An eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport and Manual modes is standard on every 2022 Z4. Additionally standard are steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. That’s accurate: For the first time, a typical manual transmission with a clutch pedal is not an option for the BMW Z4. You won’t overlook it. One of the greatest automatics available, the eight-speed has quick reflexes, quick shifts, and smooth running. The outstanding 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the manufacturer, which produces 255 horsepower and lots of torque, powers the sDrive30i. This model accelerated to 60 mph in our tests in 5.1 seconds. That is swift, but a Porsche Boxster, which is still offered with a manual transmission, is a little slower. The M40i variant comes with a 382-hp twin-turbocharged inline-six for extra power. It transforms the Z4 into a lightning-quick sports car with a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.8 seconds. It is very tuned and smooth. That outperforms the 350-hp Porsche Boxster S in speed.
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Is the BMW Z4 a sports car or a compact GT car?
Since the new BMW Z4’s introduction, many real sports vehicles have been contrasted with it. It has competed against the Porsche Cayman, the Toyota Supra, and even the BMW M2. It is typically seen as the less thrilling but more comfortable automobile in the comparison, being the softer vehicle. Does that mean it is less of a sports car and more of a mini-grand touring vehicle? The identical query was recently posed by Evo Magazine.
That’s a good question, to be honest. A driver might appreciate their car better if they know what it is. Think about the BMW M850i. Many fans bemoan the lack of sportiness or sharpness. But it starts to make lot more sense if you learn it’s not designed to be and is actually more of a GT vehicle. Does the BMW Z4 experience the same thing? Should it be viewed as more of a sports car?
I’m going to respond “no” after reading the Evo Magaine review and after having driven the Z4 sDrive30i and M40i myself. But before you drive it, you need moderate your expectations a little bit. The new BMW Z4 is not a GT car; it is a sports car. It is compact, nimble, and speedy. However, because it is so well-crafted, it can occasionally be a little deceiving. Even in stronger setups, the suspension feels cozy and compliant. Even with the top down, the ride is silky smooth and devoid of any chassis flex or cowl shaking, which is surprising for a convertible.
As a result, it occasionally creates the appearance that it is a sports car rather than a GT vehicle. But if you push it hard, you’ll discover a car that enjoys playing. I was recently impressed by how much fun it was to drive a BMW Z4 M40i on an autocross track. It rotates a lot and has a very sharp front end. There is a ton of grip as well. Is driving it as enjoyable as driving a Porsche Boxster? Not at all, no. However, the Z4 is the more luxurious and comfortable vehicle, and it has better engines. It therefore has a purpose and may be appreciated without being classified as a GT vehicle. Simply said, it’s a more refined sports vehicle. If you will, call it a gentleman’s sports automobile.
Although the Z4 is a terrific roadster with many advantages, don’t anticipate Boxster-level tactility from it.
The Z4 has always been a BMW that has struggled with identity, never quite knowing what it wants to be when it grows up. The first version was not a bad car at all, but it was unable to dethrone the Porsche Boxster as the preferred roadster among drivers.
BMW’s second attempt was made with a much softer vehicle. Again, not a bad car, but not particularly sporty either, especially in the top-of-the-line sDrive35iS configuration. Instead of the Boxster, this vehicle was designed to compete with the TT and SLC. As a drop-top cruiser, it was a fantastic piece of equipment as long as you didn’t question the chassis too much.
However, what can we anticipate from the G29 generation of Z4? BMW claims that the Boxster was developed for maximum agility, dynamism, and steering precision, but almost immediately acknowledges that if you’re searching for the pinnacle of driving enjoyment, the Boxster is the way to go. However, the vast majority of Z4s that are sold in the UK will really be 20i models, pitting it against slightly more subdued Mercedes-Benz and Audi offerings and maybe luring customers away from a top-of-the-line Mazda MX-5.
The Z4 has a lot going for it, including attractive (though slightly odd-looking from some angles) looks, a fun ride, good engines that combine horsepower and efficiency, and a ton of standard features. It’s a car that’s easy to drive, with precise steering, a ton of grip, and a stable chassis, but it lacks some depth in terms of performance and delivery. While driving fast is simple and, for the most part, fairly calm, you’d have more pleasure in an MX-5 or Boxster.
BMW’s sole two-seat sports car is going away.
