2024 BMW Z4 Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

As the less-serious drop-top companion to the Toyota Supra, the 2024 BMW Z4 brings similar performance but with a sun-worshipping twist. The two-seat Bimmer roadster shares its platform with the famous-name Toyota sports car, but it's a different animal. It's powered by your choice of turbocharged BMW engines—either a 255-hp inline-four or a 382-hp inline-six—just like the Supra and comes only with rear-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic is standard but a six-speed stick is optional on six-cylinder Z4s. The automatic does an excellent job of quickly shuffling through gears and doesn't detract from the Z4's sporty driving demeanor, but we prefer the manual for maximum driver engagement. While not as focused on back-road thrills as the Supra or rivals such as the Porsche 718 Boxster, the BMW offers an upscale cabin, a comfortable ride, and a surprisingly roomy trunk. It's a sporty convertible that's also happy with everyday tasks.

What's New for 2024?

If you were hoping the six-speed manual from the Z4's mechanical twin, the Toyota Supra, would be added to the lineup this year we have good news: the M40i can now be optioned with the stick. It's an option that will add a few thousand dollars to the bottom line, but ordering the manual transmission also adds performance-enhancing parts such as stiffer anti-roll bars and a set of staggered-size wheel and tires. BMW has also tweaked the adaptive suspension settings for cars with the stick and says the steering has been retuned to improve road feel.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

At its base price, the Z4 sDrive30i is a reasonable value. It costs considerably less than its main rival, the Porsche 718 Boxster, and it offers more than enough performance for most buyers. We'd also suggest the Dynamic Handling package, which adds larger M Sport brakes and its M Sport differential for additional traction. Your new Z4 sDrive30i still won't accelerate like the much more powerful M40i, but it'll be quick enough to be fun.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Z4 comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with sport and manual modes. Paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel are also standard. The eight-speed is one of the best automatics around with sharp responses, snappy shifts, and smooth operation. The sDrive30i is powered by the brand's excellent turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes plenty of torque and feels stronger than its 255 horsepower. In our testing, this model accelerated to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. That's peppy, but still a bit slower than a 718 Boxster. For more grunt, the M40i model gets a 382-hp turbocharged inline-six. It's incredibly smooth, refined, and ferocious when provoked. In our testing, it turned up the juice considerably with a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.5 seconds. This more powerful model can be ordered with a six-speed manual, and doing so brings stiffer anti-roll bars, a retuned adaptive suspension system, and staggered wheels and tires. When the road zigs, the Z4 is willing, but it lacks the locked-on feel of the 718 or the nervous aggression of the Supra.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Given its strong performance, it may surprise you that the Z4 is one of the most fuel-efficient sports cars in its class. The fuel economy of the Z4 sDrive30i is rated by the EPA to be 25 mpg city and 32 mpg on the highway. With its much higher level of horsepower, the fuel economy of the Z4 M40i is slightly lower at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the M40i model far exceeded its rating and delivered an impressive 37 mpg. For more information about the Z4's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

As is the case with current BMWs, the Z4 has a very high-quality interior. In fact, it may have the best interior in this class. It features luxe materials, exceptional panel fitment, and excellent control placement. Its seats are comfortable with sizable bolsters to hold you in place when you're enjoying the Z4's dynamics. There is also more room inside than you might expect, even for those taller than six feet. Its well-insulated cloth roof seals tightly. When the top is up, the BMW's interior is impressively quiet, with so little wind or road noise it almost feels like a coupe. With the push of a button, it folds away in a few seconds. A wind blocker is standard to keep buffeting to a minimum with the top down and works well even at high speeds. Interior stowage is also generous. There are several storage bins around the Z4's cabin, including one in the center console and a felt-lined cubby to the left of the steering wheel. There's also a netted shelf behind the seats and two big cupholders up front. At 10 cubic feet, the trunk of the Z4 isn't huge, but it'll swallow luggage for two for a quick weekend road trip.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A large 10.3-inch touchscreen is standard along with navigation and complimentary Apple CarPlay integration; Android Auto capability is not available. The latest iteration of BMW's iDrive system is easy to use, with sharp graphics. The system can also be controlled intuitively with a knob and buttons on the Z4's console or with voice commands. A USB port and Bluetooth streaming audio are also standard, although you have to pay extra for SiriusXM satellite radio.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Forward collision warning and daytime pedestrian detection with city braking are standard, as is BMW's lane-departure warning system. Other driver-assistance features are available as options on both Z4 models. That list of available systems includes active cruise control, active blind-spot detection, rear-collision protection, and rear cross-traffic alert. For more information about the Z4's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision detection with pedestrian detection
• Available adaptive cruise control
• Available blind-spot monitoring

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW's warranty is average for the segment; however, its complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage is a standout. Such a program is not offered by the Nissan Z, and Chevrolet only covers the first maintenance visit for Corvette owners.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

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