2025 BMW Z4 Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

All sports cars come with a fun-loving attitude standard but the 2025 BMW Z4 goes a step further with a soft-top layout that lets you bask in the sun while you zip down the roads that you drive for pleasure. The little roadster isn't as focused on the ability to devour twisty tarmac as rivals such as the Porsche 718 Boxster or the Toyota Supra—the latter of which shares the Z4's BMW-based mechanicals. But the Z4 is nonetheless plenty lively, and it moves along eagerly with either of its engine options. A 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. For those wanting maximum power, there's a ferocious 382-hp turbocharged inline-six which can, for the first time, be optioned with a new six-speed manual transmission that adds an extra dimension of driver involvement. Inside, you'll find a premium cabin with high-quality materials, a 10.3-inch infotainment display, and plenty of space for two adults. What you might not expect from a car this size is practicality but the Z4 offers a relatively large trunk for a small roadster; it swallowed three carry-on suitcases in our testing. All the better for justifying this stylish, convertible sports car as your daily driver.

What's New for 2025?

If you were hoping the six-speed manual transmission 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 part of a new Handschalter package (which means "hand shift" in German) that costs $3500 but adds the manual transmission as well as performance-enhancing parts such as stiffer anti-roll bars and a set of more aggressive wheels and tires. BMW has also tweaked the adaptive suspension settings for cars with the stick and says the steering has been re-tuned 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 sDrive30i is powered by the brand's excellent turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which makes plenty of torque and feels stronger than its 255 horsepower. For more grunt, the M40i model gets a 382-hp turbocharged inline-six. It's incredibly smooth, refined, and ferocious when provoked. 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 more powerful six-cylinder model can now be ordered with the Handschalter ("hand shift" in German) package which adds a six-speed manual, stiffer anti-roll bars, a retuned adaptive suspension system, and special, larger 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.

0–60-MPH Times

In our testing, the sDrive30i model accelerated to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. That's peppy, but still a bit slower than a 718 Boxster. The automatic M40i model turned up the juice considerably with a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.5 seconds. BMW says the M40i with the six-speed manual can hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, but we expect to beat that number when we get a chance to test it ourselves.

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 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 it 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. BMW's iDrive infotainment system has sharp graphics is relatively easy to use. 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 must 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

More Features and Specs