From behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is how quickly the BMW Z4 turns an ordinary road into an occasion. The hood stretches ahead, the rear tires squat under throttle, and the cabin sits low enough to make every bend feel deliberate. In an era of heavy performance sedans and computer-managed SUVs, the BMW Z4 remains a simple proposition: two seats, a folding roof, and enough engine to make a Sunday drive memorable.
The BMW Z4 lineup and what you get
The current lineup is mercifully straightforward. The sDrive30i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Power reaches the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic, and BMW quotes a 0-to-60-mph time of roughly 5.2 seconds. That is properly quick without being intimidating, and the four-cylinder car feels lighter on its feet than the numbers suggest.
The M40i is the enthusiast's choice. Its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six produces 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet, with a claimed 0-to-60 time near 3.9 seconds. For 2025, BMW added a six-speed manual transmission to the M40i, a welcome decision in a segment that has surrendered too many clutch pedals to convenience. The manual is not perfect; its throws are longer and less crisp than those in a Mazda MX-5 Miata. Still, it makes the car feel more personal.
Pricing puts the sDrive30i in the mid-$50,000 range before destination and options, while the M40i moves toward the upper-$60,000 range. Metallic paint, driver-assistance features, upgraded wheels, and premium interior trim can push the transaction price higher. Insurance, tires, and fuel should also be included in the budget. This is not an inexpensive toy, but it is less financially extravagant than many high-performance convertibles.
How the BMW Z4 drives
The BMW Z4 is at its best on a flowing two-lane road rather than a crowded freeway. Steering effort is modest, but the front axle responds accurately and the short body changes direction with little fuss. The M40i has the more memorable engine, delivering a deep, smooth surge that builds speed almost too easily. The sDrive30i is less dramatic but arguably easier to enjoy at legal speeds.
Ride quality depends heavily on the selected drive mode and wheel choice. With adaptive dampers in their softer setting, the roadster handles broken pavement better than its low seating position suggests. Sport mode tightens the responses but can make rough city streets feel busy. The optional larger wheels look right in a showroom and can make the car less comfortable over expansion joints. I would spend the money on the manual gearbox before chasing decorative wheel upgrades.
Braking performance is strong and predictable, with a firm pedal that supports repeated fast stops. On a properly prepared test surface, an M40i should be capable of stopping from 70 mph in the low-to-mid 150-foot range, depending on tires and conditions. It is quick enough for occasional track work, although serious track drivers will want to budget for brake-fluid and tire changes. This is a roadster first, not a stripped-down circuit weapon.
Comfort, technology, and everyday use
The cabin is snug but not claustrophobic. Tall drivers should test the seat and steering-wheel adjustment before signing a contract, because the low roof and limited rearward travel can make entry awkward. Once settled, the driving position is excellent. The seats offer enough support for spirited driving without punishing you during a two-hour trip.
The soft top opens and closes electrically in about ten seconds and can be operated at low speeds. That matters in real life; you do not need to stop beside the road when a cloudburst arrives. With the roof raised, wind noise is noticeable but manageable. Trunk space is modest, yet a couple can pack for a weekend if they use soft luggage. This is more practical than a sports car with no usable cargo area, but it is not a substitute for a compact coupe.
BMW's infotainment system is familiar to anyone who has driven a recent 3 Series. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help, while the available safety equipment can include blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and parking assistance. The screen-heavy controls are less charming than the mechanical parts of the car. Fortunately, the essential functions remain easy to reach once you spend a day learning the layout.
Fuel economy, ownership, and rivals
The four-cylinder BMW Z4 is the sensible version, with EPA ratings in the general neighborhood of the low-to-mid-30s on the highway. The M40i typically lands closer to the high-20s on the highway, although enthusiastic driving can pull observed fuel economy into the low 20s. Premium fuel is required, and performance tires are not cheap when replacement time arrives.
Routine maintenance is more expensive than on a Miata, but the BMW's warranty and service programs can soften the early ownership costs. A careful buyer should obtain a quote for insurance before purchase, especially for an M40i in an expensive ZIP code. A clean service history will matter greatly when shopping used examples, as neglected cooling systems, tires, and suspension components can erase an apparent bargain.
The Mazda MX-5 remains the lighter, cheaper, more playful choice. It communicates more through its steering wheel and costs less to run, but it cannot match the BMW's highway stability or straight-line pace. The Toyota GR Supra shares much of the BMW's mechanical character in a coupe body and offers a more useful cabin, though it loses the open-air experience. The Porsche Boxster is more polished and has a richer sports-car feel, but comparable equipment can cost substantially more.
On paper, the BMW Z4 is the relaxed alternative to those sharper-edged rivals. In practice, it is the winner for a driver who wants a fast roadster that can handle commuting, weekend travel, and an occasional mountain road without demanding constant compromise.
Which BMW Z4 should you buy?
For most buyers, the sDrive30i makes the stronger financial case. It is quick, comfortable, and entertaining without requiring the larger engine's fuel, tire, and insurance budget. Choose the M40i if the inline-six soundtrack matters, if you plan to drive aggressively on back roads, or if the six-speed manual is the reason you walked into the showroom. The manual is available only with the more expensive model, so it is not a low-cost option.
I would also keep the equipment list disciplined. Adaptive suspension, heated seats, a wind deflector, and the safety package add genuine daily value. Oversized wheels and appearance packages are less persuasive. A well-equipped sDrive30i can be a better long-term purchase than a heavily optioned M40i bought for bragging rights and driven mostly through traffic.
The Verdict: pros, cons, and whether you should actually buy one
The BMW Z4 earns praise for its smooth engines, comfortable ride, useful powered roof, and unusually clean purpose. It is fast without feeling nervous, and its compact dimensions make it satisfying on roads where a larger sports car would feel excessive. The M40i's manual transmission gives enthusiasts a rare chance to choose involvement over convenience.
Its weaknesses are just as clear. Steering feel is muted compared with the Miata, the cabin is tight for tall occupants, and option pricing can become silly quickly. The automatic is excellent but makes the four-cylinder model feel more like a premium cruiser than a classic sports car. Rear visibility with the roof raised is also limited, so the blind-spot system is more than a luxury.
Bottom line: buy the BMW Z4 if you want an open-air car that is genuinely quick, comfortable enough for regular use, and small enough to enjoy on ordinary roads. Choose the sDrive30i for value and the M40i manual for character. Skip it if you need rear seats, abundant cargo space, or the sharpest steering feedback available.
Score: 8 out of 10. The BMW Z4 is not the most communicative roadster, but it is one of the easiest to live with. That balance, plus the increasingly rare manual option, makes it a car worth buying while the formula still exists.