2020 BMW Z4 Review

　　

2020 BMW Z4 Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　We were glad to see the BMW Z4 return last year after a three-year hiatus. Only a few automakers these days build reasonably sized two-seater convertibles, so you have to appreciate the ones that do. Here's a car that's nimble and well-built and can quickly drop its top to let the sun shine down.

　　In 2019, the Z4 was only available with a turbocharged 255-horsepower four-cylinder engine. While the Z4 isn't exactly slow with this engine, it doesn't really feel like it's fulfilling its potential either. Thankfully, BMW has added a six-cylinder engine to the 2020 lineup. The new M40i pumps out 382 horsepower and provides the type of pulse-raising acceleration expected from a luxury sport convertible.

　　Even before the addition of the upgraded engine, though, we liked the Z4 — and we still do. It offers a sporty driving experience right alongside a comfortable highway ride and a relatively practical interior and cargo layout. The Porsche 718 Boxster still has it beat when it comes to sheer on-track capability, but the 2020 BMW Z4 is a top competitor in a limited field. Anyone interested in some smile-inducing top-down motoring should definitely take one for a warm-weather test drive.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Z4 drive? Driving the Z4 is a mixed-bag experience. The 0-60 mph time was a brisk 5.3 seconds and the engine has good midrange punch. But it can feel sluggish off the line unless you're using the Z4's launch control and it loses steam toward the top of the rev band. The brakes provide impressive stopping power, but low-speed modulation is problematic because the Z4 is often difficult to stop smoothly in everyday traffic. As in many modern BMWs, the steering is mostly devoid of feeling, but it's quick and direct and stable on the highway.

　　On smooth roads the Z4 performs well, but less than perfect pavement can quickly upset it. On our evaluation loop, the Z4 never felt planted, and the stiffer Sport mode seemed to make it worse. The rear end felt constantly unsettled, but not in an entertaining sort of way.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Z4? Even with the optional adaptive M Sport suspension, ride quality and comfort depend highly on road conditions. The Z4 cruised well on the highway, even over less than perfect pavement. That said, the seats sit so close to the rear axle that any bounces you do feel are fairly pronounced. The seats are shaped well, but we'd prefer more lateral support. The climate control works quickly and evenly, though there's no convenient way to sync the dual-zone system.

　　The most impressive part might be the Z4's relatively quiet cabin with the top up, especially for a convertible. You won't have to shout just to have a conversation on the highway, and the lack of a roof didn't seem to cause any unnecessary vibrations or rattles.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Z4's interior is surprisingly roomy for a car this small, a boon for taller drivers looking for an occasional open-air experience. Unlike some other convertibles, you won't feel claustrophobic with the top raised. The Z4 is at or near the top of the class when it comes to headroom, shoulder room and legroom. The power-operating top moves quickly, and, when stored, doesn't eat up any cargo room in the trunk. The windshield pillar and steep windshield are something to watch out for when getting inside with the top down.

　　The driving position is fine, though the tall hood and doors do make you feel hunkered down in the car. Because the infotainment controls take up a large portion of the center console, the cupholders have been hidden away in the center console, a bit inconvenient since there's no good place to rest your arm.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? BMW's infotainment system is robust, but it may take a while for new owners to learn the ins and outs of the system. Voice controls work surprisingly well. The system isn't as refined as the latest one from Mercedes-Benz, but it's better than the older system that's in current Mercedes convertibles. BMW offers Apple CarPlay only; Android Auto isn't available. There's only one USB port, though an optional wireless charging pad slightly makes up for the lack of ports. The audio system is fine and provides plenty of volume with the top down, but the audio quality, even on the upgraded system, is just a bit above average.

　　The Z4's adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring work well, though the lane-centering system is aggressive and honestly best left disengaged.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? One of the best things the Z4 has going for it is the power-operating convertible top. Unlike many other convertibles, the top takes up no cargo space when lowered, a huge plus for those who have dealt with intrusive tops in the past.

　　Unfortunately, cabin storage for small items can't quite match the trunk space. The door pockets are small and the cargo net behind the seats doesn't hold items in place very well. And because the cupholders are tucked away in the center console, you'll have to decide whether you'll have an armrest or hold your drink in hand.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The Z4 sDrive30i is rated at 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway), good numbers for a performance car. On our 117-mile evaluation loop, the Z4 matched its 27 mpg combined rating. Fuel efficiency of turbocharged four-cylinder engines are often highly sensitive to driving style, and the Z4 is no exception.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the Z4 a good value? The Z4 looks and feels like a quality vehicle, with a relatively clean design and a premium feel to all the controls. It feels less spartan or bare than some rivals. There's a solid feel to all the controls, and, despite the lack of a fixed roof, we didn't notice any rattles or squeaks during our tests. Pricing and features are good for the class, with other German rivals offering fewer features at much higher MSRPs.

　　The warranty is above average for the class and should help alleviate some of the concerns about maintenance costs when it comes to German luxury cars.

　　

Wildcard

7.0/10

　　Despite the sharp looks and strong performance figures, the Z4 isn't as much fun to drive as you might hope. The dead steering and twitchy rear end don't inspire the sort of confidence you want from a sports car. If canyon carving is your thing, we suggest looking at something like a Porsche Boxster.

　　We enjoyed the Z4 the most when the driving was at a relaxed cruising speed. The sizable cargo area and quiet cabin help it feel right at home on the highway or a winding coastal drive.

　　

Which Z4 does zzdcar recommend?

Whether you go with the base Z4 sDrive30i or the more powerful sDrive M40i, you get a long list of standard features and a good number of available options. As such, your decision largely comes down to whether you can justify paying the significantly higher price for the M40i. We say try to get the M40i if you can since its substantial power increase better matches the car's styling and personality.

　　

2020 BMW Z4 models

The 2020 BMW Z4 is a rear-drive, two-seat roadster that is available in two trim levels: sDrive30i and sDrive M40i. The sDrive30i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque). The sDrive M40i steps up to a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder (382 hp, 369 lb-ft). Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　Standard sDrive30i feature highlights include LED headlights, a wind deflector, keyless ignition, automatic climate control, SensaTec simulated leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and two USB ports. Advanced safety features include frontal collision warning/mitigation and a traffic sign reader.

　　A variety of option packages allow you to further load up the Z4 with features. Notable choices 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 and a premium sound system). There's also a Track Handling package that equips the Z4 with upgraded brakes, an M Sport differential and an adaptive suspension.

　　The sDrive M40i adds the Track Handling package's performance extras plus the aforementioned six-cylinder engine. The M40i is eligible for most of the same option packages as the standard sDrive 30i.

　　

2020 Z4 Highlights

Trim: sDrive30isDrive M40isDrive30i

　　

Base MSRP	$49,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$171/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	9.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles