2025 BMW Z4

The Z4 reminds us that driving doesn’t have to be merely a way of getting from one place to another. The act of driving itself can be enjoyable, recreational, and even meditative. These experiences are more likely to be relished in something small, responsive, quick, and agile. Add the luxury factor, and that’s the 2-seater Z4.

This is part of a joint project between BMW and Toyota. It’s an odd pairing, perhaps, but one that’s produced two excellent cars that debuted for 2019. The Z4 is the soft-top version, with a power-folding roof that allows its occupants to enjoy the sea breeze as they cruise along the coast. Yet it’s still effortlessly quick and dynamic enough to power up the zig-zagging mountain roads.

Handschalter is German for “hand shift” and is the name of a new package for the 2025 Z4 M40i. No prizes for guessing that it means a manual transmission, perhaps the final piece for maximum enjoyment and engagement in a Z4. This 6-speed stick shift is just one aspect of the package, however. It also includes light alloy wheels — 19-inch up front, 20-inch at the back — a recalibrated adaptive suspension, plus a choice of metallic paint finishes (with a couple of exclusive colors) and Vernasca leather upholstery. For $3,500, that all seems pretty reasonable to us. The 2025 Z4 sDrive30i also gains heated seats as standard.

The mid-engined Porsche 718 Boxster is a close rival and don’t forget the excellent Chevrolet Corvette convertible. Both of these cars are appreciably pricier than the Z4, though. If a soft-top isn’t necessary, the Toyota GR Supra coupe, made in the same Austrian factory as the Z4 and the other half of this BMW/Toyota joint project, begins in the high-$40K region.

Before buying a new Z4 luxury sports car, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The Porsche and Chevy have strong resale values; the Z4’s is a touch below the class average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The sDrive30i version of the 2024 Z4 is propelled by 255 horsepower from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It enables a sprint from standstill to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. A few tenths off the 300-horsepower Porsche 718 Boxster’s time, but entertainingly brisk all the same (and much less expensive).

The automatic transmission has a fast and smooth action, as well as paddle shifters for some extra driver involvement. We’ve experienced BMW manual transmissions, like the one now offered in the optional Handschalter package, and found them to be just as wonderfully exact and well-engineered as everything else BMW makes.

Taking the Z4 to its most extreme, the M40i variant thrums and thrusts with 382 horsepower, an adaptive suspension, and stronger brakes. The sprint to 60 mph happens in 3.9 seconds. In terms of muscle and acceleration, the Z4 M40i has the much pricier 718 Boxster S beaten. The same sprint takes 4.2 seconds with the manual transmission, but the greater involvement should more than make up for that fraction of time.

In either form, we’ve found the Z4 to be engaging and exhilarating. And it can be enjoyed every day of the week. The Z4 is sufficiently forgiving to handle commuting duties, just as it’s precise enough to tackle a canyon road.

Fuel Economy

The Z4 sDrive30i achieves 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That compares well against the 718 Boxster (24 combined mpg, with an automatic transmission). Likewise, the Z4 M40i’s 26 mpg combined outdoes the 718 Boxster S (22 combined mpg, auto transmission) despite having more power and two more cylinders. Premium gasoline is required.

To all those who have discounted the idea of a sports car because they don’t think they’d fit in one, we say try the Z4 for size. It’s bigger than a Mazda MX-5 Miata (even though that’s a wonderful little roadster).

We’ve found that the Z4 has room for a couple of 6-footers. The cabin is also superb in regard to the quality of materials, the way they’ve been put together, and the ergonomic layout. The seats are well-shaped for support and well-cushioned for long trips. And there’s sufficient stowage space for phones, sunglasses, etc. The new-for-2025 Handschalter package includes Vernasca leather (usually an option) in a choice of five color schemes.

Trunk volume isn’t necessarily a deal-maker or breaker among luxury sports cars, but the Z4’s 9.9 cubic feet is big enough for a couple of weekend bags.

There’s a lot to be said for the classic sports car profile of a long hood and a short tail. We like how the BMW Z4 uses that as the template and goes somewhere novel with it. Everyone will have their own opinions, but we think some colors work better than others. The M40i’s new Handschalter package has a couple of exclusive colors: San Remo Green Metallic and Frozen Deep Green Metallic (this latter color costs extra).

Engines
We love a BMW engine. Sure, there’s something really special about its 6-cylinder creations, but even a 4-cylinder example has the kind of responsiveness and power delivery that make BMW engines so satisfying and enjoyable to exercise.

iDrive
BMW’s infotainment system is one of our favorites, because it’s intuitive to use and has standard features like wireless phone integration, plus the ability to understand voice commands given in natural speech.

Harman Kardon audio
We’ve found the Z4 is quiet enough with the roof up to justify a top-notch stereo, like this 12-speaker/408-watt surround-sound system.

Dynamic Handling package
Some buyers are going to find the sDrive30i plenty powerful enough, thank you very much. They can, however, add some M elements without going for the full M40i by selecting this package that includes an adaptive suspension and beefier brakes.

Driver Assistance package
This is optional with both Z4 variants. It includes active blind spot detection (especially useful when the roof is up and outward vision is restricted) and parking sensors at both ends (especially useful because of that long nose). We say it’s worth the $700 investment.

Premium package
Also available in both Z4 models, this brings a head-up display, remote start, ambient cabin lighting, and a self-parking function.

Both engines available in the 2025 Z4 are turbocharged. The sDrive30i has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, making 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The M40i employs a 3.0-liter engine in the classic BMW inline 6-cylinder configuration. It develops 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission is deployed as standard in each variant, with drive going solely to the rear wheels. This year sees the option of a 6-speed manual transmission in the M40i.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical for German luxury car makers. Roadside assistance is included for that time (with unlimited mileage). Scheduled maintenance is free for three years or 36,000 miles, which is less typical.

Safety Ratings

The Z4 hasn’t been crash-tested by any agencies in the United States, but it took a maximum 5-star overall score from a similar European program (Euro NCAP). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, plus rollover protection.