“DON'T BUY IT. CAPS ARE INTENTIONAL. it is bizarre driving an automatic sports car. I truly don't enjoy it”
BMW Z4: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW Z4 is a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive luxury sports convertible known for quick responses, open-air driving, and a premium cabin. It blends real performance with more everyday comfort than a stripped-down sports car.
The Z4 has consistently paired classic roadster proportions and two-seat intimacy with BMW’s focus on responsive handling. Its roof has changed over time, from the second generation’s retractable hardtop to the current fabric soft top, but open-air driving has remained central to its character. Across generations, it has balanced sports-car performance with enough comfort and polish to feel usable beyond weekend drives.
Strengths
- Rear-wheel drive and quick responses give the Z4 the lively feel expected from a traditional sports roadster.
- The cabin has a premium feel and enough comfort to make the Z4 easier to live with than a bare-bones weekend car.
- The fabric soft top keeps open-air driving at the center of the current generation’s appeal.
- The lineup offers a clear choice between the approachable turbo four-cylinder sDrive30i and the stronger inline-six M40i.
- The 2026 model’s 9.9-cubic-foot trunk provides useful space for a two-seat convertible.
Who it's for
The Z4 suits someone who wants a premium convertible that feels lively on a winding road but is still comfortable enough for regular use. It makes the most sense for a solo driver or couple who values top-down enjoyment more than passenger room or cargo space.
BMW Z4 lineup
The current sDrive30i is the more approachable Z4, pairing a turbo four-cylinder engine with the same basic two-seat, rear-wheel-drive roadster experience. Pick it if you want responsive handling and open-air driving without prioritizing maximum power. Step up to the M40i for its stronger inline-six engine and more aggressive performance focus. In recent years, the M40i also stands apart as the version offered with a six-speed manual transmission.
BMW Z4 generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Z4 spans two generations. The current 3rd Generation — G29 arrived for 2019, following the 2nd Generation — E89 (2009–2016).
3rd Generation — G29 (2019–2026)
The third-generation Z4 returned to a fabric soft top and moved to a new rear-wheel-drive platform. It also brought turbocharged engines, an 8-speed automatic, a more digital cabin, and added standard safety technology.
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2026
The limited-run Final Edition joins the otherwise unchanged lineup. This is the final U.S. model year, with production ending in March 2026.
2025Trim changes
The M40i gains an optional 6-speed manual transmission. The rest of the lineup changes little.
2024Trim changes
The two-trim lineup carries over with no significant updates.
2023Mid-cycle update
Revised front styling freshens the exterior, and the sDrive30i gains the M Sport package as standard.
2022
The two-trim lineup and its turbo four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines carry over.
2021
Android Auto becomes standard across the lineup. Package details also change slightly.
2020Trim changes
The six-cylinder M40i joins the U.S. lineup alongside the sDrive30i.
2019New generation
The redesigned Z4 moves to a new platform, returns to a fabric soft top, and adds new turbo engines, a digital cabin, and more standard safety technology.
2nd Generation — E89 (2009–2016)
The second-generation Z4 replaced the previous soft-top roadster and separate coupe with one retractable-hardtop roadster. Its longer body provided a roomier cabin, and the early lineup used six-cylinder engines before a turbo four-cylinder base model arrived.
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2016
The sDrive28i gains standard sport seats. Package details and paint choices also change slightly.
2015
The sDrive35i gets a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic as standard. The rest of the lineup carries over.
2014
The three-trim lineup carries over without a meaningful update.
2013
The lineup is essentially unchanged aside from minor standard-equipment adjustments.
2012Trim changes
The sDrive28i replaces the sDrive30i as the base model and introduces a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
2011Trim changes
The sDrive35is joins as the range-topping performance model with a stronger six-cylinder engine and performance-focused hardware.
2010Trim changes
HD Radio becomes standard across the lineup. No major styling or mechanical changes arrive.
2009New generation
The redesigned Z4 introduces a retractable aluminum hardtop, a roomier cabin, and two rear-wheel-drive six-cylinder models.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW Z4.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the BMW Z4?
The BMW Z4 is a compact two-seat sports car built around open-air driving. It combines rear-wheel drive and quick responses with a comfortable, premium cabin, so it is less stripped-down than many weekend-focused sports cars.
Does the BMW Z4 come as a hybrid?
No. The BMW Z4 uses gasoline engines. Depending on the year and trim, it has a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine, with no hybrid version in the model history covered here.
Does the BMW Z4 have all-wheel drive?
No. The BMW Z4 is rear-wheel drive. That layout sends engine power to the rear wheels and is central to the car’s traditional roadster feel.
How practical is the BMW Z4?
It is practical by two-seat roadster standards, but it is not a family car. Every Z4 has two seats, and the newest generation has 9.9 cubic feet of trunk space. There is no rear seat for passengers or extra cabin storage.
Can the BMW Z4 work as a daily driver?
Yes, if two seats and limited cargo room suit your life. The Z4 mixes sporty handling with a premium cabin and everyday comfort, making it easier to live with than a bare-bones sports car.
Which used BMW Z4 models have a hardtop instead of a soft top?
The 2009–2016 Z4 has a power-folding metal hardtop that gives it a coupe-like shape when closed. The 2019–2026 generation returned to a lighter power-folding fabric soft top.
Is BMW ending the Z4?
Yes. BMW confirmed that Z4 production would end in March 2026, with 2026 serving as the final U.S. model year of the third generation.
BMW Z4 Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW Z4.
4.5
BMW Z4
(756 reviews)
“The BMW Z4 28s is exactly what I had hoped. That car is meant to be driven and the convertible with M sport package makes the handling and sporty features more fun to drive. Extremely pleased.”
“This is potentially the last generation of the Z4. Two-seater convertibles are slowly dying.”
“Go for it! Its been nothing but joy since I got it. Meets or exceeds expectations in every way. If a small 2 seat roadster is what you are looking for, you found it.”
“It rides so smoothly to be small and sporty. Its sleek design is eye-catching but it's larger than the previous models which is a plus.”
“It's a nice roomy vehicle, good performance and handling vehicle. Very sporty appearance and comfortable.”