2019 BMW Z4 Road Test and Review

2019 BMW Z4 front three quarter driving ・ Photo by BMW

Although Americans don't buy as many convertibles as they used to, BMW is committed to the droptop. The German luxury brand known for its fun-to-drive dynamics offers five convertible models, and this year it has introduced two all-new open-air machines. Headlining that list is the all-new 2019 BMW Z4.

Fun and sexy, the Z4 has been the brand’s smallest and most affordable two-seat roadster since it replaced the cute Z3 in 2002. James Bond fans will remember the Z3 as 007’s ride in "Goldeneye" way back in 1995. Now the Z4 is in its third iteration, and the front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car has received its first full redesign in a decade. It’s a good one. BMW has added performance, comfort, and style to the two-seater, creating the best Z4 ever. It competes with the Mercedes-Benz SLC, Audi TT, Chevrolet Corvette, and Porsche 718 Boxster.

Priced From Just Over $50,000

The 2019 BMW Z4 is built in Austria and offered in two varieties: the sDrive30i and the sDrive M40i. Both models get turbocharged engines, rear-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is not available. Surprisingly, neither is a manual transmission. Prices start at $50,695, including a $995 destination charge, for a Z4 sDrive30i like our test vehicle. The more powerful Z4 sDrive M40i costs $14,000 more. Although previous versions of the Z4 had a complex retractable hardtop, in the interest of cost, weight savings, and trunk space, the model has gone back to a more traditional power-operated soft top.

Under the hood of the Z4 sDrive30i is BMW’s silky smooth and powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It makes 255 horsepower, which is about average for this class. The sDrive M40i, however, is considerably stronger with a 382-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with twin turbos.

Photo by BMW

Similar to the Toyota Supra

Partnerships between two automakers to create new models or even components are becoming more common. These arrangements save considerable cost and often make strange bedfellows. Recent examples are Ford and General Motors co-developing a new 10-speed automatic transmission, which is now used in many models including the Ford F-150 pickup and the Chevrolet Camaro. Also, Toyota and Subaru recently teamed up to create the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ sport coupes.

The 2019 BMW Z4 is the result of another partnership with Toyota. The car was co-developed and engineered with the all-new 2020 Toyota Supra, which shares the Z4’s rear-wheel drive chassis, BMW’s inline six-cylinder engine, and many other components. Both cars are even built on the same assembly line in Graz, Austria. These similarities may not sit well with some BMW purists, but the two models look nothing alike, and their interiors couldn’t be more different. Plus, the Z4 is only offered as a convertible, while the Toyota is only available as a fixed-roof coupe. Pricing is similar, however, as the base price of the 2020 Toyota Supra is about $51,000.

Photo by Toyota

Seriously Quick

Our 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i test vehicle lived up to BMW’s fun-to-drive reputation. Its turbocharged four-cylinder, which is also used in the BMW 3 Series, doesn’t sound great at idle but it loves to rev out to its lofty 6,900 rpm fuel cutoff, and it makes more than enough power to put a smile on your face. The engine is smooth and responsive with good low-end grunt. Its 295 lb-ft of torque hits at just 1,500 rpm, so off-the-line acceleration is immediate. The BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission is responsive, with firm but smooth gear changes, a Sport mode, and manual control with paddle shifters.

Use the convertible’s launch control and BMW says the Z4 sDrive30i can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. That’s very quick. An Audi TT can’t keep up, though the lighter and more powerful Porsche 718 Boxster will show the Z4 its taillights. Buyers interested in serious thrust should step up to the significantly more powerful Z4 sDrive M40i model. It can rocket to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, which is only a tenth of a second slower than the V8-powered Chevy Corvette Stingray.

Photo by BMW

Agile and Responsive Handling

Because it's a two-seat sports car and a BMW, you would expect the 2019 Z4 to feel sporty around town, and it does. The roadster’s steering is very responsive and its brakes are extremely powerful. This is a proper sports car, and it feels better the harder you push it. The Z4’s chassis is well balanced, and while it’s heavier than some of its competitors, the BMW feels light when you’re tossing it around. With its optional Adaptive M suspension and sticky 19-inch Michelin tires, it really hugs the road. Our test car was also equipped with the Track Handling Package, which adds M Sport Brakes and an M Sport differential for additional performance.

