This is the all-new BMW Z4. We’d seen a peek at what BMW was aiming at with its new roadster when the company released the BMW Z4 Concept last year. But this is what the production version will look like.

And you’ll notice straight away that the transition from concept to reality hasn’t been seamless for the new BMW Z4. The proportions aren’t nearly as sleek, clean or simple as they are on the concept. The front headlights aren’t as angry, and the rear end is a little softer, almost bubble-like.

In fact, you could almost see a little of the old Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class mixed in with the current Fiat 124 Spider.

Still, in this First Edition trim – badged as an M40i – it should be pretty exciting to drive. There’s a turbocharged, 3.0-litre straight-six under the bonnet, developing 340 bhp. That’s enough for a 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.

Handling should be improved on the last BMW Z4, too. For one thing, there’s a soft-top roof, rather than a folding hard-top, which should pay weight-saving dividends. BMW also says there’s an electronically controlled M Sport differential.

Inside, you get as much tech as you’d expect of a brand-new BMW. There’s a new head-up display with more information available on it, and an enormous screen housed above the centre console.

That’s all we know so far – BMW will give us the full technical breakdown at the Paris Motor Show in October.

For now, though, what do you think of the styling? More pics below.