2024 BMW Z4

We’re all trying to get somewhere — it could be work, home, date night, hospital, wherever. In this striving to reach our destination, it’s easy to forget that driving can actually be enjoyable. With the Z4, it’s easy to remember.

This is, after all, a big reason why the Z4 exists. It allows drivers to immerse themselves in the moment, put the top down, smell the air, feel the breeze, hear the engine, and then turn the wheel. It’s a private joy, or one shared with a partner.

The Z4 also has many attributes that are typical BMW. Like excellent engines, a plush and well-considered cabin, high build quality, a perfectly balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, and distinctive style.

There are no significant changes to the Z4 this year. There’s internet talk that BMW might be discontinuing the Z4 after 2025, so now is the time to get one.

The closest rival is the Porsche 718 Boxster, from around $70.4K. The Chevrolet Corvette convertible starts at about $75K. If a fixed metal roof is acceptable, the GR Supra is the other fruit of this Toyota/BMW joint project — both are built in the same Austrian factory. The GR Supra is priced starting in the mid-40s.

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 usually enjoy great resale values, with the Z4 more mid-pack.

The sDrive30i version of the 2024 Z4 is propelled by 255 horsepower from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It enables a sprint from standstill to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. A few tenths off the 300-horsepower Porsche 718 Boxster’s time, but entertainingly brisk all the same (and much less expensive).

We could moan that the Z4 comes only with an automatic transmission instead of offering a manual, but the reality is that most people want automatics, and this one has a fast and smooth action, as well as paddle shifters for some extra driver involvement. It’s not going to detract from the overall experience.

An experience, by the way, that 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.

Taking the Z4 to its most extreme, the M40i variant thrums and thrusts with 382 horsepower, an adaptive suspension, and stronger brakes. The sprint to 60 mph happens in 3.9 seconds. In terms of muscle and acceleration, the Z4 M40i has the much pricier 718 Boxster S beaten.

In either form, we’ve found the Z4 to be engaging and exhilarating.

Fuel Economy

The Z4 sDrive30i achieves 28 combined mpg (25 city, 33 highway). That compares well to the 718 Boxster (24 combined mpg with an automatic transmission). Likewise, the Z4 M40i’s 26 combined mpg outdoes the 718 Boxster S (22 combined mpg, auto transmission) despite having more power and two more cylinders. 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 not 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.

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. Yet there’s not a wide selection. According to BMW’s website, the deep purple Thundernight Metallic is trending.

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 7
BMW’s infotainment system is one of our favorites, because it’s intuitive to use and has standard features like wireless phone integration, plus the ability to 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 stereo, like this 12-speaker/408-watt surround-sound system.

Dynamic Handling package
Some buyers are going to find the sDrive30i plenty powerful enough, thank you very much. They can, however, add some M elements without going for the full $66.3K M40i by selecting this package that includes an adaptive suspension and beefier brakes.

Driver Assistance package
This 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). It’s worth the $700 investment.

Premium package
Also available in both Z4 models, this brings a head-up display, remote start, ambient cabin lighting, and a self-parking function.

Both engine choices in the 2024 Z4 are turbocharged. The sDrive30i has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The M40i employs a 3.0-liter engine in the classic BMW inline-6 configuration. It develops 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

An 8-speed automatic transmission is deployed in each variant, with drive going solely to the rear wheels.

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 for German 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. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, plus rollover protection.