The 2018 BMW Z5 was just caught testing on the snowy roads of Sweden, and with his top down nonetheless. This is the latest in a long line of spy shots of the Z5 that have been coming out sporadically since January 2016. The February 20th instalment of the Z5 spy shots depicts the upcoming model riding along with a brand-new Toyota Supra prototype, with whom it is undergoing some winter road testing.
image credit: top speed
It was in 2011 when BMW and Toyota first announced they are working together on a mid-size sports car platform to underpin the replacements for their Z4 and Supra models. Six years later it looks like their plan is finally about to come to fruition.
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image source: motorauthority.com
Exterior
From what we could tell from the spy photographs, the 2018 BMW Z5 will be somewhat larger than the Z4. This could also place the new model higher in the BMW lineup. One big difference from the previous generation will be the soft top roof, that is clearly visible in these spy shots and will be replacing the current retractable hard-top. Furthermore, expect to see some changes to the grille, that appears to feature a new, extra-wide grille design.
image credit: top speed
Engine and Powertrain
Not much else is known regarding the Z5, especially what will be under its hood. Our best bet is the turbocharged, four-cylinder engine for the base model, and a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder for the top of the line model. The next step higher would be an M performance version of the Z5, but there is no word on that from BMW for now. Bear in mind that these are only our predictions, and we will have to wait a little longer to get the official information.
We will also be eagerly anticipating the performance numbers, who should be improved thanks to the higher positioning of this new model. And considering it will be going head to head with the Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 911, it might be a significant performance boost.
image cradit: left lane news
2018 BMW Z5 Release Date and Price
We still don’t know when this 2018 BMW Z5 is expected to arrive, but it is expected to start production at the beginning of 2018. Therefore, we expect to see the new model in showrooms by the end of that model year. As for the prices, even if it is too early to tell, but the new Z5 will likely be positioned higher in the BMW lineup. That would call for a price increase, therefore the BMW Z5 could start at about $55.000, compared to the $50.000 Z4 is currently going for.
