BMW has moved the edgy Z4 sports car upmarket into the ‘junior GT’ category somewhere between Mercedes’ SLK and SL models. Like them, it now comes only as a folding hardtop convertible, and therefore shares the strengths and weaknesses of that breed.

BMW has done a commendable job of hiding the extra bodyside height necessitated by the roof mechanism, but its mass—alas—couldn’t be so easily disguised. Not that you can tell by the way the twin turbocharged sDrive35i model guns for the horizon; sixty is dispatched in just under five seconds, and that 300hp/300lb-ft engine’s fat midrange means there’s always urge when needed (there’s also a normally aspirated 255hp model, the sDrive30i). But in corners the Z4’s 3500 pounds mean it’s no longer the lithe and limber athlete it once was. Even the Sport model’s starchier underwear can’t keep it form resolutely understeering at the—admittedly high—limit.

But judged as a grand tourer, this BMW makes more sense; the cockpit is much richer and roomier than of yore, and it is quiet, refined, and rides very well most of the time. As wonderful as the manual six-speed tranny is to stir, most will go for the new twin-clutch DCT gearbox, which blends smooth auto shifts with rapid-fire paddle action when desired. About the only thing that undermines the BMW’s case as a great long-distance runner is that the folding metal roof devours quiet a bit of luggage space. Otherwise this newest Z4 makes an excellent—if less focused—sequel.

Price range: $53,325-70,695

Here’s BMW’s view on the Z4

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