug on the model in preparation for the launch of its new sports car which has been developed on a new platform with Toyota.

The Z4 was available with a 2.0-litre petrol engine with outputs of 181bhp or 242bhp. There was also a six-cylinder 201bhp 2.5-litre powerplant, as well as a 3.0-litre engine in three states of tune: 255bhp, 302bhp and 335bhp.

The first generation Z4 replaced the Z3 in 2002 and was originally a soft-top. The second-generation model came with a folding hard-top roof, but the final model of the latest generation has rolled off BMW’s Bavarian production line today.

The Z4’s successor, the Z5, remains on course to be revealed in the middle of 2018 and is being co-developed with Toyota along with a new Supra successor which will launch soon after.

We’ve spotted the Z5 out testing recently and revealed that it could gain hybrid technology, and while the Z4 was rear-wheel drive only the Z5 could get optional all-wheel drive. 

The prototypes spotted testing also suggest the Z5 will revert to the soft-top convertible look of the first-generation Z3.