2026 BMW Z4

As more cars go digital, electric, and isolating — and feature partial self-driving — the more attractive something like the Z4 becomes. This car represents the tactile dimension of personal transportation, where occupants can drop the top and feel engaged not only in the motion but also in the surroundings. It’s low to the ground, has a classic front-engined/rear-drive layout, and handles in a sophisticated, sporty way that’s typical of BMW. It even offers a manual transmission for greater involvement.

This current (third) generation debuted for the 2019 model year. But the more cars go digital, electric, and isolating — and feature partial self-driving — the more 2-seater luxury sports cars seem like an endangered species. We say buy it while you can.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury convertibles, including the BMW Z4.

The Z4 comes into this model year unchanged from last year.

If anyone wants to pay more, there might be a few Porsche 718 Boxster examples at some dealerships before production ends completely. Other than that, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible is worth a look, but that will also be more expensive than the priciest Z4. If a soft top isn’t necessary, then the Toyota GR Supra coupe, made in the same Austrian factory as the Z4 and the other half of this BMW/Toyota joint project, begins in the high-$50,000 region.

Before buying a new Z4 luxury sports car, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The Porsche and Chevy have strong resale values, the Z4’s are a touch below the class average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The entry-level Z4 sDrive30i is propelled by 255 horsepower from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It enables a sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It’s not a fair comparison, but the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible does that dash in about three seconds. It has almost twice as much muscle, however. The Z4 is entertainingly brisk all the same, and less expensive.

The automatic transmission has a fast and smooth action, as well as paddle shifters for some extra driver involvement. We’ve experienced BMW manual transmissions, like the one now offered in the optional Handschalter package (exclusive to the Z4 M40i, sadly) and found them to be just as wonderfully exact and well-engineered as everything else BMW makes.

Taking the Z4 to its most extreme, the M40i variant thrums and thrusts with 382 hp, an adaptive suspension, and stronger brakes. The sprint to 60 mph happens in 3.9 seconds. With this car’s optional manual transmission, the same sprint takes 4.2 seconds, but the greater involvement should more than make up for that fraction of time.

In either form, we’ve found the Z4 to be engaging and exhilarating. And it can be enjoyed every day of the week. The Z4 is sufficiently forgiving to handle commuting duties, just as it’s precise enough to tackle a canyon road.

Fuel Economy

The Z4 sDrive30i achieves 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The Z4 M40i returns 25 mpg combined (automatic) or 22 mpg combined (manual). The Z4 can overtake the Corvette while the latter is standing at the pumps, managing 19 mpg combined. Premium gasoline is required.

To all those who have discounted the idea of a sports car because they don’t think they’d fit in one, we say try the Z4 for size. It’s bigger than a Mazda MX-5 Miata (even though that’s a wonderful little roadster).

We’ve found that the Z4 has room for a couple of 6-footers. The cabin is also superb in regard to the quality of materials, the way they’ve been put together, and the ergonomic layout. The seats are well-shaped for support and well-cushioned for long trips. And there’s sufficient stowage space for phones, sunglasses, etc. The optional Handschalter package for the Z4 M40i includes Vernasca leather in five color schemes.

Trunk volume isn’t necessarily a deal maker or breaker among luxury sports cars, but the Z4’s 9.9 cubic feet is big enough for a couple of weekend bags.

There’s a lot to be said for the classic sports-car profile of a long hood and a short tail. We like how the BMW Z4 uses that as the template and goes somewhere novel with it. Everyone will have their own opinions, but we think some colors work better than others. The M40i’s Handschalter package has a couple of exclusive colors: San Remo Green metallic and Frozen Deep Green metallic (this latter color costs extra).

Engines
We love a BMW engine. Sure, there’s something really special about its 6-cylinder creations, but even a 4-cylinder example has the kind of responsiveness and power delivery that make BMW engines so satisfying and enjoyable to exercise.

iDrive
BMW’s infotainment system is one of our favorites because it’s intuitive to use, has standard features like wireless phone integration, and can understand voice commands given in natural speech.

Harman Kardon audio
We’ve found the Z4 is quiet enough with the roof up to justify a top-notch sound system, like this 12-speaker, 408-watt surround-sound unit.

Dynamic Handling package
Some buyers will find the sDrive30i plenty powerful enough, thank you very much. However, they can add some M elements without going for the full M40i by selecting this package that includes an adaptive suspension and beefier brakes.

Driver Assistance package
This package is optional with both Z4 variants. It includes active blind spot detection (especially useful when the roof is up and outward vision is restricted) and parking sensors at both ends (especially useful because of that long nose). We say it’s worth the $700 investment.

Premium package
This option is also available in both Z4 models, and it brings a head-up display, remote start, ambient cabin lighting, and a self-parking function.

Both engines available in the 2026 Z4 are turbocharged. The sDrive30i has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The M40i employs a 3.0-liter engine in the classic BMW inline-6 configuration. It develops 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

An 8-speed automatic transmission is deployed as standard in each variant, with drive going solely to the rear wheels. The M40i also offers the option of a 6-speed manual transmission.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical among European luxury car makers. Roadside assistance is included for that time (with unlimited mileage). Scheduled maintenance is free for three years or 36,000 miles, which is less typical.

Safety Ratings

The Z4 hasn’t been crash-tested by any agencies in the United States, but it took a maximum 5-star overall score from a similar European program (Euro NCAP). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and rollover protection.