The 2020 BMW Z4 is a bit of an outlier as this stunning two-seat convertible roadster makes its public appearance. One may easily question the Z4 performance compared to most of its rivals that place performance at the top of their priorities. The Z4 is a no pushover as it comes with a broader focus that includes comfort and convenience. In addition to the comfort and convenience, the Z4 hits the 0-60 mph time at 5.3 seconds. Most drivers who do not crave ground-shattering speed are very likely to be satisfied with this performance.
The Z4 engine runs out of steam at higher revs, and the suspension feels busy in rough terrain. We are still waiting for BMW to fulfill its promise of a Z4 M variant that will deliver a more potent and exciting experience.
The 2022 BMW Z4 is offered in the following submodels: Z4 Convertible. Available styles include sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and sDrive M40i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). The 2022 BMW Z4 comes with a rear-wheel drive. Available transmissions include an 8-speed shiftable automatic. The 2022 BMW Z4 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
The Exterior Styling
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2020 BMW Z4 – This third generation of Z4 comes with its uniqueness as It’s more than three inches longer, nearly three inches wider so it appears low and despite being a half-inch higher for better sightlines than the previous model. The wheelbase has been shortened by an inch, giving it an even longer, broader nose, and the rear is chunkier than its curvier predecessor.
There is an abundance of air intakes, real or otherwise. The nose tucks down into a lower honeycomb kidney grille, which BMW says is part of the new design direction. The grille stretches toward the standard LED lights, which extend down the side over the available 19-inch alloy wheels (18-inch are standard). The M package offers three intakes on the lip and front edges. The body lines strafe upward from the side skirts into the LED lights wrapping horizontally around the rear. This projection of airflow looks less cute and more masculine, and from behind, chasing the Z4 down a single-lane mountain lane as it dips and darts like a hummingbird, the Z4 is a classically modern roadster.
The Interior Styling
The inside is designed for driving, not playing with all the controls. The center console and steering wheel can be busy with dials and buttons, but the overall presentation of the dash is streamlined and as sharp as the outside, with the instrument cluster blending into the embedded display screen above the horizontal bands of controls in the center stack. The side vents are chunky, but the overall effect is snug and intimate.
The Z4 boasts power-adjustable seats. It doesn’t feel cramped, and all the ergonomics center on driver comfort. The M Sport seat standard on the M40i comes heated with 14 different power adjustments, including a thigh support adjuster and four-way lumbar support. There’s enough up and down travel to fit taller drivers with the top-up. The high back position tends to be firm on the backbone, and the driver position is a tad off-center, so when using adaptive cruise control the right knee has less room to relax than the left one due to the wide center console.
Behind the seats is a storage space with a retaining net for sunhats or tablets or pocketbooks, and between them is a pass-through to the trunk for a set of golf club drivers or skis. The 9.9 cubic feet of trunk space with the top up or down is the same as the Supra coupe. Two golf bags would fit. The soft top goes up or down in about 10 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph, and the push-button operation is as easy and quiet as it gets, with the only noise coming from the confirmation ding.
The Engine Performance
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The Z4 comes with two engine choices for a peppy cruiser or a trackable thrill ride. The base sDrive30i is powered by a 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 with an 8-speed automatic transmission that generates 295 pound-feet of torque. That torque comes on early and maintains from 1,550 rpm to 4,400 rpm. Even though there is no manual transmission, the diminutive paddle shifters are a perfect match for the quick-shifting 8-speed automatic that provides plenty of passing power and enough pop from a stop to leave the traffic behind. It hits 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
New for 2020, the Z4 M40i hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The M40i is powered by a 382-hp 3.0-liter turbo-6 with an 8-speed automatic transmission churning 369 lb-ft to the rear wheels. Peak torque comes at just 1,600 rpm, so there are plenty of grunts available with the quick-shifting 8-speed. It lifts off quickly, despite its 3,457-pound curb weight, which is the same as some small crossovers. The transmission doesn’t want to be pushed much past 5,000 rpm and will shift for you if you tempt the redline or put it in manual mode. The small, contoured paddle shifters are nearly perfect for a tap in and tap out, even around town.
Safety Features
2020 BMW Z4 – Since the NHTSA can only afford to test a sample of high-volume vehicles we’re not expecting the feds or the IIHS nonprofit to test the Z4. Without official crash testing, we don’t rate safety.
It is important to note, however, that automatic emergency braking at low speeds and lane-departure warnings come standard, but more advanced safety and convenience features such as adaptive cruise control cost extra.
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