BMW Z4 review
The Z4 is a comfortable and practical alternative to a Porsche 718 Boxster
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Convertible
Sports
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Introduction
Performance & drive
Interior
Passenger & boot space
Buying & owning
Lawrence Cheung
Updated: 30 July 2024
How we test cars
“Do not try to do everything. Do one thing well.” So said Apple's Steve Jobs – and as the BMW Z4 shows, he had a point. Why? Well, the third-generation Z4 appears to have gone back to basics, with a greater focus on driver enjoyment.
You see, while the second-generation Z4 was more user-friendly to broaden its appeal, the main problem was its folding metal hard-top roof. It was great at keeping out the elements, but was also very heavy and dulled the car's handling.
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This latest Z4 has a lighter fabric hood and redesigned suspension to improve handling. There's a choice of two petrol engines, and in March 2024 BMW made the most powerful version (the 335bhp Z4 M40i) available with a manual gearbox.
If that sounds like your kind of convertible two-seater, you'll probably be considering the Porsche 718 Boxster too. So how does the BMW Z4 get on against the Boxster and other sports car rivals? Read on to find out...
What’s new?
January 2024: M40i Handschalter joins range with six-speed manual gearbox.
August 2022: Facelift brings new grille, sDrive20i and sDrive30i dropped, more colours and optional extras.
July 2019: sDrive20i has a six-speed manual gearbox.
March 2019: First cars delivered in the UK. Choice of 194bhp sDrive20i, 254bhp sDrive30i, both with 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Range topper is the 335bhp M40i, with twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six. All with eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
August 2017: Z4 concept shown at Frankfurt motor show.
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Verdict
The BMW Z4 will appeal to those looking for a comfortable and relatively practical convertible sports car. However, if you're looking for something that's primarily precise, fun and exciting to drive, the Porsche 718 Boxster outshines it considerably.
Pros
- M40i’s engine is smooth and powerful
- Comfortable ride
- Practical next to its rivals
Cons
- Poorly resolved handling
- 2.0-litre petrol engines sound dull
- Inconsistent brake feel
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Performance & drive
What it's like to drive, and how quiet it is
Strengths
- Punchy engines
- Comfortable at cruising speed
- M40i's optional manual gearbox is a joy
Weaknesses
- The sDrive20i could be livelier
- Porsche 718 Boxster is sharper to drive
- Feels heavy for a sports car
The entry-level BMW Z4 sDrive20i has a 194bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine. It picks up well from low revs and puts down its power easily, officially sprinting from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds. That’s just 0.1sec slower than a 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5 184 but not a patch on the entry-level Porsche 718 Boxster (5.1 seconds).
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Unfortunately, while BMW pitches the Z4 as a sports car, the sDrive20i fails to shine in important areas. It doesn’t have the zingy, free-revving attributes of the MX-5’s 2.0-litre petrol engine for example. Nor does it sound as exciting – you hear a dreary monotonous drone. It's only available with a sluggish eight-speed automatic gearbox, which doesn't help either.
Thankfully, the range-topping Z4 M40i is much better. While there’s plenty of low-down muscle to bumble around effortlessly, the 335bhp 3.0-litre straight-six engine is just as eager to pull hard up to the limiter when you plant your foot on the accelerator pedal. It sounds much more invigorating than the four-cylinder sDrive20i and has a smooth free-revving nature.
You get an auto gearbox as standard, and it's snappier than the sDrive20i's, but we'd recommend taking up the option of a six-speed manual gearbox. The gearshift is a little notchy and requires more effort than in a Boxster, but once you get used to it, it’s a joy to use and is worth the added interaction.
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Performance doesn’t suffer noticeably if you want to change gears yourself, with an official 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds for the manual M40i and 4.5 seconds for the automatic.
Another reason to choose the M40i over the sDrive20i is that the less-powerful Z4 has grabby brakes that make it tricky to slow down smoothly in stop-start traffic. The M40i has beefier M Sport brakes that give you a better feel for what's going on below, giving you more confidence. Plus, the bespoke limited-slip differential helps put down power cleanly on the way out of corners.
Speaking of corners, the Z4 doesn't actually feel that sharp down a country road. The standard suspension fitted to the sDrive20i feels tuned more for motorway cruising comfort than canyon carving, allowing more body lean than in a Boxster. And because it's quite soft, the Z4 feels rather bouncy and wayward at the back end over B-road bumps.
