The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Classic roadster proportions
- Great acceleration
- Handles well
- Manual gearbox is back
Dislikes
- Infotainment quirks
- Steering needs more feel
- Expensive
- A Z4M would be fun
Buying tip
features & specs
BMW’s Z4 roadster is as enjoyable as you’d expect a stylish, sporty roadster to be.
What kind of vehicle is the 2025 BMW Z4? What does it compare to?
The 2025 BMW Z4 is a two-seat roadster. Compare it to the Porsche 718 Boxster and the Mazda MX-5 Miata, as well as the related (but coupe-only) Toyota Supra.
Is the 2025 BMW Z4 a good car?
The Z4 is a fun toy that’s just comfortable and practical enough to be a daily driver. It has a TCC Rating of 6.2 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2025 BMW Z4?
In something of a reversal, the M40i gains a 6-speed manual transmission option that’s part of a new Handschalter package including a tweaked suspension, rather divine green paint, and various cosmetic changes. Heated seats are now standard across the lineup, too.
Purposeful rather than cute like the Z3 that bowed 30 years ago, the Z4 is arguably BMW’s most stylish and balanced model. It’s a classic two-seat roadster with a fabric roof that stows away neatly behind the passenger compartment. A long wheelbase and a long hood give it a decidedly sporty look, which is backed up by considerable underhood power even in base form.
The two-seat interior’s up to the chassis, too, thanks to its good driving position and bolstered sport seats.
Under the long hood, you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 255 hp in the sDrive30i or a lusty 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 in the M40i. Either version comes standard with a slick 8-speed automatic transmission that fires off quick gear changes and benefits from standard paddle shifters. We’ve yet to drive the new 6-speed manual, but we have exceptionally high hopes. BMW has a long history of a bolting great manuals into its cars.
Look for 26 to 28 mpg combined with the automatic gearbox, and 22 mpg combined for the manual.
Regardless of engine, the Z4 corners with verve. Its steering could have a smidge more heft and more feel, but it’s very good overall. The best bet here is one with adaptive dampers and the limited-slip rear differential, which contribute to more cornering confidence.
Inside, you and your lucky passenger will find good seats and decent space for such a small car. Pack lightly, though, as the 9.9 cubic-foot trunk is sufficient for a weekend trip so long as you don’t plan to buy many souvenirs. Terrific build quality and nice materials give the interior a feel that’s in line with pricing.
Z4s are somewhat light on standard crash-avoidance technology. You’ll have to pay extra for features like blind-spot monitors with steering assistance, parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic emergency braking comes standard, as do automatic high beams.
How much does the 2025 BMW Z4 cost?
The base Z4 runs $55,225, which nets synthetic leather upholstery, 14-way power-adjustable and heated seats, a 10.3-inch non-touchscreen display for infotainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch alloy wheels, not too much else. It’s not too hard to build one to $75,000 or more.
Where is the 2025 BMW Z4 made?
In Austria.
2025 BMW Z4 Styling
The 2025 BMW Z4 wears its classic roadster style with pride.
Is the BMW Z4 a good-looking car?
For sure. It’s a solid 8 here, with two points allocated to its sleek exterior and one for its businesslike cabin.
The Z4 has a long hood but short front and rear overhangs, which give it a purposeful profile. It sits low to the ground and rides on staggered wheels that are a bit bigger at the rear. Up front, it wears a restrained version of BMW’s kidney grille to great effect. Integrated air vents on the front fenders work well with soft lines that give the car a slightly raked appearance. It’s just as nice with the top up.
A driver-focused 10.3-inch screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster give the Z4’s cabin a modern but sporty look. Occupants sink into the low, well bolstered seats, which look as good as they feel. Grab Cognac or Magma Red upholstery rather than all black and you’ll find that this cabin really comes alive.
2025 BMW Z4 Performance
The 2025 BMW Z4 is ready for track or town.
BMW’s is a slick, sporty roadster that earns two points above average for its handling and poise and one for its acceleration.
Is the BMW Z4 4WD?
No, this is a rear-wheel-drive roadster.
How fast is the BMW Z4?
Any Z4 is quick. The base sDrive30i puts out 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to hustle this surprisingly heavy roadster (nearly 3,900 pounds) to 60 mph in a mere 5.2 clicks of the stopwatch. This version comes only with a well-behaved 8-speed automatic transmission.
