2025 BMW Z4

The volume sDrive30i uses the B48 2.0L turbo I4 at 255 hp; the M40i's B58 3.0L turbo I6 makes 382 hp. 2025 is a carry-over powertrain year for the G29 generation (2019–).

The sDrive30i's B48 delivers 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) from low rpm; the M40i makes 369 lb-ft from 1,800–5,000 rpm.

BMW-claimed 5.2 s for the sDrive30i with the 8-speed automatic; the M40i runs 3.9 s with the automatic and 4.2 s with the new-for-2025 Handschalter manual.

The B48 offers a broad, early torque plateau with little turbo lag and a smooth top end; the M40i's B58 straight-six is one of the most praised engines in the class.

The ZF 8-speed automatic shifts quickly and smoothly with sensible gear selection and good paddle response; for 2025 the M40i adds an optional 6-speed manual (Handschalter package) with its own steering/suspension tuning.

Rear-wheel drive only on every 2025 Z4 trim; no xDrive version exists.

Two gas engines (2.0T I4 and 3.0T I6) plus a manual-transmission option on the M40i for 2025, but no hybrid, PHEV or EV variant.

EPA combined rating for the volume sDrive30i (2.0T, 8-speed auto).

EPA city rating for the volume sDrive30i.

EPA highway rating for the volume sDrive30i.

EPA does not publish a gas-vehicle range figure, so range is computed from the 52 L (13.7 US gal) tank and the 28 MPG EPA combined rating.

EPA annual fuel cost at 15k mi/yr with premium fuel, at fueleconomy.gov's current fuel-price assumptions (retrieved 2026-10-02).

Every 2025 Z4 variant requires premium unleaded; no flex-fuel or plug-in option — a costly single-fuel requirement.

NHTSA has never crash-tested the G29-generation Z4, which is common for low-volume two-seat roadsters. Held to a mid-range estimate that reflects a modern BMW structure, since there is no tested result to lean on.

IIHS has not tested the G29 Z4, so it has no TSP/TSP+ award and no individual crash ratings. It is untested but has no known structural concerns, so it scores at the low end of the middle band rather than the floor.

On the volume sDrive30i only frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking (pedestrian detection) is standard. Blind-spot detection and lane departure warning come in a $700 Driving Assistance Package, which is standard only on the M40i, and adaptive cruise is a separate option. Key items are locked behind options on the volume trim.

Standard frontal collision warning with city braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection uses the same BMW camera system as other models in the lineup. IIHS has never evaluated it in the Z4, so its night and pedestrian performance is unconfirmed.

Active Blind Spot Detection, which adds steering-corrective intervention, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are available on every trim. However, they are optional on the volume sDrive30i and standard only on the M40i, so the score sits in the available-on-most-trims band.

Lane departure warning is optional on the sDrive30i through the Driving Assistance Package. Active lane keeping and centering are not part of the basic package, so the volume trim offers warning-only lane assistance at best.

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go is a standalone option and is not standard on any trim's volume configuration. When fitted, BMW's adaptive cruise is smooth and capable, but there is no integrated highway-assist pairing on the Z4.

BMW's hands-free Highway Assistant is not offered on the Z4 in any configuration. It is limited to models with Driving Assistance Professional hardware, such as the 5 Series, 7 Series and iX.

LED headlights are standard and adaptive LEDs with high-beam assist are available, but IIHS has never rated the Z4's headlights, so Good status is unconfirmed on any trim.

With the top down, visibility is excellent. With the soft top raised, the thick rear quarters and small rear window limit over-the-shoulder and reversing views. A rearview camera is standard and parking sensors and a surround view are optional.

The 2025 Z4 is a strict two-seat roadster in both sDrive30i and M40i form; no rear seating is offered.

Generous headroom for a soft-top roadster thanks to the low-mounted seats; tall drivers fit with the top raised.

Ample front legroom for a compact roadster, well ahead of the MX-5 Miata.

The trunk is a usable 9.9 cu ft and stays the same whether the fabric top is up or down. That is large for a two-seater but small next to four-seat convertibles.

Cabin storage is sparse: small door pockets, a shallow console bin and a small cubby behind the seats. The standard wireless charging pad is the only modern convenience, and there is nothing clever beyond that.

