2021 BMW Z4 review
BMW Z4 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Top-down driving for two
- Punchy performance from the M240i
- Roomy interior and trunk
Cons
- Entertaining but not engaging
- Sticky brakes make for jarring stops
- Chunky windshield pillars block the view out
Mileage (EPA estimate)
24 city, 31 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Despite impressive power, the 2021 BMW Z4 needs more excitement
The 2021 BMW Z4 lineup returns with few changes. Standard equipment now includes automatic high-beam headlights, Android Auto™ smartphone connectivity (joining Apple CarPlay®, which carries over from before), and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Equipped with a power-retractable fabric roof that raises or lowers in about 10 seconds, the 2021 Z4 is a two-seat roadster equipped with a 9.9-cubic-foot trunk. It’s surprisingly roomy inside, offering enough space and comfort to accommodate two tall adults on an extended road trip. BMW’s SensaTec synthetic leather is standard, but the real deal is available, so check individual model specs carefully. BMW also outfits the Z4 with digital instrumentation and a touchscreen iDrive infotainment system featuring helpful voice recognition.
Two versions of the Z4 are available, both with automatic transmissions. The Z4 sDrive30i has a turbocharged four-cylinder, while the Z4 sDrive M40i gets a more powerful turbo six-cylinder and performance-tuned suspension, brakes, and rear differential.
All BMW Z4 years
What is new for the 2021 BMW Z4?
- Z4 trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- The sDrive30i trim now comes with Soft Top and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
2021 BMW Z4 trims
sDrive30i:
- 255-hp, 295-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Memory Seats
- Power Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Rear View Camera
- Power Mirrors
- Side Airbags
- Cruise Control
- Traction Control
M40I:
- Includes all features available on the sDrive30i
- 382-hp, 369-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
- Smart Key
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- View our BMW Z4 M40I inventory
5 reasons to buy the 2021 BMW Z4
What We Like
Quick and efficient: You’ll save some money by choosing the Z4 sDrive30i, but its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine can’t match the deeply satisfying power found in the Z4 sDrive M40i. The latter makes 382 hp to the former’s 255 ponies, but even the slowest Z4 should get to 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds, according to BMW. Both engines are thrifty with gas, too, with the M40i estimated by the EPA to get 25 mpg in combined driving while the sDrive30i clocks in at 28 mpg combined.
Roomy and comfortable: Typically, two-seat roadsters aren’t comfortable, but the BMW Z4 bucks that trend with plenty of legroom, headroom, and shoulder room — even with the top raised. The performance-bolstered seats are a little snug but supportive, and when the top is up the Z4’s interior is remarkably quiet on the highway. The 9.9-cubic-foot trunk easily swallows enough luggage for an extended road trip, and it remains just as accommodating with the top folded down.
Intuitive infotainment: The latest version of the company’s iDrive infotainment system is much easier to understand and use. You can use voice commands, the touchscreen display mounted on the dashboard, or the traditional physical controls residing on the center console. Intuitive menus and pathways make it relatively easy to find what you’re looking for, too.
What Needs Improvement
Driving excitement: BMW calls itself the “Ultimate Driving Machine,” but the standard Z4 sDrive30i feels more at home as a cruiser than a sports car. The turbo-four feels less powerful as you accelerate, the steering feels more like a luxury sedan than a sports car, and the brakes feel grabby in daily driving situations, making it hard to stop smoothly. When driving aggressively, it’s less fun than competitors like the Porsche Boxster. If you’re looking for a more engaging experience, look for models with the available Dynamic Handling package.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the BMW Z4 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks BMW Z4 13th out of 25 among Luxury Compact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW Z4BMW Z4 features and specs
M40I 2WD 2D Convertible
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Soft Top
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Head Up Display
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Remote Start
- Smart Key
- Soft Top
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.0L
Horsepower
382
Torque (ft-lbs)
369
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13.7
Wheelbase
97.2"
Overall length
170.7"
Width
73.4"
Height
51.4"
Leg room
F 42.2"
Head room
F 38.9"
Front tires
P255/40WR18
Rear tires
P275/40WR18
Seating capacity
2
Transmission
Automatic
2021 BMW Z4 FAQ
The 2021 BMW Z4 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- M40I : 24 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- sDrive30i : 24 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
The BMW Z4 received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the BMW Z4 as 12 out of 25 among Luxury Compact Car
The 2021 BMW Z4 has received an average 2.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 BMW Z4, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 BMW Z4 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 BMW Z4:
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Android Auto
- Soft Top
- Satellite Radio Ready
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