In its third generation, BMW’s soft-top two-seater convertible continues on with a small trim lineup and few changes. Rivals include the related Toyota GR Supra coupe and the Porsche Boxster.

What’s New for the 2023 BMW Z4

For 2023, BMW refreshes the Z4 convertible with a subtle styling update by way of a restyled grille and making the M Sport package standard. The Z4 was last fully redesigned in 2019, marking the start of the roadster’s third generation, and in the years since, it’s seen only minor updates to the trim lineup and the list of tech features.

Design

The 2023 Z4 features a basic and familiar roadster profile, with a snug cabin that seats two and a soft-top folding roof. While older versions of the Z4 featured a folding hardtop, that changed for 2019; if you prefer the fastback look, check out the related Toyota GR Supra, though be aware that that’s a coupe. The Z4 is currently one of the oldest designs in the BMW lineup and may feel like a throwback with its low stance and slender nose, more svelte than both its contemporaries and its stablemates.

Powertrain

The Z4’s two trims, sDrive30i and M40i, carry over. The base sDrive30i model features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated for 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque. The M40i gets a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six rated for 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. Both trims get rear-wheel drive (RWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shifters. The EPA says the sDrive30i is good for 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, while fuel-economy estimates for the M40i come in at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Interior

The Z4's cabin is cozy, fitted with two power-adjustable sport seats covered in synthetic leather, and leather upholstery tops the options list along with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting. The trunk is on the small side, at 9.9 cubic feet, but the folding top can stow away without taking up any of that space.

Technology

Every Z4 gets a 10.25-inch customizable digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display that houses the user-friendly iDrive infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The infotainment system can also be controlled by a center console-mounted touchpad and knob. There aren’t many available upgrades, but buyers can add wireless device charging and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Safety

The 2023 BMW Z4 has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, BMW includes a reversing camera, forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlights. The list of optional safety tech includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, a head-up display (HUD), front and rear parking sensors, hands-free park assist, and adaptive headlights.

Pricing

The 2023 BMW Z4 is on sale now. As of this writing, BMW’s published pricing for the Z4 in base sDrive30i trim starts at $52,800, which is a relative bargain for a luxury sports car. For the M40i, budget $65,300 or more. Both trims feature standalone options and packages for performance and interior upgrades.