Standard sport seats are power-adjustable with memory and are supportive over long drives; optional M Sport seats add bolster adjustment. They are firm but well regarded for the class.

The ride is firm but controlled on the sDrive30i's passive suspension, and the adaptive M suspension (standard on M40i) softens sharp impacts. It strikes a good sport/luxury balance but is firmer than the 4 Series and CLE convertibles.

The insulated fabric top seals better than the Miata's, but wind and tire noise at highway speed is noticeably higher than in hardtop or metal-roof convertibles.

New for 2025, heated seats are standard on the sDrive30i, and dual-zone automatic climate is standard. The heated steering wheel is standard only on the M40i, remote start sits in the Premium Package, and ventilated seats are not offered.

The 2025 sDrive30i starts at $54,500 plus $1,175 destination; the M40i starts at $68,175. Both sit above the top of the convertible band, so this reference figure scores 0.

The sDrive30i is the volume model. A typical build with the Premium package and common paint and option choices lands around $61–62k. CarEdge puts the average typically-equipped Z4 across both trims at about $64k, which agrees with this figure once the M40i mix is taken out.

KBB's cost-to-own model for the 2025 sDrive30i projects $5,483 in combined maintenance and repairs over five years. That figure is kept low by BMW Ultimate Care covering the first three years. CarEdge's model-level estimate of $4,695 is close to it.

KBB's forward projection for the 2025 model is pessimistic: about $33.7k of depreciation on a roughly $57k car, or about 42% retained. Historical Z4 transaction data from iSeeCars and CarEdge shows 56–60% retained. A blended ~52% falls between them, and enthusiast demand for the manual M40i should keep that trim near the high end.

BMW's New Vehicle Limited Warranty runs 4 years or 50,000 miles. That is the norm for German luxury brands: a year longer than mainstream 3-year coverage, but short of the 5-year terms from Genesis, Hyundai and Kia.

BMW offers no separate, longer powertrain warranty. The drivetrain is covered only under the 4-yr/50,000-mi basic warranty, which is the bottom of the 5–10 yr band.

BMW Ultimate Care covers scheduled maintenance (oil and filter changes, brake fluid, inspections) for 3 yr / 36,000 mi, and Roadside Assistance runs 4 yr with unlimited mileage. That is a real multi-year included-maintenance program, though Genesis and Jaguar have offered richer bundles.

$61,500 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (52% retained, or about $31,980) leaves about $29,520 in depreciation. Add the projected $5,500 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $35,020 in total.

J.D. Power rates the 2025 Z4 'Great' at 85/100 for Quality & Reliability (82/100 overall). Consumer Reports has no Z4-specific predicted reliability score for 2025 because volume is low, so the rating rests on one model-level source plus a strong brand signal. That puts it just below the Miata, which has a longer clean record.

BMW is now among the top luxury brands for dependability: #1 luxury in Consumer Reports' 2025 brand report card, and best of the German brands in J.D. Power's 2025 VDS. It still trails Lexus and Toyota, so it falls short of the 85+ band.

NHTSA lists no recalls that cover the 2025 model year. The G29 generation as a whole has a real recall history, though. Two starter-fire campaigns cover earlier years: 25V636 (2019-2022, corroded starter relay, park-outside advisory) and 26V056 (2021-2022, starter wear). Coolant expansion tank and EPS rack issues are also well documented on the generation. The clean record for 2025 lifts it slightly above the generation's average.

The 2025 Z4 uses the same engines as earlier years: the B48 2.0L turbo I4 (sDrive30i) and the B58 3.0L turbo I6 (M40i). The B58 is widely seen as BMW's most durable modern engine. Both pair with the proven ZF 8HP automatic. The 6-speed manual that M40i Handschalter cars can now get is a low-volume addition with no red flags. Small deduction for known coolant tank and gasket wear.

Reviewers praise the cabin: soft-touch surfaces, real metal accents, and optional Vernasca leather, plus Cognac leather on the 2025 Handschalter. The materials suit a $55-70k luxury roadster, on par with the 4 Series Convertible, but the dashboard design is ageing compared with newer BMW interiors.

