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Expert Rating

BMW Z4

(2019 – present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

68
%
B

Used car score:

69
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

64
%
C

Safety Rating:

82
%
A

Eco Rating:

57
%
C

Reliability Rating:

99
%
A

Running Costs:

43
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

68
%
B

Used car score:

69
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

64
%
C

Safety Rating:

82
%
A

Eco Rating:

57
%
C

Reliability Rating:

99
%
A

Running Costs:

43
%
D

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


Media reviews


Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Daily Mail

+

Daily Mirror

+

Eurekar

+

Evo

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Motoring Research

+

Parkers

+

The Intercooler

+

The Sun

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

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

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

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

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models39 mpgD33 – 40 mpgD – E
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models171 g/kmC160 – 192 g/kmC – C
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models34C30 – 38C – C
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£275C
Year 2£643C
Year 3£1,051C
Year 4£1,345C
Year 5£1,782C
Overall£5,096C

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 news, reviews and information about the BMW Z4 at The Car Expert

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The BMW Z4 isn't as sporty as its look suggest, but it has shown to be highly reliable and has an excellent safety rating.BMW Z4