2024 BMW Z4 Convertible

　　

2024 BMW Z4 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark 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.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　There was a time when almost every carmaker produced a convertible, but sadly it seems drop-tops have fallen out of favor. BMW keeps the flame burning with three distinct models: the two-seat Z4 roadster, the larger 4 Series and the stately 8 Series. Unlike its siblings, the Z4 is not offered in a high-performance M model, but the M40i should easily satisfy most drivers. After a mild update last year, the most notable addition for 2024 is the new availability of a manual transmission. Previously, you could only get this generation Z4 with an automatic. Picking the Z4 with the manual transmission also gets you some special upgrades such as a retuned suspension and different wheels.

　　

zzdcar spotlight: A comfortable and convenient convertible

The 2024 BMW Z4 isn't so much a high-performance roadster as it is a sporty tourer, making it easier to live with whether you're commuting or seeing the sights. The ride quality is compliant enough to soak up most bumps in the road, and the convertible top insulates you from outside noise and the elements. With the top down, it's pleasantly calm, with little buffeting. The trunk is also more accommodating than you might think and should easily hold enough luggage for a weekend getaway.

　　

Competitors to consider

There aren't a lot of convertibles to choose from and there are even fewer two-seat roadsters that compete against the Z4. You have more affordable options such as the Mazda Miata and Ford Mustang, while the Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolets are priced similarly to the BMW. Mercedes-Benz's new CLE Cabriolet will likely be pricier, while the higher-performing Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 718 Boxster are quite a bit more expensive. Overall the Z4 is an appealing pick among this group. Read our Expert Rating below to learn more.

　　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.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Z4 drive? You might expect the four-cylinder option to pale in comparison to the six-cylinder model, but you'd be wrong. During our comprehensive testing regimen, we only found that to be true in terms of outright acceleration. The Z4 sDrive30i (that's the four-cylinder) we tested accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 5.3 seconds, while the M40i (that's the six-cylinder) did the deed in a scant 4.1 seconds. Both engines offer good midrange punch, but we were especially impressed with the effortless thrust doled out by the M40i. The four-cylinder Z4 does start to lose steam toward the top of the rev band, especially at higher speeds, but it still scoots through traffic with ease.

　　Whichever model you choose, the brakes provide impressive stopping power. The sDrive30i we tested was equipped with the Dynamic Handling package, which we would heartily recommend, and it actually tied the M40i with a stop from 60 mph in just 104 feet. Both cars exhibited a slightly grabby brake pedal at low speeds on the street. As in many modern BMWs, the steering is mostly devoid of feeling, but it's quick, accurate, direct and stable on the highway.

　　Both versions we tested pulled some impressive numbers on our skidpad: 1.03 g for the sDrive30i and 1.05 g for the M40i. The Z4 lacks the razor-sharp reactions and balance of the Porsche 718 Boxster but it's still a lot of fun on a twisty road.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Z4? Ride quality and comfort depend highly on road conditions even if you're in a Z4 with the optional adaptive M Sport suspension. The Z4 cruises well on the highway and 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below