HIGHSGutsy turbo powertrains, hushed cabin with the top up, summer-time open-top freedom.
LOWSNot as driver-focused as other sports cars, all-wheel drive would be a nice option, stick shift costs extra.
VERDICTOther sports cars will raise your heart rate higher when a twisty road beckons, but the Z4 makes up for its less focused nature with a comfortable, luxurious cabin and everyday practicality.
Overview
As the less-serious drop-top companion to the Toyota Supra, the 2024 BMW Z4 brings similar performance but with a sun-worshipping twist. The two-seat Bimmer roadster shares its platform with the famous-name Toyota sports car, but it's a different animal. It's powered by your choice of turbocharged BMW engines-either a 255-hp inline-four or a 382-hp inline-six-just like the Supra and comes only with rear-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic is standard but a six-speed stick is optional on six-cylinder Z4s. The automatic does an excellent job of quickly shuffling through gears and doesn't detract from the Z4's sporty driving demeanor, but we prefer the manual for maximum driver engagement. While not as focused on back-road thrills as the Supra or rivals such as the Porsche 718 Boxster, the BMW offers an upscale cabin, a comfortable ride, and a surprisingly roomy trunk. It's a sporty convertible that's also happy with everyday tasks.
What's New for 2024?
If you were hoping the six-speed manual from the Z4's mechanical twin, the Toyota Supra, would be added to the lineup this year we have good news: the M40i can now be optioned with the stick. It's an option that will add a few thousand dollars to the bottom line, but ordering the manual transmission also adds performance-enhancing parts such as stiffer anti-roll bars and a set of staggered-size wheel and tires. BMW has also tweaked the adaptive suspension settings for cars with the stick and says the steering has been retuned to improve road feel.
The price of the 2024 BMW Z4 starts at $54.595 and goes up to $67.295 depending on the trim and options.
sDrive30i $54,595
M40i $67,295
At its base price, the Z4 sDrive30i is a reasonable value. It costs considerably less than its main rival, the Porsche 718 Boxster, and it offers more than enough performance for most buyers. We'd also suggest the Dynamic Handling package, which adds larger M Sport brakes and its M Sport differential for additional traction. Your new Z4 sDrive30i still won't accelerate like the much more powerful M40i, but it'll be quick enough to be fun.