Electric SUVs
BMW Z4 2026: See Full Review, Specs and Verdict
The BMW Z4 convertible is a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive roadster and a sports car worth buying before production closed in March 2026. If you want the Z4’s specs, engine breakdown, 0-60 times, pricing, or what BMW is planning after the model ends, you’re in the right place.
I’ve gone through official BMW data, road tests from Car and Driver and Top Gear, and real owner feedback to put together the most thorough guide on the BMW Z4 available right now.
What Is the BMW Z4?
The Z4 is a BMW roadster, a fabric soft-top, two-seat sports car built around a rear-wheel-drive platform. The Z in the name stands for “Zukunft,” German for “future.” The BMW Z series has carried that badge on open-top sports cars since the Z1 in 1989.
The BMW Z4 roadster arrived in 2002 as the direct replacement for the Z3. This BMW convertible has always been a BMW two-seater, and the third-generation G29 launched at Pebble Beach in August 2018.
The Z4 was co-developed with the Toyota GR Supra on a shared platform. The Supra became a closed coupe; the Z4 stayed true to the BMW roadster formula with an open top and a more comfort-forward character.
Both cars have now been discontinued, which closes a chapter in the BMW-Toyota sports car partnership that enthusiasts appreciated.
BMW Z4 Generations: E85, E89, and G29
Three generations have been built since 2002. Each one tells you something different about BMW’s thinking at the time.
BMW Z4 E85 (2002 to 2008)
The E85 replaced the Z3 and arrived wearing Chris Bangle’s sharp crease heavy styling, which split opinion at launch.
The driving package underneath it was strong: 50/50 weight distribution, a low seating position, and torsional stiffness that was class-leading for a convertible at the time.
The top-spec Z4 M Roadster ran a 340 hp straight-six from the M3 E46 and hit 62 mph in 5.0 seconds. BMW built every E85 at Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, the same facility used for the Z3.
Worth noting: BMW also produced the BMW Z4 M Coupe on the E85 platform, a hardtop coupe version of the roadster that collectors now rank among the top modern BMWs to own.
The E85 is gaining collector recognition among enthusiasts who consider it one of the cleaner-driving cars BMW made in that period.
BMW Z4 E89 (2009 to 2016)
The E89 introduced the first retractable hardtop in the Z series. The two-section aluminum roof opened and closed in 20 seconds at the touch of a button, turning the E89 into a near-coupe when closed.
It brought more headroom, more cabin room, and the first appearance of BMW’s iDrive infotainment in a Z4. The E89 was more refined and practical than the E85, though some of the earlier car’s raw character didn’t make the transition.
The coupe-style refinement with the hardtop up made it attractive to buyers who wanted year-round practicality from a sports car.
BMW Z4 G29 (2018 to 2026)
The G29 is the best of all three generations. BMW dropped the retractable hardtop and returned to a fabric soft top, cutting weight and lowering the roofline.
The roof operates in about 10 seconds and seals so tightly that road noise is barely noticeable when it’s up. The G29 launched with two turbocharged engines and a cabin that Car and Driver called the best in the roadster class.
From 2024, BMW added a six-speed manual gearbox that enthusiasts had wanted since the car’s debut. Production wrapped up in March 2026 with the Z4 Final Edition as the last model off the line.
BMW Z4 Specs: sDrive30i vs M40i
Two BMW Z4 engine options are available. Here’s how they stack up on paper and in real world testing.
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Specs
The Z4 sDrive30i runs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 255 horsepower. Car and Driver clocked 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds during testing. BMW Z4 horsepower sits at 255 hp in this trim, which is enough for real-world BMW Z4 performance without the fuel costs of the six-cylinder.
Fuel economy comes in at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, which makes it the more sensible choice for regular driving. The only transmission option is an eight-speed automatic, though standard BMW paddle shifters give you manual gear control on demand. The starting MSRP for 2026 is $57,450.
For buyers who want a proper BMW sports car without the running costs of a six-cylinder, the BMW sDrive30i handles everything you need. As a BMW soft top convertible, the Z4 sDrive30i gives you the full open-air experience at the most accessible price.
BMW Z4 M40i Specs
The BMW Z4 M40i runs the turbocharged 3.0-liter B58 engine BMW uses across its performance lineup. This B58 engine BMW calls one of its best, producing 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The B58 is one of BMW’s finest engines, smooth at low revs, punchy through the mid-range, and fast when you push it to the top of the rev range. Car and Driver tested the automatic M40i at 3.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
With the Handschalter six-speed manual, that rises to 3.9 seconds, a small trade-off for a much more rewarding driving experience. Top speed is electronically capped at 152 mph.
The BMW Z4 M40i price starts at $69,750. Some enthusiasts informally call this spec the BMW MZ4, though BMW never released a standalone M variant of the G29. The Handschalter package adds $3,500 on top.
BMW Z4 Handschalter Package: What You Actually Get
The Handschalter package is more than a gearbox swap. BMW retuned the adaptive suspension, fitted a reinforced anti-roll bar clamp up front, added bespoke auxiliary springs all round, and refined the steering, traction control, and M Sport differential calibration specifically for the manual setup.