The M adaptive suspension – which is standard on the M40i but costs extra on the sDrive20i – has a firmer Sport mode, which improves matters noticeably. It makes the car more stable and does a better job of absorbing mid-corner bumps. Manual M40is get tweaked suspension to deliver a slightly more engaging drive.
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Even so, the Z4’s hefty kerb weight means it's not as nimble as a Boxster, and the steering lacks the beautiful sense of connection with the front wheels you get with that rival. Its variable ratio rack means it initially responds quite slowly, but past a quarter of a turn of lock, the rate it turns the wheels suddenly ramps up, making it harder to place accurately on the road than the best sports cars.
As a result, the Z4 is best enjoyed when driving at moderate speeds, with its muscular power and relatively absorbent suspension cushioning over most surfaces in urban town roads and motorways.
At 70mph with the convertible roof up, there’s less wind and road noise than in a Boxster. If you open the roof (which takes 12 seconds with the push of a button) there's some buffeting even when the optional wind deflector is in place.
Interior
The interior layout, fit and finish
Strengths
- Great interior layout
- Brilliant infotainment system
- Plush interior
Weaknesses
- Manual version has offset pedals
- Seats could be more supportive
While the BMW Z4’s driving experience might not be compelling compared with rival sports cars, its interior is. The dashboard is angled towards you, creating a driver-focused environment with a low-slung seating position.
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The driver's seat is reasonably supportive, while lumbar adjustment and full electric seat operation are standard on the M40i and optional on the sDrive20i. In the manual version, the pedals are offset to the right (although not as awkwardly far off centre as in a BMW M2) so it’s worth trying to see if it suits you first.
Everything is reachable and all the controls are clearly structured and labelled. It's also impeccably finished, from the stitching on the standard leather seats to the sections of chrome and piano-black trims, and everything is beautifully incorporated. In fact, the Z4 looks plusher inside than a Porsche 718 Boxster.
The good news continues with the infotainment system: BMW's iDrive system is without a doubt the best on the market. It’s responsive, intuitive to use and easy to operate thanks to the rotary controller on the centre console.
It’s far less distracting than prodding the Boxster's touchscreen while you’re bowling along the motorway (although you can use the Z4's 10.3in screen as a touchscreen if you want).
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All versions come with sat-nav, Bluetooth, DAB radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The optional Harman Kardon surround-sound system comes with extra speakers behind the seats that help drown out some of the exterior noise when the roof is down but it lacks the punch of the best stereos.
It's quite tricky to see the end of the Z4's long bonnet or what's behind you with the roof up. That's no great problem though: all versions come with front and rear parking sensors, and there’s the option of a rear-view camera. You get LED headlights as standard and adaptive LEDs are available with an options pack.
Passenger & boot space
How it copes with people and clutter
BMW Z4 Boot
Strengths
- Good storage space
- Large boot unaffected by roof positioning
Weaknesses
- Cupholders are awkwardly positioned
If you're very long in the leg you'll be more comfortable leg-room wise in the BMW Z4 than in a Porsche 718 Boxster. That said, there’s slightly less head room, although it's not tight in that area.
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The long, narrow door pockets aren’t particularly practical, but they are a good size for a sports car (you don’t get any in a Mazda MX-5). There’s a handy covered cubby in front of the gearlever where you can charge your phone wirelessly, plus a decent-sized glovebox for extra bits and bobs.
While there are cup holders mounted inside the central armrest, you have to have the armrest covers open to use it. There’s a small amount of storage behind the seats and a cargo net with just enough space to shove a coat or spare pair of shoes.
The most impressive aspect of the Z4 when it comes to storage us the size of its boot – 281 litres. That's more than you get in a Boxster and it doesn't change when you drop the convertible roof.
We managed to fit in five carry-on suitcases in the Z4's boot (the same as in a VW Golf). There’s also a ski hatch between the seats to thread longer items through.
Buying & owning
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
Strengths
- Well equipped
- Reasonable fuel economy
Weaknesses
- Options hike up the price if you get carried away
As a cash purchase, the entry-level BMW Z4 – the sDrive20i – costs significantly more than the most expensive Mazda MX-5. Meanwhile the more powerful M40i will cost slightly more than an entry-level Porsche 718 Boxster. That looks like good value considering the Boxster will have less kit and a smaller engine.
