Summary
The BMW Z4 is a two-seat roadster, with the current version being the third generation model. It was revealed in summer 2018 before going on sale in the UK in early 2019. It was jointly developed with Toyota, and forms the basis for the latest Toyota Supra coupé.
The current Z4 has a soft-top roof instead of a folding hard-top roof like the previous model as BMW has abandoned folding hard tops on its convertible models. The same move applied to the new BMW 4 Series Convertible that arrived in the UK in early 2021.
The BMW Z4 has received generally positive reviews from the UK motoring media, although several outlets have pointed out that it is more of a cruiser than a sports car.
The Z4 has been praised for its comfort, build quality and improved handling compared to its predecessor. However, it’s still not considered as enjoyable to drive as a Porsche Boxster or Audi TT, while the styling – as on most modern BMWs – has been polarising.
As of January 2024, the BMW Z4 has a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 68%. That’s a combination of excellent scores for safety and reliability, middling media reviews and high running costs.
Key specifications
Body style: Two-door convertible
Engine: petrol
Price: From £45,135 on-road
Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Autumn 2022
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
“Provided you like the looks, the Z4 is an excellent, comfortable and dynamic roadster which shows that BMW still has serious form in this class.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 2023 facelift
Score: 8 / 10
“The Z4 has no huge flaws and in many ways it’s perfected the modern roadster formula – but ageing technology, an increased price tag and a lack of dynamism are let downs.”
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Model reviewed: Range overiew
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW’s Z4 front-engined, rear-drive sports car is an old-school delight, although keen drivers will favour a Porsche Boxster.”
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Model reviewed: M40i
Score: 7 / 10
“In a world of downsized three and four-cylinder petrol engines, it’s refreshing to see BMW continue to offer its sonorous in-line six in the latest Z4.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic sDrive20i M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Lighter than the more expensive M40i by a full 130kg, it steers and handles more sweetly than its big brother, plus it’s cleaner and comes with plenty of equipment.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW Z4 is worthy of consideration for anyone wanting a glamorous soft-top. The entry-level versions brilliantly play the part of stylish runabout that can double as a comfortable long-distance cruiser, while the most powerful Z4s deliver more in the way of performance and engagement.”
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Autocar
Score: 8 / 10
“The new BMW Z4 will probably make a better buy for people looking for a fast, luxurious, two-seat roadster-cum-cruiser than for those looking for a really compelling sports car. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?”
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Model reviewed: Z4 sDrive20i automatic Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“In the end, the entry-level Z4 deserves its four stars, based on its prowess as an all-rounder and fundamentally enjoyable dynamics, even if there is still plenty of room for improvement.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW Z4 is still a car best enjoyed at a cruise with an arm propped on the door in the sunshine rather than setting an early alarm to make the most of a favourite road. That might simply be a reflection of the Z4’s target market, and if that was the car’s internal brief it’s excelled.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic sDrive 20i
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re wanting a fun-to-drive roadster, but like a bit of luxury and your creature comforts as well, the BMW Z4 is the car for you. Combining agility with a premium look and superb interior, it ticks a lot of boxes and is a drop-top that would be very easy to live with on a daily basis.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The latest BMW Z4 offers good, old-fashioned fun, but lighter rivals are more exciting.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW Z4 is an upmarket soft-top sports car with a posh interior that’s packed with cutting-edge kit but it isn’t as exciting to drive as some less high-tech soft tops.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: sDrive 20i M Sport
“Improved in all the important areas, the new BMW Z4 makes for a nice premium perk car for those people and businesses that can put up with the impracticalities of a two-seat roadster.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: M40i
“It’s a wonderfully liberating feeling to have such civilised power under the bonnet while roaring down an otherwise deserted beach road with the roof and windows down and the sun on your face.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic M40i
“The M40i is expensive and that’s without any options fitted. The four-cylinder cars are more than quick enough and much more affordable. There are drivers who will want the macho appeal of the M40i badge but those just interested in a well-balanced sports car will find the sDrive 20i will do the job.”
