Overview

Time and fashion have not been kind to the BMW Z4 and its rivals – two-seat sports cars with a folding fabric roof are a rare beast indeed these days. On sale since 2019, the Z4 still doesn’t have a hybrid option, the only engine offerings are two petrols, while rivals are getting fewer and fewer with every passing year.

Cars such as the Audi TT and Jaguar F-Type are dead or good as, the Porsche 718 Boxster is destined to be electric-only in the next iteration, and the Mercedes-Benz SLC disappeared aeons ago. Only the Mazda MX-5 soldiers on, in a typical Mazda quirk.

Like the two previous generations of Z4, it is a rear-wheel drive two-seater and comes with a folding soft-top like the first car (the second-generation model featured a hard-top). It opens and closes in just 10 seconds, and is able to do so up to speeds of 31mph.

The Z4 only comes in two trim levels. M Sport comes with the four-cylinder 2.0-litre, while the 3.0-litre six-cylinder M40i is top-of-the-range. The four-pot is auto only, but the six gets the option of a six-speed manual gearbox as part of the Handschalter Pack. This also forces you to have matt green paint and tan leather – no great hardship.

All are generously equipped with standard-fit LED headlights, electric folding roof, 18-inch alloy wheels and BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which features a 10.25-inch displays, sat-nav, Online Services, Bluetooth and digital instrument panel.

Read on for our full BMW Z4 review, with a verdict that draws on everything from its practicality and running costs to its performance and handling. From there we will tell you whether to buy one or not.