Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW Z4 review – sports car, luxury cruiser or mini-GT?

The Z4 is a talented roadster with much in its favour, just don’t expect Boxster levels of tactility

Evo rating
  • Accurate steering, strong performance and grip
  • Not as sporting or involving as you might expect

The Z4 has always been a BMW that’s had a little bit of a personality crisis, never being fully clear as to its purpose in life. The first generation wasn’t a bad car at all, but it couldn’t manage to knock the Porsche Boxster from its perch as the driver’s roadster of choice. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW’s second stab at it was an altogether softer machine. Again, not a bad car, but not an overtly sporting one either, even in range-topping sDrive35iS guise. No, this was a machine that was aimed at the TT and SLC rather than the Boxster, and as a drop-top cruiser it was a fine piece of kit provided you didn’t ask too many questions of its chassis. 

> Click here for our review of the Toyota Supra

But what should we expect from the current G29 generation of Z4? BMW’s billed it as having been engineered with a focus on maximum agility, dynamism and steering precision yet in almost the same breath admits that if you’re looking for the ultimate driving experience then the Boxster is the way to go. In truth though, the vast majority of Z4s sold in the UK will be of the 20i variety, pitching it against slightly more mundane offerings from Mercedes-Benz and Audi and perhaps tempting buyers away from a top-of-the-range Mazda MX-5.

And the Z4 does have a lot going for it; good (if a little gawky from some angles) looks, a relatively entertaining drive, good engines offering a blend of performance and economy, and a host of standard equipment. It’s an undemanding car to drive, offering precise steering, huge levels of grip and a balanced chassis, but it’s somewhat one-dimensional, lacking any layers in its performance and delivery. It’s easy to drive fast and for the most part very composed when doing it, but you’d be having more fun in that MX-5 or Boxster.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

For many owners the lure of a reasonably priced BMW roadster will be enough – stylish, quick and easy to drive and with all the gadgets and gizmos you could possibly need. If you’re happy to swan about the countryside roof down taking in the sights and smells it’s a good choice, just don’t expect it to be the last word in dynamic ability or tactility.

BMW Z4: in detail

  • Engine, gearbox and technical highlights – Both the 2-litre four-cylinder and 3-litre straight-six are relatively characterful, but no manual gearbox option is disappointing
  • Performance and 0-62 time – even the 20i has better than expected pace, but it’s the M40i that’s by far and away the quickest of the three models with a 4.5sec 0-62mph time 
  • Ride and handling – Grip levels are impressive and the steering is precise, if lacking in feedback; Sport models offer a more compliant ride
  • MPG and running costs – The Z4 shouldn’t cost the earth to run with impressive economy and emissions figures, but small fuel tank limits range 
  • Interior and tech – Seats and driving position are excellent, as is the level of technology, but the cabin lacks a sporting ambiance
  • Design – A short wheelbase and wide track make the Z4 look a little gawky from some angles, but overall it’s an attractive machine 

Prices, specs and rivals

The entry-level Z4, the 20i Sport, costs £40745, while a 30i in the same trim level is £44,760. Add £1750 to those prices and you’ll be looking at an M Sport model, with the M40i costing a hefty £53,850. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Z4s are well equipped though. Leather upholstery is standard, as are the expected items such as air conditioning, DAB radio and Bluetooth. Eighteen-inch wheels come on all models bar the M40i which receives 19s, while there’s an eight-speed auto, cruise control, LED head and tail lights, park distance control, high-end navigation and BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant and Live Cockpit Plus.

> Click here for our review of the Porsche Boxster

While the Boxster is the benchmark in terms of driving, it’s the Audi TT and Mercedes-Benz SLC that are closest in terms of price. With its folding metal hard-top the SLC is certainly a less sporting proposition than the Z4, but the TT is on a par in most respects and depending on your viewpoint may be the better looking machine.

