When BMW first released the Z4 in 2003, its styling drew criticism. It appeared to be sculpted for the sake of sculpting, and you either liked it or you didn't. BMW's chief designer, American Chris Bangel, gained notoriety, some say infamy, for the edgy direction he'd taken BMW, but BMW has softened that look in the ensuing years.

Despite the lukewarm reaction to the roadster, the coupe, introduced in 2006, drew universal praise for its sleek lines. Drive a Z4 roadster today and few will notice. Drive a Z4 coupe and you're certain to get the thumb's up from admiring onlookers.

With either body style, the hood is stylishly long, the deck is notably short and uplifted, and the sides look like a cake created by a pastry chef who got carried away with his icing spatula. It's convex playing off concave, according to BMW. The nose is quite attractive, unfortunately ruined by the license plate smack-dab in the middle of it all. The front air dam offers little ground clearance, not enough to clear a standard sidewalk curb, so be careful when head-in parking. The traditional BMW twin kidney grille and the exotic headlamps work well together. The fenders are smoothly bulged, and BMW's various wheel choices look terrific.

The coupe's roofline flows into the tail with muscular grace. The center of the roof is recessed to hint at a twin cockpit in proper sports car fashion. Coupled with the Z4's already low and wide stance, there's no mistaking it: This car is sexy.

The roadster's two rollbars are covered by gray plastic that has a seam and, unfortunately, looks cheap. The plastic disguises what must be sturdy function; the bars are fixed, not pop-ups like the Z3 used to have, and they are strengthened by being attached to a common bulkhead. The Z4 roadster has earned a five-star rollover rating from the federal government (NHTSA).