BMW Z4 – Review, Specs, Pricing, Features, Videos and More

The BMW Z4 roadster is one of the few small luxury convertible sports cars still on the market. Available with a four-cylinder or a six-cylinder engine, both come turbocharged and are plenty powerful to propel the car. The Z4 comes only with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The styling of the Z4 resembles that of the car’s larger siblings and is arguably the best looking Z4 to date. The interior is very BMW and looks quite similar to a certain coupe sold by a Japanese manufacturer…

BMW Z4 Overview

The 2025 BMW Z4 introduces significant updates, most notably the return of a manual transmission after six years. The six-speed manual, part of the Handschalter package, pairs with the 3.0-liter inline-six engine in the M40i trim, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This configuration emphasizes driver engagement, with precise shifter action and a springy clutch. The manual's 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds is slightly slower than the automatic, but the tradeoff is a more involving driving experience.

Chassis enhancements include stiffer front anti-roll bars and revised suspension tuning, improving agility without sacrificing ride comfort. The Z4 retains its roadster appeal, offering balanced handling and a comfortable ride for extended trips. Its adaptive suspension absorbs road imperfections, and the fabric roof reduces noise when closed. Trunk space remains practical at 10 cubic feet.

The Z4’s cabin offers quality materials but suffers from ergonomic quirks, such as awkward cupholder placement. Tech features include the user-friendly iDrive 7.0 system with physical controls for climate and audio. While priced higher than alternatives like the BMW M2, the Z4 manual offers a blend of classic roadster dynamics and modern refinement, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a pure driving experience.

For 2025, BMW will offer the Z4 M40i with a manual transmission. To row your own, BMW will charge a $3,500 premium over the automatic model, bringing the MSRP to $69,950. However, the stick Z4 doesn’t come without its own set of improvements to help justify the cost.

For starters, BMW switches the stick Z4 to a staggered wheel setup, measuring 255/35 R19 and 285/30 R20 front and rear, respectively. Moreover, the loss of the automatic transmission saves a solid 29 pounds. BMW has made changes to the car’s M Sport differential, as well as updated software for the variable steering system. Other changes include unique auxiliary springs and a newly reinforced anti-roll bar clamp. Rounding off changes, BMW has altered the traction control system. Unfortunately, the brand doesn’t get into specifics, saying only that the changes “incorporate model-specific control logic.”

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