The 718 Boxster is dynamically the best car in this sector, but it’s expensive. By the time you’ve added PDK, PASM, a leather interior, electric seats and the mechanical differential to a Boxster (all standard on the Z4 M40i) its price has risen to £56k, and it’s still not as quick as the M40i. Do the same to a 718 Boxster S and it’s getting on for £15k more expensive than the M40i. The Stuttgart product is overwhelmingly the better car to drive, but you certainly pay for the privilege.

> Click here for our full guide on buying a used G29 BMW Z4

Used and nearly new BMW Z4 (G29) models

As a used purchase BMW’s Z4 certainly ticks plenty of boxes if you’re in the market for a sporting roadster. It drives well, even if it’s not quite as sharp dynamically as a Boxster, and all three versions offer decent performance, with the M40i being particularly quick. It also features plenty of standard equipment, and while it is still a relatively new model there are plenty of used examples to choose from. The 30i represents the best blend of performance and economy.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW Z4 (G29) history

Revealed in 2018 and launched in 2019, the Z4 is available with three different power outputs in the form of the sDrive20i, sDrive30i and the M40i. The 20i and the 30i both feature a four-cylinder 2-litre turbocharged unit that’s seen service in plenty of mainstream BMWs, while the M40i uses a turbocharged six-cylinder that’s good for 335bhp and a 4.5sec 0-62mph time.

Used BMW Z4 (E85, 2002-2008; E89, 2009-2016)

The first generation of Z4, known as the E85, made its debut in 2002 and was a far more sporting proposition than the Z3 which it effectively replaced. Powered mainly by smooth six-cylinder units it was a decent stab at a sporting roadster, but always lost out in terms of feel and finesse when compared to Porsche’s Boxster.

Launched in 2009 the second Z4 was dubbed the E89 and was a far less focused machine – it was almost as if BMW was admitting it couldn’t beat the Boxster so it went chasing sales from Mercedes’ SLK. The E89 Z4 wasn’t a bad car by any means, but with a folding metal hard-top it was definitely aimed at the less sporting end of the market. The larger-engined models were very quick, but the chassis lacked finesse.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Z4 coupe

BMW Z3 – review, history, prices and specs
BMW Z3 red front
Reviews

BMW Z3 – review, history, prices and specs

From country cruiser to autobahn bruiser, BMW’s 1990s roadster is appealing on several levels
22 Jun 2019
2019 BMW Z4 sDrive20i review
BMW Z4 20i - nose
Reviews

2019 BMW Z4 sDrive20i review

Downsized approach results in more fun and a worthwhile saving – but we suspect the 30i may be the sweet spot
21 Mar 2019
New 2019 BMW Z4 review
Header
Reviews

New 2019 BMW Z4 review

The new Z4 is a car of conflicting personalities. There’s a fast and capable sports car in there somewhere...
8 Nov 2018
Skip advert
Advertisement
New 2018 BMW Z4 range revealed in full
BMW Z4 M40i silver - front
News

New 2018 BMW Z4 range revealed in full

After the reveal of the Z4 M40i flagship at Pebble Beach, BMW has followed up with the rest of its Z4 range
18 Sep 2018
Production-ready 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster leaked
BMW Z4 patent leak - front quarter
News

Production-ready 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster leaked

This is our best look yet at BMW’s all-new Z4 Roadster, to be shown in full later this year
13 Jun 2018
New 2019 BMW Z4 review – first drive of Z4 prototype
New 2019 BMW Z4 – front quarter
Reviews

New 2019 BMW Z4 review – first drive of Z4 prototype

Much sharper to drive than before, much more aggressively styled, the Z4 at last has potential to rival a Boxster.
5 Jun 2018
BMW beats Audi to clinch 22nd Spa 24 Hours win
News

BMW beats Audi to clinch 22nd Spa 24 Hours win

Z4 heads R8 LMS and Ferrari 458 Italia in close-fought race
27 Jul 2015
BMW Z4 sDrive35iS review - price, specs and 0-60 time
BMW Z4 sDrive35is
Reviews