Better yet—and for six new reasons this year—is the M40i. Its 3.0-liter turbo-6 belts out 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, which slices the 0-60 mph run to just 3.9 seconds with the 8-speed automatic. The new 6-speed manual will undoubtedly be slower since automatics can outdo drivers, but we have little doubt that it will be the more engaging option. BMW does manual gearboxes very well—even if it doesn’t do them very often anymore.
The Z4 is poised and balanced on a winding road, and it's agile in town despite weighing 500 pounds more than you might expect. It rides well, with only a hint of the over-springed feel required by the run-flat tires. The three-spoke steering wheel is a delight to hold and nearly as pleasant to put through its paces, even if feedback is unfortunately limited and effort a bit too light.
We suggest adding the Dynamic Handling Package for its limited-slip rear differential and adaptive dampers, which manage to make this car both ride and handle better. The setup is standard on the M40i—yet another reason this is the one we now prefer.
2025 BMW Z4 Comfort & Quality
The 2025 BMW Z4 is small but plush.
Roadsters don’t fare well in our ratings system, which is geared more toward the kind of sensible cars that sensible people buy to drive daily. You could drive a Z4 every day, though, if you don’t mind the bite-size trunk and mere two-seat capacity. Those negatives are offset by supportive seats and fine materials, to bring the Z4 to an average score of 5 in our ratings.
The Z4’s thrones have power adjustments and plenty of adjustable bolstering, which makes it easy for just about anyone to get comfortable. Behind the passenger compartment, you’ll find a mere 9.9 cubic-foot trunk. A small pass-through for longer items may come in handy if, say, you choose to take your Z4 on an unexpected fishing pole shopping trip.
Swap out the standard synthetic leather for real hides and you’ll help this cabin realize its true potential. Other materials in the cabin are very nice, including soft-touch surfaces, plenty of contrasting stitching, and excellent build quality.
The Z4 is pretty quiet inside, too, thanks to the power-retracting fabric top that can go up or down in about 10 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.
2025 BMW Z4 Safety
The 2025 BMW Z4 is light on standard safety gear.
How safe is the BMW Z4?
We can’t say for certain since neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crashed the BMW Z4, and they’re not likely to do so given its low sales volume.
The Z4 is are light on crash-avoidance tech. The standard automatic emergency braking system has pedestrian and cyclist detection, but it only works at lower speeds. Automatic high beams are also standard. You’ll pay extra for blind-spot monitors with steering support, front and rear parking sensors, and lane-departure warnings, as well as adaptive cruise control and automatic parking. Rearward vision is good with the top down and fairly lousy with it up. Even forward vision is just so-so due to the big roof pillars and long, low hood.
2025 BMW Z4 Features
The Z4 is not a bargain, like most sports cars.
The 2025 BMW Z4 isn’t a bad buy if you consider its competitive set. Still, at $55,225 to start, it's hardly an inexpensive car. The Z4 ekes out a 7 here thanks to its numerous options and its 4-year/50,000-mile warranty that includes three years of scheduled maintenance. Its standard fare is the bare minimum of what we think is acceptable at this price point.
The base sDrive30i comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats that are power-adjustable and heated, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and 10.3-inch infotainment screen with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Which BMW Z4 should I buy?
If you want the base car, figure another $4,500 for popular features like real leather seats, metallic paint, parking sensors, keyless access, remote start, and even lumbar adjustments.
Before adding too many features to the base sDrive30i, you might want to step up to the M40i at $67,625. Our dream build here is the new Handschalter edition with its special green paint and Cognac leather upholstery—oh, and its 6-speed manual gearbox. With a wireless charging pad, it’ll set you back $71,325.
How much is a fully loaded BMW Z4?
The Z4 M40i can top $80,000 if you want every item BMW offers.
2025 BMW Z4 Fuel Economy
The Z4’s not a gas guzzler.
Is the BMW Z4 good on gas?
It’s decent. The turbo-4 has EPA estimates of 25 mpg city, 33 highway, 28 combined, while the M40i checks in at 23/31/26 mpg with the automatic or 19/26/22 mpg with the manual. With the automatic, that’s a 3 on the TCC scale. You’ll need to use premium fuel, though.