2024 BMW Z4

The Z4 has a planted look thanks to low ground clearance, a wide stance, and staggered-size wheels and tires pushed to the corners. It’s also tastefully detailed, with one of the few remaining restrained versions of the BMW twin-kidney grille, prominent air intakes at the edges of the face, air vents behind the front wheels, and subtle cutlines along the sides that team with a built-in rear spoiler to lend the car a bit of a rake. It’s bold and purposeful rather than cute like the original Z3, which morphed over time into the Z4.

Inside, BMW emphasizes the driver with a 10.3-inch center screen that cants toward the steering wheel within a trapezoidal design. The driver gets a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that offers a lot of information. It’s a step down into a snug environment with sport seats that support drivers well. However, it’s also luxurious thanks to a vinyl-covered dash, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and typical BMW quality materials. The look comes alive with the available Cognac or Magma Red upholstery, but all versions get contrast stitching to add a little visual flair.

No, the Z4 only drives the rear wheels.

How fast is the BMW Z4?

It’s quick or quicker, and every Z4 provides the fun handling to match its top-down, sports car mission.

The 2.0-liter turbo-4 in the sDrive30i makes 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to provide strong, smooth acceleration in a car that weighs a minimum of 3,880 pounds. The 0-60 mph sprint flashes by in a mere 5.2 seconds.

The 3.0-liter turbo-6 in the M40i model is downright robust. It spins up 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, which cuts the 0-60 mph time to 3.9 seconds. It also sounds a lusty growl when drivers dig into the throttle. Both engines are aided by an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts quickly and responsively.

On a twisty road, the Z4 exudes poise, balance, and agility, and yet the ride quality is forgiving—much like the BMWs buyers loved a decade or more ago. The sDrive30i is fun in its own right, but it’s more fun with the M Sport suspension, bigger brakes, and limited-speed differential of the Dynamic Handling Package (which is standard on the M40i). The package’s adaptive dampers firm up for sharper moves without destroying the ride quality, and the rear differential enhances the already tenacious traction. Our only complaint is a familiar one nowadays for BMW. The steering is quick and direct, but it’s a little too light and lacks much road feel.

You won’t be able to take much with you. Cargo space is limited to just 9.9 cubic feet, but BMW provides a pass-through to fit longer items.

While the base upholstery is vinyl, leather is available for $1,250-$1,500. Excellent build quality, soft-touch surfaces where anyone may rest an arm, and high-quality materials provide an upscale environment.

The power fabric top also contributes to the quality feel. It can be raised or lowered in about 10 seconds, even while driving at up to 31 mph. It’s well insulated enough to block out road noise.

The Z4 gets only low-speed automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams standard. An option package includes blind-spot monitors with steering support, lane-departure warnings, and front and rear parking sensors, while automatic parking is available in another package and adaptive cruise control is offered separately.

Which BMW Z4 should I buy?

The more-powerful Z4 M40i starts at $67,295. It adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory, adaptive dampers, a limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, and a body aero kit. 

How much is a fully loaded BMW Z4?

Notable options include leather upholstery, bigger M Sport brakes, wireless smartphone charging, remote start, ambient lighting, a head-up display, and Harman Kardon audio. All colors other than white run $650, except Frozen Grey Metallic matte paint, which costs $3,600. Load up a Z4 and it can top $75,000.

BMW recommends premium fuel for both engines.