The BMW Z4 offers all the enjoyment of top-down roadster motoring with the benefits of modern in-car tech and advanced safety features. After a three-year hiatus, the Z4 returned for the 2019 model year and is carried over to 2021. The current Z4 replaced the folding retractable hardtop of the previous generation with a cloth convertible top that evokes the spirit of classic roadsters. The top can open or close in 10 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. Whether the top is opened or closed, the Z4 provides 9.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Z4 is available as the sDrive30i and the more powerful M40i. The sDrive30i comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It puts out 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque. The M40i features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, producing 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. Both engines route power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The four-cylinder Z4 sDrive30i returns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, 28 mpg combined. The Z4 M40i returns 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined.

The Z4 comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, push-button start, and automatic climate control. It also comes with the BMW iDrive infotainment system, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A number of options packages are available, offering features such as genuine leather upholstery, ambient lighting, a WiFi hot spot, remote start, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

Along with its more powerful engine, the Z4 M40i adds a sport differential, a sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes. This trim also adds a hands-free trunk release, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The Z4 comes equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, front-and-rear parking sensors, and a head-up display (HUD) are all available as options.

Base MSRP for the 2021 BMW Z4 is $49,700. The Z4 M40i has a base MSRP of $63,700. The Z4 is backed by a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.