The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Beautiful styling
- Impressive acceleration
- Cozy seats
- Track-ready agility
- User-friendly droptop
Dislikes
- No touchscreen
- Pricey options
- Occasionally inconsistent steering
- Where’s the true M model?
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2023 BMW Z4 creates its own perfect sunny day, every day.
What kind of vehicle is the 2023 BMW Z4? What does it compare to?
Slippery, sexy, and sporty, the 2023 BMW Z4 is two cozy seats atop a capable chassis, fitted with a choice of turbo-4 and turbo-6 engines. With few sport roadsters on the market, competitors are varied: the Jaguar F-Type, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, perhaps even the Chevrolet Corvette.
Is the 2023 BMW Z4 a good car?
It’s exactly what a roadster driver wants, bristling with style and performance. It earns a TCC Rating of 6.2 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2023 BMW Z4?
After the 2022 model lost some features due to the global supply shortage, the 2023 Z4 sees some new amenities. BMW updated the exterior styling, added a few new feature options and three new paint colors, and now includes the M Sport package on the base sDrive30i.
The Z4 looks unlike anything else on the road—even the Toyota Supra that shares its bones—with its wide stance, low ride height, muscular haunches, and finely-tuned details. Its cabin is an exercise in efficiency, with a design that wraps around the driver and provides the essentials; the top trim gets fitted with wide-screen digital displays, leather upholstery, and aluminum trim.
BMW powers the Z4 with the choice of a turbo-4 good for 255 hp or a turbo-6 good for 382 hp. The sDrive model with the turbo-4 can slice a path to 60 mph in less than 5.2 seconds; the M40i with the turbo-6 cuts that time to under four seconds. Both use an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Handling is the rear-wheel-drive Z4’s forte. It’s adept enough in base configuration, with a comfort-optimized suspension and stock 18-inch wheels; upgrade to adaptive dampers, the M Sport tuning and braking, and 19-inch wheels, and the Z4 becomes ruthlessly stable on the track and anything but clumsy during street driving. The EPA says it’s also good for ratings of at least 25 mpg in combined driving.
The snug cabin can just barely accommodate two 6-footers, and the trunk can handle just short of 10 cubic feet of cargo. The power fabric roof takes only about 10 seconds to open and close and can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph.
BMW includes low-speed automatic emergency braking, but adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors cost extra.
How much does the 2023 BMW Z4 cost?
It’s $53,795 including destination for the Z4 sDrive30i, which includes the turbo-4 engine, synthetic leather upholstery, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and 18-inch wheels. The M Sport package is newly standard for 2023, with an array of performance-inspired exterior and interior styling upgrades. The M40i, with the turbo-6 engine, starts at $66,295.
Where is the 2023 BMW Z4 made?
Graz, Austria.
2023 BMW Z4 Styling
BMW reinvents its heritage cues on the Z4.
Is the BMW Z4 a good-looking car?
Yes. We award an 8 for styling, including two points for its muscular, low-slung shape and one for the cabin’s lovely precision.
This year, the Z4 gets refreshed with a new version of BMW’s kidney grille, and the M Sport package now comes standard. That brings exterior design elements that emphasize the Z4’s stance, such as air intakes in the front apron, a restyled rear apron, new contouring along the side sills, and redesigned side air intakes. The Z4 evolved from the Z3, which was an alternative to the Miata that was nearly as cute; this year’s updates add even more toughness to the Z4’s current forceful look and personality.
The eye-catching Thundernight metallic, Portimao Blue metallic, and Skyscraper Grey metallic exterior finishes have made their way over to the Z4 from elsewhere in the brand’s lineup. A new 19-inch alloy wheel option, designed specifically for the Z4, features a matte black finish and a polished rim, and comes wrapped in staggered-width tires. M Shadowline headlights with dark inserts are also newly available.
The snug cockpit focuses on the driver. A wide digital display replaces gauges and another display cants toward the steering wheel, covered with switches and buttons. Yet BMW takes care to avoid clutter, and a precise trapezoidal motif adds visual interest even in the base trim’s basic black materials. With the newly standard M Sport package, the sDrive30i now features an M leather-trimmed steering wheel, M Sport seats, M pedals, and a dashboard draped in synthetic leather. Still, we’d upgrade for BMW’s colorful, rich leather selections, polished off with aluminum trim throughout.
