Review - BMW Z4

In its latest generation, the Z4 has received a significant styling overhaul atop some added features, although prices have been creeping north, too. 

With that in mind, let's see just how well does the latest Z4 perform as a versatile sports car and everyday commuter against its competitors? Let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $90,900

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BMW Z4 (sDRIVE 20i M SPORT) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check BMW Z4 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The BMW Z4 range kicks off from $90,900 for the entry-level Z4 sDrive20i M Sport, with prices rising to $112,900 for the Z4 sDrive30i. 

The Z4 range tops out in the form of the M40i which is priced at $133,900. 

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs. 

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You? 

Using OnlineAuto’s car buying service, you could save by sourcing one of our car specialists to help you find the best value model for you. 

What Features Does the BMW Z4 Have?

BMW’s entry-level Z4 sDrive20i comes riding on 18-inch alloys, and receives a set of LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, parking assistant, head-up display, Vernasca leather upholstery, rear-view camera, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. 

Moving up to the Z4 sDrive30i M Sport adds a set of adaptive LED headlights, upgraded M Sport brakes, adaptive M Sport Suspension and 19-inch alloys. 

Finally, the range-topping Z4 M40i receives BMW’s limited slip differential as standard, leather and alcantara upholstery, and an upgraded Harman/Kardon surround sound system. 

Range Features: 

• 18-inch alloys 

• LED headlights 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Parking assistant 

• Head-up display 

• Vernasca leather upholstery 

• Rear-view camera 

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 

• 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• 19-inch alloys (sDrive30i M Sport)

• Adaptive LED headlights (sDrive30i M Sport)

• M Sport Brakes (sDrive30i M Sport)

• Adaptive M Sport suspension (sDrive30i M Sport)

• Limited-slip differential (M40i)

• Leather/alcantara upholstery (M40i)

• Harman/Kardon surround sound system (M40i)

BMW Z4 Colours 

The BMW Z4 range is available in the following colours: M Misano Blue, San Fransisco Red, Alpine White, Glacier Silver, Frozen Grey and Black Sapphire. 

Is it Fun to Drive? 

The Z4 platform is a true performer, but you’ll have to remember that BMW offers the Z4 with three different engines, one of which is unlikely to satisfy drivers hungry for speed. 

The base model comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 145kW of power and 320Nm of torque, which is on par for what you’d find in a hot hatch. 

While the entry-level sDrive20i might be underpowered, BMW’s low weight and 50:50 distribution of that weight, combined with an agile front end and sharp steering characteristics makes its a heap of fun to drive on a twisty road. 

When the road straightens out, though, you might be wanting a bit more power to keep up with its rivals, which is where the sDrive30i and its bigger sibling, the M40i step into the equation. 

The sDrive30i receives a power boost up to 190kW and 400Nm of torque with the addition of upgraded brakes, adaptive suspension and an M Sport differential making for an ideal sports car package. 

The range-topping M40i is no doubt the pick of the bunch, though, thanks to a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six pushing out 285kW of power and 500Nm of torque, making for an extremely impressive performer. 

The steering is sharp, the front axle offers a tonne of grip and the lightweight platform darts around between corners and makes for a true sports car experience. 

On the road, all the three variants are able to dial everything back and become comfortable commuters, albeit with relatively sporty and firm ride qualities in the base mode. Adaptive suspension helps to offer a healthy mix of support in the corners and ironing out of bumps on the road. 

All up, the Z4 platform is divine when coupled with either the more powerful of the turbo four-cylinder engines or the flagship in-line six, and makes for an extremely versatile sports car. 

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

As you might expect, a two-seater sports coupe doesn’t excel when it comes to practicality, although the platform is perfectly acceptable for transporting two people and a small handful of their belongings in comfort and style. 

Thankfully for tall readers out there, you won’t have any problems fitting inside the Z4’s cabin which can confidently accommodate giants without much of a problem thanks to the low-slung sports seats. 

The cabin’s design is all very familiar to BMW’s design language and switchgear, which can be both a blessing and a curse. 

A blessing, because the interior quality, materials and ergonomics are outstanding, but a bit of a curse because the base model’s interior is somewhat lacking when it comes to design flare and excitement. 

Having said that, though, there’s an impressive amount of storage options in the front of the cabin with a hidden storage tray behind the gear lever, storage inside the arm rest, a pair of cup holders, a wireless charging pad and a pair of sizable door bins either side. 

Behind the front row, there are some netted storage areas for small bags, handbags or electronics, while the boot space figure stands at 281L which is actually quite acceptable for a sports coupe. 

All up, for a two-seater sports car, BMW has managed to squeeze a heap of practicality from the Z4’s platform. 

Is it Safe? 

The BMW Z4 is yet to be awarded an official ANCAP safety rating. 

However, to sweeten the deal, the Z4 comes with a heap of active safety technology including BMW’s driving assistant package that adds active cruise control, rear collision warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, a reversing camera and autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The entry-level BMW Z4 sDrive20i and 30i are surprisingly fuel efficient, consuming just 6.5L per 100km on a combined cycle, which is impressive for a sports car. 

Upgrading to the M40i brings fuel economy figures up to 7.5L per 100km on a combined cycle, which is pretty impressive when you consider the amount of power on offer. 

Our Verdict: Is the BMW Z4 Worth it?

The BMW Z4 is a true performer and a very versatile sports car that offers high-speed thrills and a surprisingly refined ride for commutes around town. 

If you’re interested, be aware of the fact that the entry-level variant offers a modest amount of power, making the mid-range and flagship variants an easy pick when it comes to performance, although they do command a price premium. 

For those looking at their options in the world of two-seat sports cars, the Z4 demands a spot on your shortlist. On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Three-year, unlimited KM warranty 
2. No official ANCAP safety rating 
3. Three engine options available
4. Fuel economy between 6.5 - 7.5L per 100km 
5. Boot space of 281L 

Pros 

• Agile handling with lively steering 
• Thrilling performance of M40i flagship 
• Sublime engine and transmission combinations 
• Surprising interior space

Cons

• Limited three-year warranty 
• Restrained cabin design for sports car
• Underwhelming performance in entry-level sDrive20i 

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

BMW Z4 Competition