The BMW Z8 is one of the more polarizing Bimmers of the modern era. I don’t think anyone will argue its looks; it’s a gorgeous car that’s somehow both a nod to vintage sports cars of the 1950s and still looks modern today. What people will argue about is whether it’s a proper Ultimate Driving Machine. When it launched in 1999, it packed an E39 M5 powertrain, so there was an expectation that it would be sort of an M5 coupe/convertible. So when enthusiasts realized it was much softer, much more relaxed than that, they were disappointed. In this new video from Car and Classic, though Chris Harris explains why it’s actually a fantastic car and incredibly undervalued.
Harris worked for Autocar when the Z8 first launched and said that it confused journalists, who were expecting something much sharper from the company that was making cars like the E46 M3. Jeremy Clarkson famously complained about the Z8’s lack of handling ability on Top Gear. With time, though, the Z8 has continued to make more and more sense, as a gorgeous but muscular grand tourer. It’s something to cruise across continents with, enjoying the ride, the soundtrack, and its stunning looks.
One of the cool things about the Z8, according to Harris, is that it manages to feel special, while still feeling properly built. So it has beautiful attention to detail, with completely unique switchgear and interior design, the sort of stuff you’d expect from a boutique, low-volume automaker. But it also feels as well-built as something from a mass-production automaker like BMW. It feels special without feeling delicate.
The BMW Z8 is a much lazier car than you might expect, given its specs. Its 4.9-liter V8 makes 400 horsepower and it mates to a six-speed manual, but it’s also 500 pounds lighter than the M5. Additionally, the Z8 swaps out the M5’s old-school recirculating ball steering setup for sharper rack and pinion. So on paper, it seems like the Z8 would be a lithe, agile sports car. But it’s not. It’s a soft, comfy cruiser with a burbling V8 soundtrack.
Harris believes the Z8 is undervalued at the moment, despite most of them selling for north of $150,000 on Bring a Trailer. While that’s a lot of a 26-year-old car, he feels that the Z8 feels special enough to justify its price tag.