2023 BMW Z4 Performance
The Z4 answers the siren call of the winding two-laner.
Is the BMW Z4 4WD?
No, it comes only with rear-wheel drive.
How fast is the BMW Z4?
Even the entry-level turbo-4 is quick, and its fantastic handling raises the performance score up to an 8. The steering feedback is up for debate, though.
Both Z4 models are refined performers, though prone to urgent acceleration and sticky feet. The base 2.0-liter turbo-4 pairs with a paddle-shifted 8-speed auto to push 255 hp for all it’s worth, on to a 0-60 mph time of only 5.2 seconds.
Any perceived slights in terms of specs can be addressed by the 3.0-liter turbo-6, which delivers 382 hp through the same automatic. The Z4 M40i hustles to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, according to BMW, and selectable drive modes can delay shifts to amplify the lusty growls coming from under the hood.
The balance and poise of this roadster’s chassis is undeniable, tuned for cruising in comfort yet firm enough to entertain more skilled drivers. Consider the M Sport tuning that is optional on the sDrive model; the sDrive is also available with an adaptive suspension system, locking rear differential, and 19-inch wheels that come standard with the M40i. These upgrades yield tenacious traction on the track and a more supple ride on the highway.
It’s not flawless; the variable-assist power steering feels artificial at low speeds and doesn’t offer much feedback, though it gets more responsive and communicative at the limits.
2023 BMW Z4 Comfort & Quality
The Z4’s old-school roadster vibe translates into snug space for two.
We award a 5 for comfort and utility. The Z4 picks up two points on our scale for its sculpted seats and upscale fit and finish; it gives those points right back for the small trunk and two-passenger capacity.
The seats’ heavy bolsters support the Z4’s occupants through any driving maneuver, with power adjustments and synthetic leather upholstery; heated seats and leather are available. There’s a fair amount of space surrounding the seats, although the driver’s position is offset from the center console. For 2023, the standard M Sport package upgrades the cockpit with a leather-covered sport steering wheel, M Sport seats, and synthetic leather dashboard upholstery.
BMW offers decent storage space in the center console and door pockets, and there’s a pass-through in the trunk to accommodate long items like golf clubs and skis. Otherwise, bear in mind that the trunk maxes out at a scant 9.9 cubic feet, another way in which the Z4 best compares to a Miata.
The Z4’s power fabric top can be raised or lowered in 10 seconds or so, at speeds up to 31 mph. The top provides enough insulation to block out road noise over long drives, and other quality materials such as dark leather and aluminum trim add to the quality feel. The available cognac or ivory leather upgrades are decadent and indulgent.
2023 BMW Z4 Safety
The Z4 has some advanced safety gear, but no crash-test scores.
How safe is the BMW Z4?
Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has tested a Z4, so we can’t award a score here.
BMW includes lane-departure warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking on the Z4. If you’re used to the cutting-edge safety tech that comes standard or optional with other BMW models, you’ll find only a few such features on the Z4’s options menu.
2023 BMW Z4 Features
The Z4 has wide-screen infotainment and an excellent warranty.
We award a 7 here, based on the Z4’s generous list of standard features as well as its 4-year/50,000-mile warranty coverage with complimentary scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Which BMW Z4 should I buy?
The $53,795 2023 Z4 sDrive30i comes with a 10.3-inch display with voice commands and a rotary controller, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, synthetic leather, 14-way power-adjustable seats, power accessories, 18-inch wheels, and white paint (all other shades cost extra).
Options include the M Sport suspension system, heated seats, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
In addition to downgrading the infotainment display from a touchscreen, other recent changes due to the global chip shortage mean there’s no more wireless smartphone charging, wifi, or ambient lighting.
How much is a fully loaded BMW Z4?
Starting at $66,295, the M40i gets the more potent drivetrain and adaptive dampers . Options include M Sport brakes, numerous upholstery upgrades, and 19-inch wheels. Any color other than Alpine White costs $650; the M40i-exclusive Frozen Grey Metallic matte costs $4,250.
2023 BMW Z4 Fuel Economy
The Z4 breaks even at the gas pump.
Is the BMW Z4 good on gas?
With EPA ratings of 25 mpg city, 32 highway, and 28 combined for the turbo-4, and 22/29/25 mpg with the turbo-6, the Z4 is no hybrid, but it’s a reasonably thrifty sports car. Keep in mind, though, that BMW recommends premium fuel for this roadster.
