2024 BMW Z4 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
In BMW's long history of building convertibles, its Z-badged models are among the best known. Offered exclusively with a folding soft top, the Z4 is a small two-seater tuned to drive like something between a grand tourer and sports car. The current Z4 was introduced for the 2020 model year and received a thorough refresh for 2023, which brought updates to styling and standard equipment. A manual transmission and a host of other upgrades are available for 2025.
What's New
Given it was updated for 2023, no changes are applied to the basic Z4 for 2024. That means it works off last year's enhancements, which include slightly revised front-end styling, new wheel and paint options, and standard M Sport specification for the base Z4 sDrive30i model.
The 2025 Z4 M40i receives more significant changes. A six-speed manual transmission is now available in addition to other accompanying upgrades. BMW offers manual versions of its roadster with staggered 19-inch wheels up front and 20-inch wheels in the back, a more aggressive rear axle from the M240i, a retuned suspension setup that includes stiffer front anti-roll bars, reworked steering, and recalibrated adaptive dampers. Two green paint colors are exclusive to the manual Z4 M40i.
What We Think
Chill top-down cruising is the best way to enjoy the Z4. Thanks to minimal wind buffeting and a rigid chassis, the car feels like it was built from the ground up for roofless motoring. Good fuel economy and a decently capacious trunk make the Z4 a good candidate for proper grand tours. Yet BMW's own 4 Series convertible offers more space and comfort.
Although the Z4 drives nicely on a twisty road, it's competitive out there. Certain rivals have higher limits and a more engaging, direct feel—the Porsche 718 Boxster is far more precise, the Chevrolet Corvette is a budget supercar, and the Mazda Miata's fun factor makes up for its lack of panache. Fortunately, our first impressions of the manual-equipped Z4 M40i are positive. It seems that the stick-shift roadster could close the gap between it and other drop tops.
Even if it's not the ultimate roadster, the Z4's driving manners and eye-catching styling give it a certain niche appeal. We're glad BMW still builds it.
Performance and MPGs
The 2024 BMW Z4 offers a choice between two engines, both of which are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and drive the rear wheels.
In the Z4 sDrive30i, a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 produces 255 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque. In our testing, this Z4 model accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 25/34 mpg city/highway.
Stepping up to the Z4 M40i nets a 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 cranking out 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. Launching to 60 mph in this model takes a scant 3.9 seconds. Fuel economy falls, but only slightly, to 23/31 mpg.
Is There a New Z4 M?
Although the previous-generation Z4 and the Z3 that preceded it included full-on M variants in their lineups, the current generation does not. That leaves the Z4 M40i—simply an M Performance model—as the most powerful Z4 on sale. There's a slight possibility that BMW will add a new Z4 M before this generation ends production, perhaps with the I-6 engine borrowed from the M4. But given there's already an M4 Convertible available, drivers who want a small and sporty BMW drop-top have an option.
BMW Z4 vs. Toyota Supra: What's the Difference?
One of the most controversial automotive stories of the last few years involves the Toyota Supra, and how it's basically a BMW Z4 under the skin. Toyota decided to revive the legendary sports car for 2020 but used BMW's platform, engine, and other hardware to build it. Open the Supra's hood, and numerous BMW logos are visible on various parts, although Toyota swears it did all its own performance tuning to give the Supra a unique feel. Some purists are rightfully irked that this so-called Toyota really isn't, but fortunately the Supra is quite nice to drive—BMW knows a thing or two about making sporty cars, after all.
Is BMW Building a Z4 Hardtop?
BMW's Z cars are first and foremost convertibles, but the Z3 and previous-generation Z4 offered hardtop shooting brake variants, as well. Affectionately nicknamed the "clown shoe" body style, these models are adored by enthusiasts. Rejoice: BMW's bringing it back for the new Z4—maybe, sort of. At the glitzy Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este auto show, BMW revealed the Concept Touring Coupé, which is for all intents and purposes a new clown shoe Z4. Although at this point it's only a concept, the brand is considering building a very limited run of production examples at a very high price. How high? Reportedly, somewhere near $250,000.
Manual Z4: Finally!
At long last, BMW will offer the Z4 with a six-speed, three-pedal, honest-to-goodness manual transmission for 2025. The so-called Handschalter package is offered with the M40i engine, and brings a variety of M Sport performance goodies in addition to the desirable transmission. The Z4 Handschalter is the most expensive version in the lineup—do you think it's worth it?
Safety Features
Only front automatic emergency braking and automatic high-beams are included on the Z4 as standard. Features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and parking sensors are extra-cost options.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Z4 offers a fair amount of legroom given its size, plus a trunk that's somewhat spacious considering the car also packages a folding roof. However, the Chevrolet Corvette still has it beat in cargo space due to its large rear trunk and bonus frunk up front.
Technology
Every 2024 BMW Z4 comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and two USB ports are provided for charging. Premium technology options include a head-up display, wireless device charging, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Recommended Trim
As it delivers more power and speed, the Z4 M40i is mighty appealing—but it also starts at over $67,000, or about $13,000 more than the Z4 sDrive30i. Given that the entry-level Z4 already provides a fair bit of driving fun, we'd say stick with that one. A 2024 Z4 sDrive30i with some options could still come in below the M40i's base price. If you prefer a manual transmission, you'll need to spring for the pricier Z4 M40i in order to equip the six-speed gearbox.
