U.S. Prime Press; All sports cars come standard with a fun-loving attitude, but The new 2025 BMW Z4 goes a step further with a soft-top layout that allows you to enjoy some sunshine as you zip down those pleasure-driving roads. It doesn’t have the same focus on being able to devour twisty tarmac as rivals like the Porsche 718 Boxster or Toyota Supra—the latter sharing the Z4’s BMW-based mechanicals. Still, The New 2025 BMW Z4 is plenty lively, and it’ll move along with either of its engine choices. A base turbocharged four-cylinder supplies 255 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a rear-wheel drive. As for those seeking the max power, there’s a ferocious 382-horsepower turbocharged inline-six, now with an available new six-speed manual transmission that makes you feel even more part of the machine. Inside, expect a premium interior with high-quality materials, a 10.3-inch infotainment display, and plenty of room for two adults. What you won’t necessarily find in a car this size is practicality, but the Z4 has surprisingly generous trunk space for a small roadster; it took three carry-on suitcases in our testing. All the better to make this chic, convertible sports car your everyday driver.

What’s New for 2025?

If you were hoping the six-speed manual transmission from The New 2025 BMW Z4 mechanical twin, the Toyota Supra, would be added to the lineup this year we have good news: the M40i can now be optioned with the stick. It’s part of the new Handschalter package—meaning “hand shift” in German—that costs $3500 but throws in the manual transmission, stiffer anti-roll bars, and a set of more aggressive wheels and tires. BMW has also fiddled with the adaptive suspension settings for cars with the stick and says the steering has been returned for better road feel.

Image: BMW

The New 2025 BMW Z4 is expected to be priced from about $55,225 to approximately $71,500, depending on the trim and options. The Z4 sDrive30i starts with an approachable base price. Indeed, it’s thousands less than the Porsche 718 Boxster but it feels like the Z4 provides an awful lot of performance for just about any buyer. Dynamic Handling Package, with larger M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential, and other performance enhancers to boost traction. Your sDrive30i will still be no match for the much stronger M40i at the drag strip, but at least it’ll be quick enough to make it entertaining.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The sDrive30i uses BMW’s great turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that cranks out good amounts of torque and feels punchier than its 255 horsepower. The M40i model, meanwhile, adds a 382-hp turbocharged inline-six for added punch. Smooth and refined by day, it turns into an absolute menace when provoked. Standard on the Z4 is an eight-speed automatic transmission, complete with sport and manual modes. Paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel are also standard. It’s probably one of the best automatics around, with sharp responses, snappy shifts, and smooth operation. The more powerful six-cylinder model can now be ordered with the Handschalter package that includes a six-speed manual, stiffer anti-roll bars, a retuned adaptive suspension system, and special, larger wheels and tires. When the road zigs, the Z4 is willing, but it never feels bolted to the pavement like a 718 nor does it have the frantic aggression of the Supra.

Image: BMW

0–60-MPH Times

In our testing, the sDrive30i model accelerated to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. That’s peppy, but still a bit slower than a 718 Boxster. The automatic M40i model turned up the juice considerably with a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.5 seconds. BMW claims the M40i with the six-speed manual can hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, but we’re thinking it should be quicker when we have a chance to verify that.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Despite its strong performance, the Z4 is one of the most frugal sports cars in its class. The EPA estimates for The New 2025 BMW Z4 Drive30i are 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Due to its much higher power rating, the fuel economy is slightly less for the Z4 M40i, with ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. That model did way better on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, hitting an impressive 37 mpg. For more on the Z4’s fuel economy, go to the EPA’s website.

Like all modern BMWs, The New 2025 BMW Z4 has an interior that is exceptionally high in quality. Indeed, it’s likely that this cabin is the best in the segment. There are rich materials, impeccable panel fitment and excellent control placement. its seats are comfortable with large enough bolsters to hold you in place when you’re out enjoying the Z4’s dynamics. There’s also more room inside than you might expect, even for those taller than six feet. Its well-insulated cloth roof seals tightly. With the top up, the interior is surprisingly quiet, with so little wind or road noise it almost feels like a coupe. It will fold away in a few seconds with the push of a button. A wind blocker is standard to keep buffeting to a minimum with the top down and it works well even at high speeds. Interior stowage is also generous. There are several storage bins around the Z4’s cabin, including one in the center console and a felt-lined cubby to the left of the steering wheel. There’s a netted shelf behind the seats and two big cupholders up front. At 10 cubic feet, the Z4’s trunk isn’t vast, but it’ll swallow luggage for two for a quick weekend road trip.

Image: BMW

Infotainment and Connectivity

A large 10.3-inch touchscreen is standard, along with navigation; Apple CarPlay comes complimentary on all but the base model, in which it is available for an added cost. The BMW iDrive infotainment system features sharp graphics and is relatively easy to use. The whole system can also be controlled intuitively via a knob and buttons mounted in the Z4’s console or with voice command. A USB port and Bluetooth streaming audio also are standard, although you must pay extra for SiriusXM satellite radio.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Standard driver-assist features on this vehicle include forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection with city braking, and BMW’s lane-departure warning system. Other driver-assistance features are options on both Z4s; the list of those available systems includes active cruise control, active blind-spot detection, rear-collision protection, and rear cross-traffic alert. For more information regarding The New 2025 BMW Z4 crash-test results, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision detection with pedestrian detection
• Available adaptive cruise control
• Available blind-spot monitoring

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW’s warranty is average for the segment but its complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage is the best on offer today. Nissan Z doesn’t offer such a program, and Chevrolet covers the first maintenance visit in full for Corvette owners.

• Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance: 3 years or 36,000 miles