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2020 BMW Z4 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

BMW Z4 highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Top-down driving experience
  • Plenty of power with the M40i
  • Roomy interior for a sports car

Cons

  • Grabby brakes make it hard to drive smoothly
  • Lacks interior storage
  • Thick windshield pillars block visibility

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 31 highway, 26 combined

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The 2020 BMW Z4 is more of a sports cruiser than a sports car

Following a redesign for 2019, the 2020 Z4 lineup expanded to include a new, more powerful model. The sDrive30i carries over from last year, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The new 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive M40i infuses the two-seat roadster with 382 horsepower courtesy of a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, and the automaker says it will accelerate to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds while averaging an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in combined driving. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.

In addition to more power and performance, the Z4 M40i includes a lowered sport suspension with adaptive damping, performance brakes, and an M Sport rear active locking differential. Both Z4 models have a power-operated, fabric convertible top that doesn’t impede upon cargo space. So you can take a road trip with your favorite person, some luggage in the 9.9-cubic-foot trunk, and enjoy top-down driving all at the same time. BMW says the top opens and closes in about 10 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.

All BMW Z4 years

What is new for the 2020 BMW Z4?

  • The Z4 is available in a new trim called the M40I.
  • Z4 trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning, Parking Sensors, Smart Key, and Front Seat Heaters as standard equipment this year.
  • Automated Parking, Leather & Suede Seats, Rear Spoiler, and CD Audio features are now available as options on select trims.

2020 BMW Z4 trims

Curious how BMW Z4 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

sDrive30i:

  • 255-hp, 295-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seats

M40I:

  • Includes all features available on the sDrive30i
  • 382-hp, 369-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Smart Key
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Soft Top
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Navigation System
  • View our BMW Z4 M40I inventory

What We Like

Fast or efficient: With the arrival of the sDrive M40i for the 2020 model year, you can get a Z4 that’s legitimately fast thanks to its 382-hp turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. Or you can stick with the standard Z4 sDrive30i and enjoy quick acceleration from a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder combined with an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg.

Roomy interior: The BMW Z4 is small, but it has a remarkably roomy interior for a two-seat sports car. You sit low in the sport-bolstered seats, but even with the power-operated fabric top raised, there is plenty of headroom for taller people. The Z4 is wide, too, offering generous shoulder room, while liberal amounts of legroom make this BMW agreeable on longer trips. Trunk space impresses, too.

Technology: BMWs of the present are comparatively intuitive to understand and use. Plus, you can operate the Z4’s modern iDrive tech using physical controls on the center console, the touchscreen display on the dashboard, or voice controls via the steering wheel. Unfortunately, the 2020 Z4 only supports Apple CarPlay®, not Android Auto™; look for 2021 or newer vehicles if you need Android Auto.

What Needs Improvement

Driving dynamics: Based on our evaluation of the sDrive30i, the Z4 isn’t as outright fun to drive as a two-seat roadster should be. Initial acceleration from a stop is leisurely, it is hard to drive smoothly in traffic, and the steering is light and numb for this type of vehicle. We don’t find the car confidence-inspiring when driven with enthusiasm either, making the Z4 sDrive30i more suitable for long highway drives on smooth pavement.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2020 BMW Z4 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
Above Average

RepairPal gave the BMW Z4 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks BMW Z4 13th out of 25 among Luxury Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW Z4

BMW Z4 features and specs

Curious how BMW Z4 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

sDrive30i 2WD 2D Convertible

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automated Parking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Smart Key
  • Soft Top

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

255

Torque (ft-lbs)

295

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

13.7

Wheelbase

97.2"

Overall length

170.7"

Width

73.4"

Height

51.4"

Leg room

F 42.2"

Head room

F 38.9"

Front tires

P225/45VR18

Rear tires

P255/40VR18

Seating capacity

2

Transmission

Automatic

2020 BMW Z4 FAQ

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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