The goal, in BMW’s own words, was to achieve sharper handling that driving purists would notice. You also get M Sport brakes with red calipers and 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels with summer tires.
Top Gear tested this version against the MG Cyberster and said the Handschalter Z4 is a proper sports car that costs less than a four-cylinder Porsche Boxster.
BMW Z4 Driving Experience
This roadster sits between a hardcore sports car and a comfortable grand tourer. That middle-ground positioning is what makes it work as a daily driver.
The adaptive suspension handles a normal commute without complaint and settles properly on a winding road. Variable sport steering with Servotronic adjusts effort based on speed, light and easy at low speed, and direct and precise when you’re moving fast.
The available M Sport differential meaningfully changes how the car handles corners. It manages rear traction so you can get the power down early without the rear stepping out unexpectedly.
Roadholding was measured at 1.01 g on the 300-foot skidpad in Car and Driver’s testing. Braking from 70 mph takes 153 feet with the Handschalter-equipped car.
One honest comparison: the Z4 isn’t as sharp at the limit as the Porsche 718 Boxster. The Boxster communicates more through its steering and feels more locked down when you’re pushing.
The Z4 is more comfortable on a long drive and cheaper to buy, which makes it the smarter pick for anyone who actually drives their sports car to work.
BMW Z4 Interior and Technology
The BMW Z4 interior makes a strong case for choosing this car over its rivals. Car and Driver called it probably the best cabin in the entire roadster segment, and based on what the Porsche 718, Nissan Z, and Lotus Emira offer at comparable prices, that’s a fair call.
The leather is soft, panel fitment is precise, and every control lands where your hand naturally falls.
M Sport seats with integrated head restraints keep you in place when driving hard without punishing you on longer trips. Two adults over six feet can sit comfortably, which is not guaranteed in this class.
Standard equipment includes a 10.3-inch touchscreen with BMW’s iDrive system, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system responds to the touchscreen, the rotary iDrive knob on the center console, or voice commands.
BMW paddle shifters are standard on both trims. An available Harman Kardon 12-speaker, 408-watt surround system performs well even with the soft top down at motorway speeds. Optional ambient lighting covers 15 colors.
The boot holds 10 cubic feet of luggage, enough for a weekend away for two people. An available head-up display puts navigation and speed data in your sightline without requiring you to look down at the screen.
BMW Z4 Reliability and Ownership Costs
The G29 has a cleaner reliability record than older Z4 models. The B58 engine in the M40i is regarded across the enthusiast community as one of BMW’s more dependable modern units.
G29 owners report far fewer BMW Z4 problems than people running E85 or E89 cars. The standing advice from experienced owners: budget properly for the BMW Z4 service schedule from the start, and the car will serve you well.
BMW includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, which is better than most cars in this class. The Nissan Z offers no complimentary maintenance, and Chevrolet only covers the first service visit for Corvette buyers.
The car carries a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty and a matching four-year powertrain warranty.
Real-world costs to factor in include tire replacement on M40i fitments, which run Michelin Pilot Super Sport in staggered widths, and BMW dealer labor rates, which are not cheap. Build those expenses into your ownership budget before you sign the paperwork.
BMW Z4 vs Rivals: Quick Comparison
| Feature | BMW Z4 M40i | Porsche 718 Boxster | Toyota GR Supra | Nissan Z |
| Body Style | Soft-top Roadster | Soft-top Roadster | Coupe only | Coupe only |
| Engine | 3.0L B58 Inline-6 Turbo | 2.0L Flat-4 Turbo | 3.0L B58 Inline-6 Turbo | 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 300 hp | 382 hp | 400 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 sec (auto) | 4.4 sec | 3.9 sec | 4.1 sec |
| Starting Price | $69,750 | $71,800 | $59,495 | $44,265 |
| Manual Option | Yes (Handschalter) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Open Top | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Interior Quality | Excellent | Good | Good | Average |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | None | 2 yr / 25,000 mi | None |
| Status (2026) | Discontinued | Active | Discontinued | Active |
BMW Z4 vs Toyota GR Supra
The Z4 and the Toyota GR Supra shared the same platform and the same B58 engine in their respective six-cylinder versions, yet they drove differently. The Supra is more focused and more aggressive as a driver’s car.
It communicates more through the steering, feels sharper in transitions, and carries a tighter, more purposeful driving position. The Z4 is more comfortable, has a better interior, and comes with an open top, which is a genuine point of difference.
Car and Driver rates the GR Supra at 9.5 out of 10 against the Z4’s 8.5, but that gap narrows considerably when you factor in the open-air experience that only the Z4 roadster can offer.
Both are now discontinued, so the comparison is increasingly about which used example makes more sense for your needs.
BMW Z4 Final Edition
BMW announced the Z4 Final Edition in November 2025, with orders opening in January 2026. All production finished in March 2026.