The surprise was the Z4’s supple ride. Its suspension is firm, just as it should be in a sports car, but the ride is refined. This is one sports car that doesn’t beat you up, even over rough roads. The Z4 is part grand tourer and can be driven daily or road tripped across two states in complete comfort.

Photo by BMW

High-Quality Interior

As in all BMWs, there’s an overall feeling of quality to the interior of the 2019 Z4. In fact, this may be the best interior in its class. Materials are high-quality, and the Z4’s panel fitment is exceptional. Nothing feels cheap. BMW didn’t cut any corners. Control placement is also very good, and a massive 10.25-inch touchscreen is standard.

BMW’s iDrive infotainment system was once frustrating to use, but that’s ancient history. Now it’s one of the best and most intuitive systems out there, with simple menus, quick response, class-leading graphics, and Apple CarPlay for your iPhone. Our test car was also equipped with the Premium Package, which added heated front seats, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Our test car's M Sport front seats were very comfortable, and the driver’s seat is height-adjustable.

Photo by BMW

Quiet Interior

This little roadster is fun to drive with its top up or down. The Z4’s cloth roof is thick and insulated, and it seals tightly. When it's in place, the BMW’s interior is impressively quiet, with so little wind or road noise that it almost feels like a coupe. We also drove the Z4 through a couple of automated car washes and the top didn’t leak a drop.

Folding the top just takes a few seconds and the push of a button. A wind blocker is standard and keeps wind buffeting to a minimum, even at high speeds. We’re also smitten with the Z4’s classic long hood, short deck proportions. They’re just timeless, as is the BMW’s twin-kidney grille, and our test car drew a crowd dressed in its Misano Blue Metallic finish, which my daughter called electric. However, this is one of the few roadsters out there we think looks better with its top in place.

Photo by BMW

More Cargo Space Than You May Think

Storage inside the BMW’s interior is quite generous considering this is a small two-seater. There’s a center console bin, another ahead of the shifter, a felt-lined cubby to the left of the steering wheel, small door pockets, another sizable bin behind the driver's right elbow, and a netted shelf behind the seats. There are also two big cupholders, which are well-placed. Unfortunately, they’re housed in the covered console bin, so their use requires you to keep the console lid open, which is a little awkward.

At 9.9 cubic feet, the trunk of the 2019 BMW Z4 isn’t huge, but it’s larger than you may think. There’s more than enough space for a sizable grocery run, and it will swallow luggage for two for a fun weekend escape.

Photo by BMW

Good Overall Fuel Economy

Overall, fuel economy is good for this class. The Z4 sDrive30i is the most fuel-efficient of the range, rated at 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. I averaged 27 mpg during a week of mixed driving, which included plenty a spirited mountain road driving. Incredibly, the significantly more powerful Z4 M40i almost matches that mileage with EPA ratings of 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Those are remarkable numbers considering the Z4’s performance. In fact, the Z4 sDrive30i gets better mileage than the less powerful Audi TT, which is rated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Unfortunately, the Z4’s engine’s require more expensive premium gasoline. Also, this sports car has a small tank, so its fuel range isn’t extensive. Expect about 300 miles of driving to a tank on the highway.

Photo by BMW

Final Thoughts

Every 2019 BMW Z4 comes with a forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alerts, and a lane-departure warning cost extra, which doesn’t seem cool on such an expensive car. Driving Dynamics Control — which allows the driver to tune the sports car with several driving modes, including Sport, Sport Plus, and Eco Pro — is also standard. The Sport and Sport Plus settings quicken the BMW’s throttle response, tighten its steering, recalibrate its transmission, and firm up its suspension. It’s what you want on a tight and twisty mountain road, but for everyday driving, the Comfort setting is more than sporty enough.

Overall, the 2019 BMW Z4 checks all the right boxes. It’s comfortable, attractive, and well put together. It’s also refined, it performs well, and it’s extremely fun to drive. If you’re looking for an upscale two-seat convertible, the all-new Z4 is a very desirable choice.

Photo by BMW