BMW Z4 sDrive35iS review - price, specs and 0-60 time

Extra power, noise and responsiveness add more edge to BMW’s Z4 sports car
23 Mar 2015
BMW Z4 sDrive18i review - price, specs and 0-60 time
2013 BMW Z4 sDrive18i silver front
Reviews

BMW Z4 sDrive18i review - price, specs and 0-60 time

The BMW Z4 sDrive18i is the German company's entry-level roadster. A posh convertible or a fun sports car?
24 Feb 2015
Skip advert
Advertisement
BMW Z4 sDrive35i review - price, specs and 0-60 time
2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i red front
Reviews

BMW Z4 sDrive35i review - price, specs and 0-60 time

The facelifted for 2013 BMW Z4 aims to tackle the Porsche Boxster in 302bhp sDrive35i form
1 Feb 2015
BMW Z4 sDrive20i review - price, specs and 0-60 time
BMW Z4 sDrive20i
Reviews

BMW Z4 sDrive20i review - price, specs and 0-60 time

We drive the new sub-£30K, entry-level BMW Z4 roadster, the turbocharged sDrive20i
19 Jan 2015
Skip advert
Advertisement
BMW Zagato Roadster
2012 BMW Zagato Roadster
News

BMW Zagato Roadster

The BMW Z4 roadster gets the Zagato treatment at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
20 Aug 2012
BMW Zagato Coupe
2012 BMW Zagato Coupe news and pictures
News

BMW Zagato Coupe

BMW uses the 2012 Villa d'Este concours event to debut its striking, Z4-alike Zagato Coupe
28 May 2012
BMW 328 Hommage revealed
BMW 328 Hommage sports car revealed
News

BMW 328 Hommage revealed

BMW reveals a striking new sports car concept, the twin-turbo 328 Hommage. News and pictures here
23 May 2011
BMW Vision ConnectedDrive
BMW Vision ConnectedDrive roadster concept
News

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive

BMW unveils its Vision ConnectedDrive, a two-door roadster concept for the 2011 Geneva motor show
10 Feb 2011
Skip advert
Advertisement
AC Schnitzer ACS4 Turbo S review
AC Schnitzer ACS4 Turbo S (BMW Z4) review
Reviews

AC Schnitzer ACS4 Turbo S review

Tuner creates best-handling BMW Z4 yet, power up to 375bhp, styling tweaks bring attitude to match
22 Sep 2010
New BMW Z4 S
BMW Z4 M Roadster
News

New BMW Z4 S

BMW unveils the closest thing to a new M Roadster sports car - the 330bhp, 369lb ft Z4 S
14 Dec 2009
BMW Z4 sDrive 35i
BMW Z4 sDrive 35i
Long term tests

BMW Z4 sDrive 35i

Cool autumn breezes replace the smells of summer but running top-down is still an option in the Z4
6 Dec 2009
BMW Z4 M Coupe
BMW Z4 M Coupe
Advice

BMW Z4 M Coupe

The launch of an all-new Z4 this year means now’s a good time to take a fresh look at the Z4 M Coupe, a proper M-car with real future classic potentia…
24 Nov 2009
BMW Z4 Roadster
AC Schnitzer BMW Z4 Roadster
News

BMW Z4 Roadster

Specialist tuning company AC Schnitzer applies its expertise to the BMW Z4 Roadster
23 Sep 2009
BMW Z4 M
BMW Z4 M Power
Spy shots

BMW Z4 M

Not quite a new M roadster, but an M Sport iteration of the new BMW Z4
21 Sep 2009
Skip advert
Advertisement
BMW Z4 update
BMW Z4
News

BMW Z4 update

Details and prices of new BMW Z4 roadster emerge; evo drives it next issue
20 Mar 2009
New BMW Z4
New BMW Z4
News

New BMW Z4

BMW's second-gen Z4 roadster gains a folding hard-top
15 Dec 2008