The 2023 BMW Z4 review: Fun luxury roadster and a daily driver in one package

2023 BMW Z4 pricing

The 2023 BMW Z4 starts at $52,800. The sportier Z4 M40i begins at $65,300. The base Z4 sDrive30i is priced similarly to the Audi TT, and the 6-cylinder M40i model is priced more like the lower trims of the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 718 Boxster.

• Z4 sDrive30i: $52,800

• Z4 M40i: $65,300

These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and don’t include the $995 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

Before buying a Z4, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. The BMW Z4’s resale value is about average for the segment.

What’s new?

The Z4 gets a few welcome updates for the 2023 model year. The most significant upgrade is the standard M Sport Package on the base sDrive30i model. That package — which used to be optional — adds a sporty appearance package inside and out, M Sport seats, M pedals, an M steering wheel, and an M Sport suspension.

The Z4 also picks up a few new wheel and paint options, including the purple Thundernight, Portimao Blue, and Skyscraper Grey. M Shadowline Lights are another new option this year.

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Driving the 2023 BMW Z4

The driving experience of the BMW Z4 reflects its personality as a luxury sports car. In our testing, we found it comfortable in long-distance cruising and fun to drive when the road gets twisty. The Z4 is a fun sports car you can comfortably drive daily.

The enthusiast in us welcomes the available upgrades that make the Z4 more engaging to drive. The turbocharged 6-cylinder engine brings a significant performance boost with much more power and torque. If the M40i model doesn’t fit your budget, the 4-cylinder model is available with a Dynamic Handling Package. This option package adds upgraded M brakes, an M differential, and an adaptive M suspension.

Premium interior

The BMW Z4 is a sports car that doesn’t forget it’s a luxury car. The interior materials are high-quality, and the design is both sporty and luxurious. We like the healthy bolstering in the seats, but they’re still comfortable for long-distance highway driving.

We also appreciate how the cockpit and center stack face the driver. It pleasantly reminds us of classic BMW driver’s cars from the past. The controls are easy to use, and everything feels ergonomically designed.

The trunk space of the Z4 is about average for a sports car this size.

Sporty exterior

The BMW Z4 isn’t a typical, conservatively styled German luxury car. It has some striking body lines and a modern execution of the classic BMW kidney grille. Unlike some of its rivals, like the Audi TT, the Z4 is only available as a soft-top convertible with no hardtop coupe option.

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Our favorite features and tech

M Sport package
The M Sport Package now comes standard on every BMW Z4. It bundles many sporty features like a special appearance package inside and out, M Sport seats, and an M Sport suspension system.

Eager engines
A choice of two turbocharged engines are available under the hood of the Z4: a 4-cylinder or a 6-cylinder. The 4-cylinder is quick and efficient, but enthusiasts prefer the more powerful 6-cylinder in the M40i model.

50/50 weight distribution
BMW carefully engineered the chassis of this roadster to achieve 50/50 weight distribution. The result is agile handling and a balanced ride at any speed.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional
This standard feature treats the driver to a customizable, high-resolution 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. This screen can show you everything you want to see and nothing you don’t.

BMW iDrive 7
The BMW iDrive i7 infotainment system is user-friendly and packed with features. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay make it easy to access your apps without taking your phone out of your pocket.

Dynamic Handling Package
This option package for the sDrive30i model makes the 4-cylinder Z4 a better performer without the expense of the M40i. It has an M Sport differential, M Sport brakes, and an adaptive M suspension system.

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Engine and transmission

The 2023 BMW Z4 lineup offers a choice of two excellent engines.

255-horsepower 4-cylinder engine

The standard engine in the Z4 is a turbocharged 4-cylinder mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It delivers satisfying power while returning good fuel economy for a luxury sports car. The lower price tag and better fuel economy make the 4-cylinder the value choice in the Z4.

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
255 horsepower @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg

382-horsepower 6-cylinder engine

For drivers craving more robust performance, the M40i model packs a turbocharged 6-cylinder that significantly improves performance. It uses the same 8-speed automatic transmission as the base engine delivering power to the rear wheels.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine
382 horsepower @ 5,800-6,500 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg

More Z4 fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-year/50,000-mile warranty

The BMW Z4 is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. This coverage is typical of a luxury sports car.

KBB’s car review  methodology.

This story originally ran on KBB.com.