BMW Z4 ROADSTER REVIEW

For The Z4 looks amazing, and the cabin oozes class. It’s great to drive, with strong engines, capable handling and a supple ride.

Against There isn’t much space in the boot when you’ve got the roof down, and an Audi TT is more fun to drive.

What Car? says

55 5stars

The Z4 is the real deal: it looks and drives like a proper sports car, and it makes you feel special every time you get in.

What Car? readers say

3.333333

Read in full

The full BMW Z4 review

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Flexible turbocharged engines
Ride & Handling
4 out of 5 stars
Great fun and surprisingly comfortable
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Hard-top keeps out most noise
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Four-cylinder versions affordable to run
Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Feels like a quality product
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Lots to protect you and your belongings
Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
Comfortable and clear
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Compromised boot with the hood down
Equipment
5 out of 5 stars
Lots of kit as standard

There are 7 BMW Z4 versions available

Roadster 2.0 sDrive20i 2dr	£29,480	What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Roadster 2.0 sDrive20i M Sport 2dr	£32,645	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Roadster 2.0 sDrive28i 2dr	£33,645	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Roadster 2.0 sDrive28i M Sport 2dr	£36,810	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Roadster 3.0 sDrive35i 2dr	£39,450	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Roadster 3.0 sDrive35i M Sport 2dr	£42,385	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Roadster 3.0 sDrive35iS DCT 2dr	£45,330	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Gone are the days when you had to choose between soft- and hard-top versions of the Z4. There’s now a single model that serves as both thanks to a folding metal roof which disappears into the boot in around 20 seconds.

Instead, buyers can concentrate on which of the three petrol engines they want. We reckon the 181bhp 20i is the pick of the range, because it’s the cheapest version of the Z4 to buy and run, yet offers strong and flexible performance.

If you want more performance there’s a 242bhp 28i version, which uses the same turbocharged 2.0-litre engine as the 20i version only in a higher state of tune. It’s quite a bit more expensive, though.

There are also two six-cylinder versions – the 302bhp 35i and the 335bhp 35is – but if you can afford to buy and run one of these there are better options than a Z4, such as the Porsche Boxster.

Reader test team says:

BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5 sDrive23i M Sport 2dr

I bought the new Z4 due to it's striking & aggressive looks after enjoying my previous Z4 coupe. The interior is well built and laid out, sports…

Matthew Proome

3 out of 5 stars

BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5 sDrive23i 2dr

Well, I drove it for a few days in different conditions and all that I can say is that ride isn't that good but forgiving for sports car. The thing…

Mudoje Srbendic

2 out of 5 stars

BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0 sDrive30i 2dr

I've had my sDrive 3.0i for 3 months and I've covered almost 5000 miles and I've fallen head over heals in love with it. I test drove the sDrive 2.5i…

Christopher Drake

5 out of 5 stars

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