2019 BMW Z4 Review
zzdcar' Expert Review
byMark TakahashiCorrespondentMark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
What's new
The Z4 roadster is fully redesigned for 2019Part of the third Z4 generation introduced for 2019There's nothing quite like taking in the sights and sounds from a convertible sports car. Historically, that meant having to sacrifice some comfort and convenience, but in the case of the 2019 BMW Z4, there's less of a penalty. After a three-year hiatus, the Z4 roadster is back and it's better than before.
For 2019, BMW fits the Z4 with a standard 255-horsepower four-cylinder engine. A 382-hp six-cylinder is also available but only on the 2020 Z4 model. Unfortunately, there's no manual transmission available for purists, but the eight-speed automatic does give you plenty of control as well as better performance and fuel economy. Still, we mourn the absence of a stick shift.
Behind the wheel, the Z4 is lively and fun, though a small minority of spirited drivers may wish for a bit more engagement. Whether the top is up or down, the cabin remains pleasantly calm and comfortable for hours on end. On top of that, there's enough cargo space for a weekend getaway.
The 2019 BMW Z4 doesn't have many competitors, but we count the Porsche 718 Boxster and the Audi TT Roadster among the most direct. In many ways, the Z4 slots between them in terms of both price and performance.
zzdcar' Expert Rating
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the BMW Z4 sDrive M40i (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).
NOTE: We've only driven the 2020 Z4 M40i, but most of our impressions apply to both Z4 variants.
Driving
BMW says the Z4 sDrive 30i does 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds and the Z4 M40i does the same in 3.9 seconds. Those times are impressive, though the M40i isn't as raucous as the numbers suggest. Handling is precise and trustworthy, as are the brakes. The M40i will likely exceed most drivers' expectations, but we were hoping for a little more rowdiness.
Comfort
The sporty handling doesn't hurt ride quality — there's no harshness or off-putting jolts. The seats have good lateral support without being confining, and with the top up, there's only a little wind noise. Alfresco, you'll hear a pleasant turbo whoosh from the engine.
Interior
The top takes less than 10 seconds to stow or raise, which is quick. The wind blocker helps manage buffeting. When traveling slower than highway speeds, the open cockpit, which boasts top-notch materials, remains enjoyably calm. Even though passengers fit snugly, it's not at all cramped.
Utility
With 9.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Z4 has more space than the Porsche Boxster or the Audi TT. Interior storage is acceptable but not generous. There's just enough space for your personal items in the small bins and pockets.
Technology
The latest iDrive has more functionality than before, yet it is just as easy to operate. Apple CarPlay is only included for the first year, and then you'll have to resubscribe. Most advanced safety systems are well-tuned, but the lane keeping assist is too heavy-handed.
Which Z4 does zzdcar recommend?
In all likelihood, the base 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive 30i roadster will satisfy the vast majority of drivers. Since most options are available on both models, the 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive M40i is best left to people with a penchant for performance who are willing to wait a bit longer for it to go on sale.
2019 BMW Z4 models
The 2019 BMW Z4 is a two-seat convertible roadster that is available as the sDrive 30i. The more powerful sDrive M40i will be offered later as a 2020 model.
The sDrive 30i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque). An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission offered and drives the rear wheels. The sDrive M40i steps up to a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder (382 hp, 369 lb-ft).
Standard sDrive30i features include 18-inch wheels with performance run-flat tires, automatic LED headlights, auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, a black fabric folding roof, a wind deflector, keyless ignition, selectable drive modes and cruise control.
On the inside, you get automatic climate control, a virtual instrument panel, 14-way power sport seats with memory functions, SensaTec simulated-leather upholstery, a center trunk pass-through, interior ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, BMW's iDrive infotainment system, emergency telematics and remote control via smartphone app, a rearview camera, voice control, a navigation system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, two USB ports, HD radio, and 20 GB of multimedia storage. Advanced safety features include frontal collision warning/mitigation and a traffic sign reader.
The sDrive 30i is eligible for the Convenience package (smartphone key integration, an automated parking system, additional lumbar adjustments, satellite radio, and rear cross-traffic alert) plus a dark gray fabric top, leather upholstery, an automated parking system and adaptive cruise control.
Other bundled options include the Driving Assistance package (blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning); the Premium package (heated seats, a wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a head-up display); and the Executive package (premium leather upholstery, adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system).
Jump to:Related 2019 Z4 articles
2019 Z4 Highlights
Base MSRP | $49,700 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $168/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Related 2019 BMW Z4 Review info
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