Details of pricing for the new Z4 have been released for the North American market, and they’ve risen substantially over the previous model.

Oddly enough, the new pricing structure puts the Z4 on level ground with the Porsche Boxster, which BMW claims isn’t a competitor.

Two models of the Z4 will be available in the States; the naturally-aspirated sDrive30i and the twin-turbo sDrive35i. The sDrive30i starts off at USD$46,575 (AUD$67,290) while the sDrive35i will cost USD$52,475 (AUD$75,830 ). That makes for a jump of  USD$9875 (AUD$14,260 ) for the new base model over the previous version.

If those Aussie calculations sound cheap you’re damn right. Variations in tax structures and import duties mean that US buyers can enjoy premium Euro cars at rates far below those we’re slugged for here - and oftentimes far less than in a car’s home market.

The twin-turbo comes in over the previous Z4 M by USD $2075 (AUD$2990). Even though the new car is slightly down on power compared to the previous Z4 flagship, it produces more torque and can run to 96km/h (60mph) in just 5.1 seconds when fitted with BMW’s dual-clutch transmission.

Speaking of which, the seven-speed double clutch box will set you back USD$1525  (AUD $2200 ) and can only be ordered on the sDrive35i. That’s about where the simple options end, as always a trip through BMW’s ordering process turns into a wild adventure.

You can have your Z4 with 19 inch alloy wheels, but only on the 35i and only when you order it with a Sport Package. So the Sport Pack is  USD$2300  (AUD$3320), or USD$1900 (AUD$2740) when ordered with Exclusive Ivory Extended Leather which will set you back USD$2050 (AUD$2960 ) and the wheels are USD $1200 (AUD$1730).

You can also get a Premium Package for USD$3900 (AUD$5645) on the 30i or USD$2500 (AUD$3620) on the 35i, or USD $2800 (AUD$4060 ) on the 30i in conjunction with Exclusive Ivory Extended Leather.

And on it goes. Confused yet? There are also the usual choices of powered seats, full leather trim, aluminium or wood interior finishes, satellite navigation and satellite radio.

It’s nice to know what BMW has in store for the Z4, however expect the pricing to vary greatly by the time the Z4 lands in Australia. All we need now is a confirmed arrival date.