For 2009, the BMW Z4 has upped the ante in terms of both luxury and performance. This is a stylish car with an excellent power train and a hardtop that quickly folds out of the way. The only downside may be the car’s power steering, which isn’t up to BMW’s usual standards.

The BMW Z4 had a bit of a reputation to live down. At first, it was an expensive sports car – more a car for college kids with big money than a real driver’s car. This year, however, it’s been fully redesigned and can now take its rightful place amongst the other true performance and luxury roadsters.

The Z4 now has a power-folding aluminum hardtop, instead of the soft top it had before. There’s also more room in the cabin, which has been elegantly upgraded with better materials, as well as more attention to detail. In terms of performance, the sophisticated Z4 delivers – mostly. The one notable exception is the electric power steering which feels somewhat artificial.

The revamped design of the Z4 is simply stunning. A look at the front end will put you in mind of the 1950s classic BMW 507. To make these changes, the car has added about 6 inches to its length and weighs about 350 pounds more.

The Z4 also comes with the BMW iDrive system installed for the first time this year. Fortunately, it’s the revised version of the iDrive system, which is easier to use than previous incarnations.

The 2009 BMW Z4 has a starting price in the range of $45,000 to $50,000. While you could spend less money and get one of the Nissan 370Z roadsters or an Audi TT, you also get a lot less car for your money. Other cars in this class include the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and the Cayman coupe and Boxter ragtop from Porsche, but they aren’t as versatile as the Z4 with its retractable hardtop. The BMW Z4 offers a combination of performance, luxury and sophistication which makes it a real contender in its class.

There are two trim levels available on the Z4, the sDrive30i base model and the sDrive35i, both of which come with slightly different standard equipment. The base model features 17 inch wheels, run flat tires, a leather wrapped steering wheel, rain sensing windshield wipers, dynamic cruise control and a CD audio system ready for satellite radio. Step up to the sDrive35i and you get leather seating, aluminum trim on the interior and automatic climate control.

The base sDrive30i model engine is a naturally aspirated 3.0 liter inline 6, boasting 225 horsepower. The sDrive35i comes with BMW’s much loved twin turbocharged inline 6, boasting 300 horsepower. A six speed manual transmission is standard in both trim packages, with a seven speed automatic option on the sDrive35i and a six speed automatic option on the sDrive30i.

In terms of safety features, the 2009 Z4 features standard side impact airbags, stability control, traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist. The hardtop has a built in support system to keep occupants safe in the event of a rollover – if the top is down, a steel hoop behind each seat helps provide protection.

Overall, if you want a roadster that looks good and performs, be sure to check out the 2009 BMW Z4.