What BMW is displaying at the show

BMW Z4

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Tech specs

Price range: $62,450 – TBD

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo; 3.0-litre straight-six turbo

Transmission/drive: Eight-speed automatic/rear-wheel

Why it matters: The all-new Z4 cabriolet is making its national debut.

BMW made its reputation on small, sporty, fun-to-drive cars such as this. For a little while, the brand seemed to have forgotten that mission, but between the new Z, the hooligan M2 Competition and the sporty new 3 Series, it seems BMW’s engineers have embraced the joy of making fun cars again.

The top-spec model makes 382 horsepower, which is a lot for a little rear-wheel drive machine such as this. It gets from zero to 100 kilometres an hour in 4.5 seconds. The four-cylinder model only has 255 hp, but the lighter motor should make it feel more nimble.

You’d never guess by looking at it, but Toyota’s long-anticipated Supra is based on the Z4. It will be interesting to compare the two as they both land in Canada this year.

The Z4 arrives during a busy year for the Munich-based company. Hans Blesse, president and chief executive of BMW Group Canada, called this, “the largest product launch offensive in BMW’s history.”

Other all-new models in 2019 include the 3 Series, 8 Series coupe and cabrio, and the full-size X7.

BMW X7

The X7 is BMW’s all-new flagship SUV. There’s never been one of these before.

It’s opulent, and enormous, with three rows of seats and a kidney grille so big it looks like it could swallow a turkey whole.

It’s worth a look to see some of the tech that will, hopefully, trickle down to lesser BMWs in the near future. Expect a six-figure starting price.

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