2023 BMW Z4

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BMW has made the M Sport package standard on the four-cylinder sDrive30i model for 2023. The performance-enhancing package includes an M Sport suspension for better handling and it dials up the car’s appearance inside and out with an aerodynamic body kit and M Sport steering wheel. A new 19-inch wheel design is available that sports a matte black finish with a diamond-polished edge. The new wheels look sharp when paired with the newly optional M Shadowline lighting package, which adds black inserts in the Z4’s headlamp assemblies. Three new colors are also available: Thundernight Metallic, Portimao Blue Metallic, and Skyscraper Grey Metallic. We had hoped that a six-speed manual would be added to the lineup since the Z4’s twin, the Toyota Supra, received such an option this year, but the BMW continues to be automatic-only.

2023 BMW Z4Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every 2023 Z4 has an eight-speed automatic transmission with sport and manual modes. Paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel are also standard. The BMW Z4 is not available with a traditional manual transmission, but the eight-speed is one of the best automatics around with sharp responses, snappy shifts, and smooth operation. The sDrive30i is powered by the brand’s excellent turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes plenty of torque and 255 horsepower. In our testing, this model accelerated to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. That’s peppy, but still a bit slower than a 718 Boxster. For more grunt, the M40i model gets a 382-hp turbocharged inline-six. It’s incredibly smooth and refined, and it turns up the juice considerably with a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.8 seconds.

2023 BMW Z4Specifications

2023 BMW Z4

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

PRICE AS TESTED
$73,295 (base price: $64,695)

ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 cu in, 2998 cc
Power
382 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sport, F: 255/35ZR-19 (96Y) ★ R: 275/35ZR-19 (100Y) ★

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 97.2 in
Length: 170.7 in
Width: 73.4 in
Height: 51.4 in
Passenger volume: 52 cu ft
Trunk volume: 10 cu ft
Curb weight: 3535 lb

FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 26/24/31 mpg