US Spec BMW Z4 to Get 40 More HP Than European Z4: Report

When the new BMW Z4 launched yesterday, there was a small discrepancy in American and European figures. Whereas the European press release claimed a 4.6 second 0-100 kph time, the Americans quoted 4.4 seconds to 60 mph.

At the time, we attributed it to 0-60 vs 0-100 differences, but something felt off about the numbers. Sure, Europeans measure 2 more mph than we do, but that just didn’t feel like enough to justify a 0.2 second difference. Now, though, a video from YouTube’s Shmee150, could point at the actual reason for the discrepancy.

You see, whereas the European press release quote 340 hp for the Z4 M40i First Edition, the American press release doesn’t actually quote a horsepower number at all. And that, according to Shmee150, is because Americans are getting much more power. The Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP, and not WHLVTP as you’d expect) is rearing its ugly head and could be robbing Europeans of up to 40 hp.

The deletion of a filter used to pass WLTP rules means that Americans can get up to 382 hp, according to the video (the relevant part of the video starts at 5:50).

SEE ALSO: All-New BMW Z4 Roadster Makes Official Debut

Generally, YouTubers aren’t an ideal source for information, but Shmee150 is filming this video in a BMW-owned studio outside Munich, so we’re inclined to give him some credence.

The video also shows the new Z4 in a color we hadn’t seen yet (Frozen Grey, instead of Frozen Orange) and gives a thorough walk-around the car’s many new features.

A version of this story originally appeared on Bimmerfest.