2020 BMW Z4

header-image
$49,700 - $63,700
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Classic roadster experience in a much more modern avatar

Miss the last gen's hardtop

No major changes

Agile handling characteristics

Poor visibility

Congenial cabin build

Poor in-cabin storage

Lighter than previous-gen

Specs & Features

$49,700

price

255 hp @ 5000 rpm

horsepower

294 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl RWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

BMW is known for making performance sports cars with luxuriously appointed interiors. They are practical and reliable as well and as an embodiment of the brand, the BMW Z4 is a sports convertible that is specially targeted towards the youth. After a hiatus of three years, the BMW Z4 returned to the market as the third generation of the vehicle, and while it might look polarizing initially, it is a design that will grow on you. The super sleek and aggressive exterior styling is one of the key factors of its success. 

Buying Advice

Z4 sDrive30i is a standalone trim and thus there will be no confusion in choosing a trim. If the standard features on offer are still less for you, then you can opt for a variety of packages and optional features like 19-inch Alloy wheels, Adaptive LED Headlights, M Sport package, and Track Handling Package, and a lot more.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The BMW Z4 has carved a niche for itself in the market and has racked up abundant sales for the brand. The 2 seater car justifies its price tag with a strong engine lineup, nimble handling characteristics, and posh interior. While the base engine holds adequate power, the newly introduced Z4 M40i delivers even better performance and has been reviewed separately. Some of the main competitors of the 2020 BMW Z4 include the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster, the 2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible, and the 2020 Audi TT Roadster.

Features
8.0/10

The 2020 BMW Z4 comes in one base trim- sDrive30i. Moreover, there is a performance variant - M40i added to the lineup this year. The price of the base trim starts from $49,700 and can go up based on the optional packages you choose. As standard, you get SensaTec simulated leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and Apple CarPlay. Optional packages include M Sport which adds 18-inch orbit-grey wheels and Shadowline exterior trim; Track Handling package which adds M Sport brakes with blue calipers, an adaptive M Suspension, and an M Sport differential. Moreover, there is an Executive package that adds premium leather upholstery, adaptive headlights, and a premium sound system. The convertible is made available in only an RWD configuration and has a single-engine option at its disposal. 

Trim

BMW Z4 sDrive30i

MSRP (RWD)

$49,700

Key Features

LED Headlights

 

Electrically operated soft-top roof

 

10.25” digital instrument cluster

 

10.25” center display with standard 10-speaker audio system

 

Voice Control

 

7th Gen iDrive Multimedia system with 20GB Memory and Bluetooth

 

Apple Carplay

 

Power-adjustable sport seats with Integrated Headrests

 

SensaTec/ Vernasca leather upholstery

Which Trim should you buy?

Z4 sDrive30i is a standalone trim and thus there will be no confusion in choosing a trim. If the standard features on offer are still less for you, then you can opt for a variety of packages and optional features like 19-inch Alloy wheels, Adaptive LED Headlights, M Sport package, and Track Handling Package, and a lot more.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

The 2020 BMW Z4 performs impressively when it comes to fuel economy. It provides roughly around 24/32/27 mpg on city/highway/combined driving cycles respectively. The 3L Turbo Inline-6 significantly boosts performance but the fuel economy doesn't take a hit either. Moreover, it comes equipped with a 13.7-gallon fuel tank which will be enough to cover around 370 miles between each fill-up.

Models

2020 BMW Z4 

2020 Porsche 718 Boxster 

2020 Audi TT Roadster

2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible

MPG (City)

24

20

23

23

MPG (Highway)

32

26

31

30

MPG (Combined)

27

22

26

26

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

13.7

14.2

14.5

18.5

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

328.8/438.4/369.9

284/369.2/312.4

333.5/449.5/377

425.5/555/500

The BMW Z4 offers well-balanced performance and fuel efficiency. The 2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible and Audi TT Roadster offer similar efficiency as the Z4 but they come with the larger fuel tanks in the lot. The Jaguar, however, manages almost 500 miles in a single refill, which is significantly higher than rivals. The 718 Boxster is tuned for performance rather than efficiency and its combined efficiency of 22 MPG is evidence of the fact.

Interior
5.0/10

The interior of the 2020 BMW Z4 is far better than most of its competitors. You will be mesmerized by the layout and design language. The 3rd generation Z4 is slightly bigger which allows easy ingress and egress of the cabin. But it has seats for only two people. The two-tone interior throughout the car looks beautiful and there are chrome accents everywhere. 

SensaTec simulated leather upholstery is standard but that can be upgraded to Vernasca leather upholstery. 