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Eurekar
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic sDrive 30i
“As with the other German roadsters, the BMW Z4 is a class act but its looks give it a special persona which is sure to impress.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Leather upholstery is standard, as are the expected items such as air conditioning, DAB radio and Bluetooth.”
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Model reviewed: sDrive20i
Score: 8 / 10
“Downsized approach results in more fun and a worthwhile saving – but we suspect the 30i may be the sweet spot.”
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Model reviewed: M40i
Score: 7 / 10
“The new BMW Z4 is a car of conflicting personalities. There’s a fast and capable sports car in there somewhere…”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW Z4 is not the sharpest driving roadster out there, but that’s not necessarily a problem. Indeed, the BMW Z4’s all-round ability makes it a more appealing car if you’re after an indulgent daily driver, that’s not short of fun when you’re in the mood for it.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Staying away from a heavy folding hardtop roof, the BMW Z4 uses an electrically operated textile roof.”
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Model reviewed: sDrive20i Sport
“The all-new BMW Z4 is larger, more luxurious and GT-like than ever before.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s something refreshingly honest about the BMW Z4. In a world of hybrids, SUVs and niches within niches, the Z4 is a straightforward sports car.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Impressive blend of comfort and sportiness.”
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The Intercooler
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic sDrive20i Sport
“Though improved, the new BMW Z4 will be bought for the same reasons people bought the old Z4: to be seen cruising around in a quite good-looking car that’s spacious, comfortable, quiet and refined with the roof up or down. But it’s also a two-seat, rear-drive BMW for goodness sake, and I’d hoped for something better to drive than this.” (Andrew Frankel)
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The Sun
Model reviewed: M40i
“The BMW Z4 M40i really packs a punch with speed and laser-like precision for tight corners.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic M40i
Score: 6 / 10
“The BMW Z4 has always been a pleasant enough car to enjoy a relatively sedate drive, but it was never precise or focussed enough to be called a sports car. Technology has helped narrow the gap between cruising ability and high-speed performance, but there are better machines out there.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The new BMW Z4 is sportier than the last one, but also capable of long-distance work. The looks? That’s up to you.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“The seats are heated as standard on all Z4s, too, so you’ve no excuse not to lose the top no matter the temperature outside.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The BMW Z4 will appeal to those looking for a comfortable and relatively practical convertible sports car. However, if you’re looking for something that’s primarily precise, fun and exciting to drive, both the Audi TT Roadster and Porsche Boxster outshine it considerably.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 91%
Safety assist: 76%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2024, the BMW Z4 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 12
Average repair cost: £233.25
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The BMW Z4 has an excellent reliability rating of 87%, according to workshop data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. Please note that this data covers all models in BMW’s Z Series, which includes all generations of the Z4, as well as the older Z1 and Z8 models.
Not many Motoreasy warranty holders have reported issues with their Z4, but data suggests that, if an issue is to arise, it will relate to the car’s suspension. This is a relatively cheap fix though, costing £250 on average to correct.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 39 mpg | D | 33 – 40 mpg | D – E |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 171 g/km | C | 160 – 192 g/km | C – C |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 34 | C | 30 – 38 | C – C |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £275 | C |
Year 2 | £643 | C |
Year 3 | £1,051 | C |
Year 4 | £1,345 | C |
Year 5 | £1,782 | C |
Overall | £5,096 | C |
The BMW Z4 is not the best choice for those looking for an economical vehicle, data exclusively provided by our partner Clear Vehicle Data suggests.
Petrol models have a fuel economy ranging between 33 and 40 mpg, which falls below the market standard. This is of no surprise though, considering this is a sports car. The car’s insurance premiums will be fairly average by market standard, and the Z4 is estimated to be neither expensive or cheap to service and maintain over five years of ownership.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW Z4, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alpine A110 | Audi TT Roadster | Ford Mustang convertible | Jaguar F-Type | Mazda MX-5 | Porsche 718 Boxster
More information
More news, reviews and information about the BMW Z4 at The Car Expert
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