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Road Test

The current BMW Z4 delivers more thrills than its predecessor, but its stiff, choppy ride hurts the overall driving experience.

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New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian
Standard
AEB Highway
Optional
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
Optional
Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)
Optional

Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian
Standard
AEB Highway
Optional
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
Optional
Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)
Optional

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian
Standard
AEB Highway
Optional
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
Optional
Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)
Optional

Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

$54,500 - $67,000
economy-icon
CR MPG
Road test
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
$68,300 - $194,300
economy-icon
CR MPG
Road test
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR Take

$77,900 - $115,000
economy-icon
EPA MPG 18 mpg
Road test
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
$29,330 - $40,650
economy-icon
CR MPG
Road test
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
$42,970 - $65,750
economy-icon
CR MPG
Road test
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    convertible
Seating
2 front
Drive Wheels
Rear
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (255 hp)
  • 3-liter 6 turbo (382 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 8-speed automatic
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle
  • Basic 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Drivetrain 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Corrosion 12 years/unlimited miles
  • Roadside Aid 4 years/unlimited miles
  • Maintenance 3 years/36,000 miles
Model History
2019-
Current Generation

The BMW Z4 roadster returns after a three-year hiatus with a soft top, a sportier character, up-to-date advanced safety features, and improved fuel economy. It is closely related to the new Toyota Supra coupe. The base 2.0-liter turbo Z4 delivers punchy acceleration and an invigorating exhaust sound. The eight-speed automatic shifts with authority. No manual is available. Its handling is super nimble, but it has an incessantly stiff and choppy ride. The powered soft top can open and close in just 11 seconds, and can be done on the move up to 31 mph. It can also be opened or closed remotely, using the key fob. There is minimal wind buffeting inside with the windows up. The iDrive control system takes some time to master, but it proves intuitive with experience. It has Apple CarPlay compatibility, but it requires a subscription after the first year. A 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo is new for 2020. The Z4 received a light refresh in 2023 and a 6-speed manual transmission became available in 2025.

2009-2018
2009 Redesign Year

The second generation of the Z4 was introduced with a retractable hardtop replacing the cloth top of the previous iteration. This generation also marked the end of the Z4 coupe and the Z4M. Overall, this BMW falls short on the fun-to-drive leader board. Handling is capable and secure, but lacks the tactile feedback and thrill potential a driving enthusiast craves. The bowstring-taut ride is almost jarring at times and the cabin, though well finished, is a snug fit for folks of even average girth. Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes; brake assist and electronic stability control, along with rollover protection from roll bars behind the head restraints.

2003-2008
2003 Redesign Year
The Z4 arrived for 2003 with slightly more interior room, as well as a choice of two six-cylinder engines. While improved over the Z3 (which it replaced) in nearly every way, the Z4 retained the original car's choppy ride. Plus, it isn't very agile, partly because the steering is imprecise and non-linear. The one-touch power top is very convenient. Both of the available 3.0-liter six-cylinders are strong, and the M coupe and roadster use an even more powerful 3.2-liter that makes 330 hp.