Apart from that, you also get automatic climate control, 14-way power-adjustable seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power-folding soft top as standard. The steering wheel is very light and is wrapped in leather. The soft-top can be raised or lowered when the car is cruising under 30 mph. The bolstering on the seats makes it look sporty as well. Overall, the entire interior layout of the car is fabulous and very sporty. Our only complaint in an otherwise inch-perfect cabin is that visibility outside does feel compromised, especially when rivals provide a better and higher seating position. Even the storage spaces on the inside feel rather impractical and accessing the front cupholders is an ordeal. 

Models

2020 BMW Z4 

2020 Porsche 718 Boxster 

2020 Audi TT Roadster

2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible

Seating Capacity

2

2

2

2

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

38.9/54.3/42.2

N/A

36.6/53.6/41.1

37/56.5/43

Cargo Capacity (cu ft)

9.9

4.4

7.5

7.3

The 2020 Audi TT Roadster has the least interior space while the Porsche fairs poorly when its cargo space is compared to its competitors. F-Type offers incredible legroom but the headroom takes a hit owing to the low slung roof but if you retract the soft-top that won't be a problem. The BMW Z4 on the other hand has the best cargo space available at 9.9 cu ft. In terms of cabin setup and layout, it is difficult to declare a certain winner as each convertible car makes use of premium quality materials and has defined ergonomics. 

Standout interior features:

  • 14-way power-adjustable M Sport Seats with Memory function
  • SensaTec and Vernasca Leather upholstery
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Automatic climate control
  • Ambient Lighting
  • Dual-zone Climate Control

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2020 BMW Z4 gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with BMW Connect and BMW Remote Services. The display is of excellent quality and there is no screen glare issue even in bright sunlight. The graphics are very crisp, the font is readable, and even the menus are logically placed. It has 20GB of multimedia storage and while Apple CarPlay is a standard inclusion, the infotainment system still remains devoid of Android Auto compatibility. 

The display is controlled by an iDrive touchpad controller which is very easy to use. You can connect your smartphone with the infotainment system with the help of Bluetooth connectivity. The navigation system will help you to reach your destination and works perfectly fine. Finally, a 12 speaker Harman Kardon audio system will take the party to the roads.

Standout infotainment features:

  • 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • USB Connection
  • Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio
  • 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
  • Voice control
  • Premium Package includes wireless charging and heads-up display

Exterior
8.0/10

The 3rd gen BMW Z4 has been changed drastically when compared to the 2nd gen. The 2020 MY carries the same design language as that of the 2019 MY as it came after a long hiatus. It bears an aggressive fascia with a striking stance and has the ability to turn heads on the bustling streets of New York. The kidney grille has been redesigned for the 3rd gen which looks amazing and does not feel overpowering as is the case with other upcoming models. The large air intakes on the front are functional and it receives black treatment which separates it from the rest of the body. 

The front headlights were redesigned and look like it is inspired by an animal. The taillights were also redesigned and look very sleek. The car has an integrated spoiler at the rear, which bestows a streamlined look to the vehicle. Also, you can easily spot the difference between the 2nd gen and the 3rd gen Z4. Being a two-door sleek convertible, the car also has a very low center of gravity. Overall, the exterior of the 2020 BMW Z4 is truly amazing.

Models

2020 BMW Z4 

2020 Porsche 718 Boxster 

2020 Audi TT Roadster

2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible

Curb Weight (lbs)

3287

3021

3384

3405

Length (inches)

170.7

172.4

165

176.5

Width (inches)

73.4

70.9

72.1

74.2

Height (inches)

51.4

50.4

53.4

51.5

Ground Clearance (inches)

4.7

4.3

5.1

3.9

Wheelbase (inches)

97.2

97.4

98.6

103.2

The BMW Z4 has a shorter wheelbase of 97.2 inches as compared to its rivals. The Porsche 718 Boxster is the lightest car weighing 3021 lbs and that explains why it is the quickest and most nimble of the lot. The Audi TT roadster has the best ground clearance of 5.1 inches but it is comparatively small, while the Jaguar is evidently the largest option on offer and has the lowest clearance from the ground of 3.9 inches. 

In terms of design, all three contemporaries continue with their traditional styling cues. Though they do look on par with one another and have ample appeal in their design, the BMW’s revamped styling helps it add a touch of modernity to the segment. 

