When it comes to sports cars, there’s one thing every driver craves: fun. The 2025 BMW Z4 delivers that in spades, especially with its soft-top convertible design. Whether you’re zipping through a scenic route with the wind in your hair or cruising in the city, the Z4 elevates the driving experience. It may not be as laser-focused on cornering as the Porsche 718 Boxster or as intense as its sibling, the Toyota Supra, but the Z4 brings a playful energy that’s hard to resist. With its unique balance of style, comfort, and performance, this roadster is as capable on daily commutes as it is on weekend getaways.

What’s New for 2025?

BMW has thrown a treat for purists by introducing a six-speed manual transmission option for the 2025 Z4 M40i. Dubbed the “Handschalter” package (German for “hand shift”), this upgrade comes with more than just a stick shift—it also includes performance-enhancing tweaks like stiffer anti-roll bars and sportier wheels and tires. Plus, BMW has fine-tuned the adaptive suspension for a more engaging road feel, making the manual-equipped Z4 a more exciting drive.

Pricing and Which Trim to Buy

sDrive30i: $55,225
M40i: $67,625
M40i Handschalter: $71,125

If you’re shopping for the best balance between performance and value, the sDrive30i is the smart pick. While it’s priced well below the Porsche 718 Boxster, it still offers plenty of performance. Adding the Dynamic Handling Package, which brings bigger M Sport brakes and an M Sport differential, will make it even more thrilling. But if you’re craving more power, the M40i—with its inline-six turbo engine—is the way to go. The new manual transmission option just sweetens the deal for those who prefer an extra layer of driving involvement.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The BMW Z4 offers two impressive powertrains. The sDrive30i comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pushing out 255 horsepower. This engine may be the “entry-level” option, but it delivers a lively and responsive driving experience that feels stronger than the numbers suggest. On the other hand, the M40i steps things up with a 382-hp turbocharged inline-six engine that is both refined and ferocious when you want to push the limits.

Both models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, known for its quick and precise shifts. Paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel offer extra control for those moments when you want to take charge of the gears. However, the big news for 2025 is the availability of a six-speed manual in the M40i. This isn’t just a throwback feature—it includes performance upgrades like retuned adaptive suspension and improved handling components, making it a more focused driver’s car.

When it comes to cornering, the Z4 feels willing and capable. It’s not as laser-focused as the Porsche 718 Boxster or as aggressive as the Toyota Supra, but it still provides plenty of thrills on the right roads.

0–60 MPH Times: How Fast Is the 2025 BMW Z4?

sDrive30i: 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds
M40i (automatic): 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds
M40i (manual): 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds

While the sDrive30i isn’t the quickest in its class, it’s still plenty peppy for a roadster. If you crave more power, the M40i provides sports car levels of acceleration, reaching 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds with the automatic and a still-impressive 3.9 seconds with the manual.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Despite its sporty nature, the Z4 doesn’t guzzle fuel like you might expect. The sDrive30i is EPA-rated at 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment. Even the more powerful M40i manages a respectable 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway, though opting for the manual transmission drops those numbers slightly to 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway.

During real-world testing, the M40i automatic exceeded expectations by delivering 37 mpg on the highway, making it a surprisingly efficient choice for long trips.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Step inside the Z4, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels as luxurious as it is sporty. BMW’s signature high-quality materials are everywhere, from the soft-touch surfaces to the tight panel fitment. The seats are not only comfortable but also supportive, with enough bolstering to keep you secure during spirited driving. Taller drivers will be pleased to find ample headroom, even with the top up.

Speaking of the top, the Z4’s well-insulated fabric roof keeps out wind and road noise, making the interior as quiet as a hardtop coupe. When you want to enjoy the open air, the roof folds down quickly at the push of a button. Plus, the standard wind blocker does an excellent job of reducing buffeting, even at highway speeds.

For a small roadster, the Z4 is surprisingly practical. With 10 cubic feet of trunk space, it can accommodate luggage for two on a weekend trip, and interior storage compartments are thoughtfully placed to keep essentials within reach.

Infotainment and Connectivity

BMW’s iDrive system is one of the best in the business, and in the Z4, it’s paired with a 10.3-inch touchscreen. The system is responsive, intuitive, and can also be controlled via a rotary dial on the center console or voice commands. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, navigation, and Bluetooth streaming. Unfortunately, Android Auto is still missing from the lineup. But overall, the infotainment setup in the Z4 is sleek and functional.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Z4 comes with several standard safety features, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. BMW also offers advanced driver assistance systems as optional add-ons, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. These features add peace of mind, especially for those planning to use the Z4 as a daily driver.

Key Safety Features:

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

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW offers competitive warranty coverage for the Z4, though what sets it apart is the complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles—something rivals like Nissan and Chevrolet don’t offer.

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

Conclusion: The 2025 BMW Z4 – Fun, Fast, and Surprisingly Practical

The 2025 BMW Z4 is a well-rounded roadster that balances performance, comfort, and practicality. Whether you go for the lively sDrive30i or the thrilling M40i with the new manual transmission, the Z4 delivers an engaging driving experience. Plus, with its stylish design and upscale interior, this convertible isn’t just for the weekends—it’s versatile enough to be your everyday sports car.