For many years, automobile and lifestyle lovers have both favored BMW’s range of Z roadsters. The German Z vehicle, which was mostly ignored for most of its existence, has developed into a very capable and well-respected sports car, with a history that includes icons like the M Coupe and the Z4 M. The 2022 BMW Z4 Roadster is still a fantastic vehicle even though it doesn’t feature a full M version. The new vehicle has received high appreciation and is famously comparable to the Toyota GR Supra thanks to a strong platform and powerful six-cylinder engine. But as it turns out, it hasn’t taken enough steps to guarantee its own future. The Z4 will disappear from view when its lifecycle concludes in 2025, according to the Spanish daily Motor.es, and only BMW knows what the future of the other Z car holds.
Unfortunately, BMW isn’t the only automaker killing off a drop-top sports car; Mercedes-Benz had to discontinue the S-Class Convertible and SLC-Class, Audi is killing off the TT, and the R8 rag-top is probably toast as well. The fact is that sales of sports convertibles aren’t doing well unless you’re selling C8 Corvettes or Mazda Miatas.
The Porsche 718 Boxster, which is largely considered as the best sports convertible in its class, is also being blamed for the demise of the Z4. The Z4 was created to rival Porsche, but has fallen short in recent years. Thankfully, we still have a few more years to enjoy the Z4 until it is retired. The third-gen Z4, which was released in 2019, is getting ready for a facelift, but if reports are to be believed, don’t anticipate many feature changes. Sources for Motor.es claim that the update won’t even contain the upgraded iDrive 8 and digital dash that are already present in other models.
The BMW Z4 can reach 60 mph in in 5.2 seconds and is now equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that generates 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. If you want true performance, opt for the sDrive M40i, which has a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that produces 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque and a 3.9-second zero to 60 mph time. The Z4’s sole chance of surviving is a comeback as an electric sports vehicle, but at this point that doesn’t seem realistic.
But the revelation raises one concern: what will become of the Toyota GR Supra without a BMW to share a platform with? We’d hate to see the new Supra, which has been a tremendous hit for the brand, suffer the same fate as the A80 Supra, which lasted for almost ten years before slipping into slumber.
Although devoted drivers will prefer a Porsche Boxster, BMW’s Z4 front-engined, rear-drive sports vehicle is an old-school joy.
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The BMW Z4 has been a huge success for the firm across three generations, and while the latest model has reverted to a typical canvas soft-top, the previous model seemed a bit more like a boulevard cruiser with its folding hard-top. It’s a format that works well for the Z4 because of its retro design, which includes a huge engine up front beneath that tall hood, rear-wheel drive, and a cockpit with only two seats. It operates here flawlessly, supporting its sporty style with ample power and excellent road manners.
Despite this, the vehicle is still fairly hefty and isn’t as agile as a Porsche 718 Boxster or an Alpine A110. One of the two four-cylinder vehicles would be our choice because they seem more nimble and enjoyable to drive. All of the models will make you happy, but some purchasers will want for a manual transmission and a more responsive steering wheel. As far as sports cars go, the build quality and specifications are difficult to fault, and it is also rather practical.
The rear-wheel-drive BMW Z4 is a two-seater convertible sports car with a classic fabric folding roof, a variety of potent engines up front, and a sizable boot in the back. There isn’t a coupe variant, but there are lots of options if you really want a fixed roof, including BMW’s own 2 Series. Of course, you can spend more money to purchase a removable hard top for the Z4.
Is the BMW Z4 M40i a sporty vehicle?
Due to its striking design, cutting-edge technology, and potent powertrain arrangement, the Z4 M40i is a highly sought-after sports car.
The Z4 convertible delivers secure handling and a potent turbocharged engine—features that are expected of a BMW sports vehicle. Its luxurious interior is both appealing and comfy enough to be driven every day. The more aggressive M40i variant has a twin-turbo inline-six engine instead of the ordinary turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on all BMW Z4 models.
Even now, the Z4 M40i is the best value because to its unrivaled performance characteristics, exquisite comfort, and superior build.
Is the Z4 being phased out by BMW?
The convertible contributed to 2,941 of the Z4’s sales in 2019, the model’s finest year. BMW sold 2,412 Z4s last year. According to Motor.es, BMW will update the Z4 slightly in 2023, giving the convertible a new digital instrument panel. Production of the Z4 will thereafter stop in October 2025.