Standout exterior features of the 2020 BMW Z4 include:

  • LED Headlights and Taillights
  • Black Soft Top
  • 18” Alloy Wheels
  • Power-adjustable exterior mirrors with memory
  • 18-inch Performance Tires
  • Fog Lights

Safety
7.0/10

The 2020 BMW Z4 has not been tested by the federal and non-federal agencies, but with the latest techs and safety features, we believe that it will perform well. Some of the safety features of the convertible comes equipped with, include ABS, airbags, traction control, front and rear parking sensors, and corner braking control. Additionally, the car gets based on the Cluster Architecture(CLAR) Platform that underpins a number of vehicles from the brand. It makes use of high-tensile steel to ensure top-notch build quality and through an effective and efficient weight management system controls the curb weight of the vehicle, making it safe and reliable. Some of the other standout safety specifications include:

  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Blindspot monitor
  • Lane departure warning
  • Hands-free parallel park assist
  • BMW’s Active Protection system
  • BMW Assist eCall

Competition
8.0/10

2020 BMW Z4 vs 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster

The Porsche 718 Boxster is a benchmark for all manufacturers when it comes to sports convertibles. It has a solid built quality and aesthetic look. It has slightly better performance than the Z4 but the fuel economy is poor. However, the BMW Z4 undercuts the 718 Boxster in terms of its price and offers similar performance and set of features. So, if you are tight on your budget then the 2020 BMW Z4 can be a perfect choice for you.

2020 BMW Z4 vs 2020 Audi TT Roadster

Audi TT Roadster is also a very popular convertible among enthusiasts. It has better looks than most of its rivals and better build quality as well. But it can’t match the BMW in terms of its performance and is the more frugal option amongst the two. Moreover, the BMW Z4 has a larger cabin at its disposal that feels accommodating and capacious. While both convertibles have ample features to provide, a $700 premium that the BMW commands feel worthwhile for the experience that it provides.

2020 BMW Z4 vs 2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible

The Jaguar F-Type Convertible is a clear winner when compared to the Z4 Convertible. It has better performance than the BMW. Despite being powerful, it is equally fuel-efficient as well but the Z4 is very fun to drive and feels engaging with its precise feedback. But the Z4 costs almost 15 grand less than the Jaguar which makes it a more valuable proposition. So, the Z4 is a better option to choose from on budget and if finance is not an issue, the Jaguar is an undisputed choice. 

Final Verdict

The 3rd gen BMW Z4 is a game changer in the hands of the brand that cohesively unifies performance with luxury. The inclusion of the latest techs and features keeps it ahead in the rapidly growing competition. Its handling characteristics are excellent and it is very fun to drive. The interior is very sporty and futuristic but practical at the same time. The exterior styling is very aggressive which is what is needed in a sports convertible. While the steering does lack feedback, the overall ride quality feels immersive and so does owning this pocket rocket. 

Trims

    30i
    $49,700 onwards
    • INFINITI InTouch Navigation with voice activation
    M40i
    $63,700 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 382 hp @ 5000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 368 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 116 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 26 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$49,700- $63,700

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.93

Horsepower

382 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque

368 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

Capacity

2

Read Review

$91,000- $114,700

Gasoline

6.99

362 hp @ 5000 rpm

369 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

2

Read Review

$49,950

Gasoline

7.3

241 hp @ 5550 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1300 rpm

2

Read Review

$59,600- $96,300

Gasoline

7.68

300 hp @ 6500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 1950 rpm

2

Read Review

2020 BMW Z4 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2020 BMW Z4

    Ranked #3

    5.2 sec13.9 sec130 mph
    4.3 sec14.7 sec-
    4.9 sec-170 mph
    5.8 sec-155 mph

    2020 BMW Z4 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2020 BMW Z4

      Ranked #1

      24 mpg32 mpg27 mpg13.7 gal.328.8/438.4 mi.
      23 mpg32 mpg27 mpg15.9 gal.365.7/508.8 mi.
      20 mpg26 mpg22 mpg14.2 gal.-
      20 mpg28 mpg22 mpg19.8 gal.396/554.4 mi.

      2020 BMW Z4 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2020 BMW Z4

        Ranked #4

        170.7 in.73.4 in.51.4 in.5 in.97.2 in.
        182.3 in.73.9 in.51.2 in.3.7 in.101.8 in.

        2020 Porsche 718

        Ranked #2

        174.5 in.71 in.49.6 in.3.1 in.97.8 in.
        172.4 in.70.9 in.50.4 in.4.3 in.97.4 in.
        162.8 in.71.5 in.51.3 in.4.4 in.95.7 in.

        2020 BMW Z4 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2020 BMW Z4

          Ranked #1

          9.9 cu.ft.164.4 cu.ft.9.9 cu.ft.
          61.7 cu.ft.85.9 cu.ft.9.6 cu.ft.
          13.5 cu.ft.50.5 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.
          10.1 cu.ft.48.8 cu.ft.10.1 cu.ft.

          2020 BMW Z4 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            2020 BMW Z4

            Ranked #1

            150 cu.ft.9.9 cu.ft.9.9 cu.ft.
            10.1 cu.ft.10.1 cu.ft.10.1 cu.ft.
            72 cu.ft.61.7 cu.ft.9.6 cu.ft.
            13.5 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.

            2020 BMW Z4 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2020 BMW Z4

              Ranked #1

              463 lbs.3287 lbs.
              627 lbs.3021 lbs.
              628 lbs.3384 lbs.
              -3825 lbs.

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