The specification includes exclusive BMW Individual Frozen Matt Black paint available only on this model, M High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, M Sport brakes in red, an M Alcantara steering wheel with red stitching, M Sport seats in Vernasca leather and Alcantara, and engraved door sill strips.
Other standard BMW Z4 colors are available at no added cost for buyers who prefer a different finish.
The Final Edition is available across all engine variants and both transmission options, priced at $78,675. BMW has not confirmed a production number.
Given the limited order window and the fact that this is the last new BMW Z4 built, collector value looks strong for buyers who secured one before the window closed.
BMW Z4 vs Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche 718 Boxster is the sharper, more communicative sports car of the two. It gives you more steering feedback, a more locked-down chassis feel at the limit, and engine notes that the Z4 doesn’t match for character.
But the 718 Boxster costs more across every comparable trim level. The Z4 M40i Handschalter is priced below a base four-cylinder 718 Boxster while matching it in straight-line performance and a more comfortable, better-equipped interior.
If track days are your priority, buy the Porsche. If you want a sports car you’ll enjoy every day, the Z4 roadster makes a stronger case.
What Comes After the BMW Z4?
BMW has not announced a fourth-generation BMW Z4. For the first time since 2002, their lineup has no two-seat sports car in production.
At the 2026 BMW i3 launch event, Senior VP Bernd Koerber was asked directly whether an electric sports car to replace the Z4 was in the works.
His answer: BMW will always look at sports cars; an EV sports car is not unlikely, but nothing is launching in the near term. The automotive press read this as a possibility kept open, not a firm plan.
BMW’s Neue Klasse electric platform is adaptable enough that an electric roadster would be technically possible. An i4 convertible is reportedly being developed alongside the next i4 coupe for a debut later this decade.
Italian designer Luca Serafini published a Neue Klasse Z4 rendering in 2025 that attracted a lot of attention and enthusiasm online. BMW hasn’t confirmed any of this. If you want a new Z4 today, find remaining dealer stock fast because nothing else is coming to replace it.
If you want to see where BMW’s flagship lineup is heading, the BMW i7 is worth a look.
Is the BMW Z4 Worth Buying in 2026?
Production is over, the Final Edition is gone, and BMW hasn’t announced what comes next. That makes the remaining new Z4 stock the last chance to buy one of the better sports cars BMW has built in decades.
If you want the full package, the M40i Handschalter is the one to get. If budget matters more, the sDrive30i is no compromise car either. Either way, the BMW Z4 gives you a premium open-top driving experience that’s hard to match at this price point right now.
BMW Z4 FAQ
Q: What engine does the BMW Z4 have?
A: The Z4 sDrive30i runs a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that puts out 255 hp. The M40i uses the turbocharged 3.0-liter B58 inline-six that produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Does the Z4 Have a Manual Transmission?
A: Yes, but only on the M40i through the Handschalter package. This adds a six-speed manual gearbox, revised adaptive suspension, M Sport brakes, and larger wheels. The sDrive30i comes with an eight-speed automatic only. Both trims include standard BMW paddle shifters.
Q: How Fast Is the Z4 M40i?
A: The M40i automatic does 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Handschalter manual takes 3.9 seconds. Both versions are limited to 152 mph.
Q: What Is the Z4 Price in 2026?
A: The sDrive30i starts at $57,450. The M40i starts at $69,750. The Handschalter package starts at $71,825. The Final Edition is $78,675.
Q: Is the Z4 discontinued?
A: Yes. Production ended in March 2026. The Final Edition was the last model built. BMW has not confirmed a replacement model.
Q: Is the Z4 a Hardtop or Soft Top?
A: The G29 uses an electrically operated fabric soft top that opens and closes in about 10 seconds. It seals tightly enough that interior noise levels are near-coupe quiet. The earlier E89 had a retractable aluminum hardtop.
Q: Will BMW Build an Electric Z4?
A: Nothing is confirmed as of 2026. BMW’s SVP said in early 2026 that an EV sports car is possible but not imminent. An i4 convertible is reportedly in development. No official successor has been announced.
Q: How Does the Z4 Compare to the Porsche 718 Boxster?
A: The 718 Boxster is sharper and more communicative. The Z4 is more comfortable and costs less. The Handschalter M40i undercuts the base Boxster in price with similar straight-line performance.
Q: Is the Z4 Reliable?
A: The G29 generation has a solid reliability record. The B58 engine is one of BMW’s more dependable modern units. Budget properly for the service schedule and factor in tire costs on M40i fitments. The car comes with a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty and three years of complimentary maintenance.
Q: What Is the Z4 Fuel Economy?
A: The sDrive30i returns 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The M40i automatic gets 23 city and 29 highway. The M40i with the manual drops to 19 city and 26 highway.
Final Thoughts on the BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 had a good run. Three generations, over two decades, and it ended with the best version BMW ever built. If you can still find one new, the M40i Handschalter is worth every penny.
If the sDrive30i fits your budget better, you are still getting a proper open-top sports car that most competitors cannot match at this price. Do not wait too long because once the last units are gone, there is nothing confirmed coming to replace them anytime soon.
