2021 BMW Z4 Review
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.
2021 BMW Z4 Review
byCameron RogersManager, NewsCameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Americans are pretty much in love with trucks and SUVs, but that hasn't stopped a few automakers from keeping small sporty roadsters alive. One of them is BMW and its Z4. In fact, BMW redesigned this convertible just a couple of years ago. As such, the 2021 BMW Z4 is brimming with the newest and greatest tech features such as an automated parking system, a high-definition touchscreen and — new for 2021 — Android Auto smartphone integration compatibility. We also like the Z4's spunky base engine, spacious interior and exceptional noise isolation.
The Z4's main rivals include the tech-laden Audi TT, the sleek Jaguar F-Type and the sport-focused Porsche 718 Boxster. You might also consider the recently redesigned Chevrolet Corvette, which is better than ever. This is some tough competition, to be sure, but the Z4 holds its own with a solid list of accomplishments. To read more about what we think of the Z4, check out our Expert Rating below.
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
7.5
out of 10
zzdcar TESTED
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Performance
7.5/10How does the Z4 drive? Driving the Z4 is a mixed-bag experience. The Z4 sDrive30i we tested accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 5.3 seconds. The engine has good midrange punch too, which is nice for making a pass on a highway. 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 at low speeds, 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. The Z4 feels unsettled when you're driving on a bumpy road, and the stiffer Sport mode seems to make the stability worse.
Comfort
7.5/10How comfortable is the Z4? Even with the optional adaptive M Sport suspension, ride quality and comfort depend highly on road conditions. The Z4 cruises well on the highway, even over less than perfect pavement. That said, the seats are mounted 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
7.5/10How’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
8.0/10How’s the tech? BMW's infotainment system is robust, but it may take you a while 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 both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is still a bit of a rarity for the class. There's only one USB port, though an optional wireless charging pad can ostensibly make 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 can be too aggressive with its steering corrections.
Storage
7.0/10How’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've 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 you'll have to decide whether you'll have an armrest or hold your drink in hand because the cupholders are tucked away in the center console.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10How’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
8.0/10Is 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. 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
7.0/10Despite 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 driving 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?
You won't feel let down by the standard sDrive30i — it packs plenty of torque and quick acceleration. That said, the growl and thrust of the sDrive M40i's six-cylinder are intoxicating. If you can make the numbers work, the M40i will provide a more visceral sports car experience. On the options list, the Premium package stands out for its low price and wealth of added equipment.
2021 BMW Z4 models
The 2021 BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel-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. Feature highlights include:sDrive30i
The four-cylinder sDrive30i starts you off with:
18-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires LED headlights Automatic wipers Auto-dimming mirrors Digital instrument panel Push-button start Dual-zone automatic climate control Imitation leather upholsteryStandard tech features include:
Navigation system 10.25-inch center touchscreen 10-speaker audio system Satellite radio Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)sDrive M40i
Besides the more powerful engine, the sDrive M40i adds:
Dynamic Handling package (detailed below) Keyless entry Heated steering wheel Lumbar adjustment for front seatsAs with most BMWs, the Z4 is available with a staggering number of packages and stand-alone options. These include:
Driving Assistance package Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention) Convenience package Driving Assistance package Keyless entry Lumbar adjustment for front seats Premium package Convenience package Heated front seats Wireless charging pad Wi-Fi hotspot Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Executive package Premium package Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) Ambient lighting Leather upholstery 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system M Sport package 18- or 19-inch wheels Aerodynamic body kit Sport suspension (adaptive suspension optional) Sport steering wheel Dynamic Handling package M Sport package Upgraded brakes Sport differential Adaptive suspension 19-inch wheels Remote engine start Front and rear parking sensors Ambient lighting Heated steering wheel Heated front seats Wireless charging pad Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the BMW and the car in front)
2021 Z4 Highlights
Trim: sDrive30isDrive M40isDrive30i
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 |
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