A two-seat roadster with a soft top, ready power, and agile moves, the Z4 delivers on the type of fun a sports car should. It takes on everything from the Mazda MX-5 Miata to the Porsche 718 Boxster to the Chevrolet Corvette.
Stylish, quick, and dynamic, the Z4 is a great toy that can be driven every day. It gets a TCC Rating of 6.2 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
The 2024 Z4 was originally scheduled to offer a manual transmission with its turbo-6 engine, but that’s been delayed until the 2025 model year. With that, the 2024 Z4 stands pat.
While it shares its platform and engines with the Toyota Supra, the Z4 looks quite different. It’s more reserved but still low, wide, and muscular. Its nose sports a wisely restrained version of the signature BMW grille, and the two occupants can drive either top down or covered by a power soft top that takes only 10 seconds to operate.
Inside, the Z4 comes standard with sport seats, a digital instrument cluster, and a large screen angled toward the driver and controlled by a rotary dial. It’s a mix of sporty elements and high-quality materials that fit with the car’s market positioning. Cargo space is minimal.
BMW offers a pair of engines, starting with a 255-hp turbo-4 and moving up to a 382-hp turbo-6. Both offer quick acceleration, and both are backed by an almost telepathic 8-speed automatic transmission. Standard paddle shifters will have to do until the manual becomes available. Fuel economy is decent, with at least 25 mpg combined for both engines.
The rear-wheel-drive Z4 is naturally athletic with its base suspension, with fairly flat handling and waterbug agility, though little steering feedback. An M Sport suspension is optional for the base model and standard on the top model. It adds firmer suspension tuning, a locking rear differential, and adaptive dampers that combine to create even quicker moves and more traction. It doesn’t quite rise to the level of a track car, though, but a true M model would.
Notable standard safety features are limited to low-speed automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams, but buyers can also get adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warnings, blind-spot monitors with steering support, and automatic park assist.
How much does the 2024 BMW Z4 cost?
The Z4 is offered in sDrive30i and M40i models. Priced at $54,595, the sDrive30i comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery, two power-adjustable seats, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen with navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Z4 M40i starts at $67,295. In addition to more power, it has the performance equipment listed above as well as bigger brakes and a body aero kit.
Where is the 2024 BMW Z4 made?
Graz, Austria.