2019 BMW Z4 Interior Uncovered, Has New Audi-Like Digital Instrument Cluster

BMW unveiled the Z4 concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance last year and the model is continuing its slow march to production.

Spy photographers recently caught up with the model and they managed to get a revealing look at the interior. As you can see, the roadster has been equipped with a new digital instrument cluster which was recently previewed at BMW’s Digital Day event.

While the display doesn’t appear to be fully functional, the finished product will have a large central display area that can show useful information such as navigation data. It is flanked by a speedometer on the left as well as a tachometer on the right. The display is customizable and can show an assortment of other information such as the oil temperature and current fuel economy rating.

Besides the digital instrument cluster, there’s an upgraded infotainment system which runs on a new operating system. While the display is turned off in these photos, BMW has previously said the new operating system is more intuitive and has a clearer layout.

Users will be able to access the infotainment system through touch, voice and gesture controls as well as the traditional iDrive controller. The system is also more customizable and will anticipate the needs of the driver.

Below the infotainment system is two air vents which are surrounded by black trim and new switchgear. The model also has dedicated audio controls which provide easy access to commonly used functions.

Other notable features include a stubby gear selector and a small storage compartment which houses a USB port and what appears to be a wireless smartphone charger.

Reader films new Z4 near its production location

Recently caught by Konrad Fürdank and passed onto us by his friend Steven, this prototype was caught on video while traveling near Graz, Austria. This is certainly an interesting location as the city is home to a Magna Steyr manufacturing plant. Reports have suggested the company would be building the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra so it isn’t too surprising that models would be testing in and around the city.

We’ve seen countless spy photos of the Z4 over the past few months and the latest footage gives us an extended look at the car’s rear end which features slim taillights and a dual exhaust system. The model is also slated to have a sporty front bumper with a wide twin kidney grille and sweptback headlights.

What engines will power it?

Engine options remain unconfirmed but Europe is slated to receive an entry-level variant with a four-cylinder that produces 197 PS (195 hp / 145 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. In North America, we can expect a slightly more powerful base model with a four-cylinder engine developing around 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS). Rumors have also suggested there will be a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine with outputs of approximately 335 PS (246 kW / 330 hp) and 385 PS (283 kW / 380 hp).

The BMW Z4 is expected to be unveiled this summer before being shown at the Paris Motor Show in October.