Acceleration

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M convertible	M coupe	Class Average
8	8	9	9	8.1

Their high-revving engines require lots of rpm for speediest getaways, but furnish ample passing punch without undue shifting. Still, slick, crisp, short-throw shifts make manual transmission a pleasure. Alert automatic transmission shifts decisively, but never feels harsh.

Fuel Economy

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M convertible	M coupe	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.6

Test 3.0si coupe with automatic transmission averaged 22.5 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test M coupe and convertible both averaged 18.8 mpg. All Z4s require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M convertible	M coupe	Class Average
4	4	3	3	4.5

Appropriately firm for a high-performance car, with M versions slightly less yielding. Suspension transmits most every bump and tar strip, yet has enough compliance to avoid harshness. Impressive structural rigidity, even in the convertible.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M convertible	M coupe	Class Average
9	9	10	10	8.6

Agile, grippy, nearly flat in corners. Steering accurate, quick, but feels artificially heavy to some testers. Wide tires follow road grooves, but true tracking otherwise. Powerful brakes reward with impressively short, stable stops.

Quietness

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M convertible	M coupe	Class Average
5	5	4	4	4.5

Engines makes enthusiast-pleasing full-throttle growl, but are reasonably quiet at lower rpm. M engines more vocal than 3.0 versions. Tire noise intrusive on most surfaces. Convertible quiet enough with top up, but suffers more wind rush than coupe.

Controls

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M convertible	M coupe	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.7

Gauges well-placed, but graphics not the best. Most switchgear logical, accessible, but available navigation system takes study, complicates audio operation. Top-notch interior materials assembled with care.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M convertible	M coupe	Class Average
4	4	4	4	5.9

Intimate cabin feel, but with adult head and leg room. Multiadjustable sports seats may be too snug for some, seem shy on padding. Their large side bolsters, the low sports-car stance, and longish doors can impede entry/exit. Manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel a driver plus. Visibility compromised by low seating position and coupe's low-profile rooflines.

Room/Comfort (rear)

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M convertible	M coupe	Class Average
0	0	0	0	.6

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M convertible	M coupe	Class Average
3	3	2	3	2.2

Convertible trunk not bad for a two-seat sports car. Holds several gym duffels or two rolling carry-on bags. BMW says two golf bags fit. Hatchback has slightly more cargo volume, but luggage bay is unevenly shaped. Sparse interior storage in both body styles.

Value within Class

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M convertible	M coupe	Class Average
9	8	5	5	5.4

They're true sports cars, yet also reasonably practical daily drivers for well-heeled enthusiasts. 3.0 versions have slightly less-thrilling performance than the Ms, but are no less rewarding to drive, cost less, and deliver better fuel economy. Thus, the 3.0i and 3.0si best reflect our Best Buy accolades.

Total Score

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M convertible	M coupe	Class Average
55	54	50	51	51.1

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		43
Average Score		51
High Score		63