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The Z4 is predicted to lose its value a little more quickly than a Boxster, although insurance and servicing costs are competitive. Fuel consumption is relatively palatable, and the sDrive20i’s official CO2 emissions are competitive.
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Keeping things simple, there’s only one trim level available with each engine. The entry-level sDrive20i M Sport comes with plenty of standard equipment, including 18in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, ambient lighting, heated front seats and leather upholstery.
The M40i is based on the M Sport but adds adaptive suspension, a limited-slip differential and brakes with blue calipers, plus 19in alloy wheels.
We can’t say for sure how reliable the Z4 will be because it wasn’t in our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey. What we do know is that BMW came 12th out of 32 manufacturers, just ahead of Mazda in 13th, and far above Porsche in 20th.
In terms of crash protection, the Z4 achieved the maximum five-star rating when it was tested by Euro NCAP in 2019. It's likely to be safer than the MX-5, which scored four stars in 2015 (the rating has now expired), but we can't compare it accurately with the Boxster because that has never been rated.
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The Z4 comes packed with safety kit, including front collision warning with automatic emergency braking (AEB) and a lane-departure warning system. You can add a Driving Assistant Package for more driver aids, including a system that can detect traffic crossing behind you as you’re reversing on to a road, lane-keeping assistance that steers you back into line, traffic-sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.
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BMW Z4 owner reviews
Sort by: Most Recent Star rating
Elizabeth
Bmw Z4 2.0 petrol
Likes: Value, Servicing, Running costs
Oct 20, 2024 10:39 AM
I bought the Z4 as a second car it was bought new in 2023 it is used a couple of times a week to go to the shops and in 16 months has done 1400 miles it looks and sounds great it has had brake problem due to the brake pedal to brake light switch gap closing up it was fixed at home by BMW assist it has also had seizure of the front pads (all of our second cars do low mileage and as they are used weekly this has never happened before) BMW make us pay for this even though it was in the first 12 months. It has stopped me from buying BMW again. And will buy another model next year
Anonymous
Bmw Z4 2.0 petrol
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing
Oct 14, 2024 11:36 PM
Tips & Advice
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
How to lease a car
Car leasing is like long-term rental, and can be an affordable route to a new car. When the deal ends, you hand the car back
Protect your investment
GAP insurance allows you to get the full price for your car if it’s stolen or written off, but only a quarter of Brits buy it
Reduce your car finance bills
Refinancing your car effectively means taking out one loan to pay off another, which could help reduce your monthly payments, or reduce your finance term
What is hire purchase?
Hire purchase allows you to make monthly payments to buy your next car – although these will be higher than with a PCP
What is PCP finance?
Low monthly payments are key to the appeal of Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreements. But are there downsides?
BMW Z4 specifications
RRP price range
MPG range across all versions
32.5 - 39.8
Available fuel types (which is best for you? )
Petrol
Number of engines (see all)
2
Number of trims (see all)
3
Warranty
3 years
FAQs
How fast is the BMW Z4?
The Z4 sDrive20i's top speed is 149mph, while the Z4 M40i is limited to 155mph. In terms of acceleration, the sDrive20i can officially do a 0-62mph sprint in 6.6 seconds, while the M40i takes an impressive 4.5 seconds.
Which BMW Z4 model is best?
Our favourite version is the Z4 M40i – which is the quickest, sounds the best and is the most involving to drive. Since March 2024 the M40i has been available with a manual gearbox – and that's definitely worth having, as it makes the car more engaging.
What is the difference between the BMW Z4 M Sport and Z4 M40i?
The main difference is the engine under that long bonnet – the M40i gets a more powerful engine. Other than that, both are well equipped with M Sport suspension, cruise control, heated M Sport seats and parking sensors all around.
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About the writer
Name: Lawrence Cheung
Title: New cars editor
Follow Lawrence Cheung on
Lawrence Cheung has worked at What Car? as New Cars Editor since 2021. He oversees the first drives section of the site and magazine, commissioning and writing about the latest cars to hit the market. He also contributes to sister magazine Autocar.
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