Overview

What's New for 2023

The 2023 BMW Z4 is offered in two trim levels: 30i and M40i. Both come with a powerful turbocharged engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M40i is the more popular model, but we recommend the lower-priced 30i. We'll explain why.

30i

We recommend the base model Z4 30i, which costs $53,795 (including a $995 destination fee). It offers impressive performance, a wide range of options, and excellent fuel economy. It's a strong value with a smooth and powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes an impressive 255 horsepower. This year the M Sport package is standard with a sport suspension for better handling, a distinctive body kit, an M Sport steering wheel, and other sporty details. A power convertible top, 18-inch wheels, heated power-folding side mirrors, synthetic-leather upholstery, sport seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings, and Apple CarPlay connectivity are also standard. Nineteen-inch wheels are available.

M40i

The Z4 M40i ($66,295) not only dials up the sports car's price but also its already impressive performance. Power climbs to 382 hp from a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine in a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that improves both fuel economy and drivability. Beefy 18-inch alloy wheels, M Sport brakes with blue calipers, an adaptive M suspension, and leather upholstery are standard. Nineteen-inch wheels are available, along with a long list of features, including ambient interior lighting and M Sport brakes with red calipers.

The 2023 BMW Z4 30i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that's not only smooth and refined but also delivers 255 horsepower. That might not sound like much, but the rear-wheel-drive Z4 is seriously quick. From a standing start, it'll hit 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. That strong acceleration, along with the Z4's planted and responsive handling, makes it more fun to drive than the Audi TT. But the Porsche 718 Boxster, with its perfectly balanced mid-engine chassis, is the sportiest of the bunch.

The Z4's ride is also exceptional for a sports car. For more punch, step up the Z4 M40i and its turbocharged 382-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. Silky smooth, it's one of the best engines available, getting up to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Both engines are teamed with a quick-shifting eight-speed Sport Steptronic automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Steering feel is excellent, and the BMW's brakes are powerful and responsive.

The 2023 BMW Z4 has the highest highway fuel-economy rating in its class. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Z4 30i delivers an estimated 25 mpg during city driving and 33 mpg on the highway. The more powerful Z4 M40i returns an impressive 22/31 mpg city/highway.

In comparison, the Porsche 718 Boxster with the base turbocharged four-cylinder engine is rated at 20/26 mpg city/highway, and the more powerful Boxster S returns 19/24 mpg. The all-wheel-drive Audi TT is rated at 23/30 mpg city/highway.

The 2023 BMW Z4 has not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That is not uncommon for a low-volume sports car in this class.

The Z4 offers a long list of available active safety and driver-assist features. Many are standard, including forward-collision warning and daytime pedestrian detection with city braking and BMW's lane-departure warning system. Active cruise control, rear-collision protection, rear cross-traffic alert, and active blind-spot detection are available.

The 2023 BMW Z4 is a fun two-seat sports car that's easy to drive every day. From its comfortable, quiet cabin, to its smooth, refined, and powerful engines, the Z4 is exceptional in almost every way. It doesn't handle quite as well as the Porsche 718 Boxster, and it doesn't have the added security of the Audi TT's all-wheel drive, but the Z4's combination of style, performance, and luxury is hard to beat. And it's the best value of the three, costing many thousands of dollars less than its main rivals.

BMW Z4 vs. Audi TT

BMW Z4 vs. Porsche 718 Boxster