The Z4 is more of a refined, cruising convertible than outright sports car – mainly because you can’t help but compare it with the excellent Porsche 718 Boxster.

However, if you just want an open-topped cruiser with a posh badge that you can use every day, it’s very impressive and we can recommend choosing one.

For those sun-seekers purely looking for a Z4, you may as well just opt for the 20i. It’s cheaper than the M40i and not that much slower in real-world driving.

But if you want a more engaging sports car, the Porsche 718 Boxster will be for you. And if you’re really only after roof-down thrills, the Mazda MX-5 largely does what the Z4 does for a lot less money.

What we like

It manages to be a great long-distance cruiser that’s relaxed and comfortable, but is also capable of turning into an engaging roadster that can genuinely put a smile on your face on a twisty road. Throw in the luxurious, high-tech interior and lengthy standard kit list and it’s well worth a look.

What we don’t like

The M40i may appeal to the enthusiast due to its silky smooth and powerful 3.0-litre engine and M badge, but in most situations you may well have more fun in the lower-powered car. Plus, with that feeling of being a little heavier and slightly less adept at handling a country road, you back off the pace anyway.