The Z4 is assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, on the same line as the GR Supra, a plant known for consistent low-volume premium assembly. Reviewers note tight panel gaps and a rattle-free soft top. BMW's brand-level initial quality in J.D. Power's 2025 IQS is about industry average.

BMW has about 350-370 US dealers, so coverage is dense nationwide. Service satisfaction is mixed: strong APEAL results, but BMW ranked last among luxury brands in the 2025 ACSI study. Overall: good coverage, average service experience.

Parts are easy to get through BMW OEM channels, and the B48/B58 engines share a large aftermarket with the Supra and the 3 Series. Repair and maintenance costs are high, though. RepairPal rates the Z4 3.0/5 for reliability with about $895/yr average maintenance, and common jobs like coolant tanks, gaskets and EPS add up.

Every 2025 Z4 has the 10.25-inch central touchscreen (often quoted as 10.3 in). No larger display is offered, unlike the curved displays on newer BMWs.

iDrive 7 is quick and logically laid out. It keeps the physical rotary controller and hard climate buttons, which makes it easier to use than newer touch-heavy BMWs. The screen is small and suffers glare with the top down.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on both trims with no subscription.

Standard native navigation and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant ("Hey BMW") on iDrive 7 handle natural-language commands well. It is a generation behind BMW's OS 8/9 maps and voice.

The standard 10-speaker system is adequate. The optional Harman Kardon surround system is a worthwhile upgrade, though open-top acoustics limit peak fidelity.

A fully digital, configurable 12.3-inch cluster (BMW Live Cockpit Professional) is standard on both trims.

iDrive 7 Z4s get BMW Remote Software Upgrades through the embedded modem and My BMW app. They cover infotainment and some vehicle functions but rarely add features on this aging platform.

The My BMW app covers lock/unlock, locate, vehicle status and send-to-car. Remote engine start requires the Premium Package, and some ConnectedDrive services become subscriptions after the trial.

Front wireless charging is standard, along with two USB ports. That is adequate for a two-seater but offers no AC outlet or abundant USB-C.

Proximity keyless entry and push-button start are standard. Remote start is an option (Premium Package), and the M40i adds a hands-free power trunk lid. No phone-as-key on the iDrive 7 Z4.

A rearview camera is standard, but Park Distance Control and Parking Assistant (automated parking with reversing assistant) are optional on the sDrive30i. No 360-degree view is offered.

A full-color head-up display is available on both trims through the Premium Package ($2,800 sDrive30i / $1,250 M40i). It is easy to get but not standard.

As a strict two-seat roadster with no rear seats or rear LATCH, the Z4 cannot do daily kid-hauling.

Forward collision warning with AEB is standard, but blind-spot, lane-departure and active cruise are extra-cost on the sDrive30i. Neither NHTSA nor IIHS has crash-tested the G29, and there are no rear occupants to protect.

Two seats and a 9.9 cu ft trunk cannot take a family of four on a road trip, and there are no rear amenities.

The smooth 2.0T and ZF 8-speed, comfortable seats and standard heated seats make the Z4 easy to live with in traffic. The low seating, top-up blind spots and optional-only blind-spot monitoring on the sDrive30i are daily annoyances.

The sDrive30i's 28 mpg combined is good for a luxury sports car, but premium fuel and run-flat performance tires push per-mile costs above the mainstream.

The short 170.7-in footprint and 36.1-ft turning circle make the Z4 easy to place in the city. Parking sensors and Parking Assistant are optional on the sDrive30i, and the view out with the top up is limited.

With no US tow rating, no bed and a small trunk, the Z4 has essentially no work capability.

The B48 and B58 engines are proven, but the luxury interior, fabric top and lack of any fleet variant make it unsuited to hard use.

There is no hitch, no roof-rack provision on the soft top, no onboard AC power and no upfit ecosystem.

A good two-up highway tourer with supportive seats and about 384 miles of range. Wind noise, the small trunk and extra-cost adaptive cruise and lane assist on the sDrive30i limit its endurance.

Rear-drive only, about 5 in of ground clearance, performance run-flats and no rack or hitch make it strictly a paved-road car.

The only cargo space is a 9.9 cu ft trunk, unchanged with the top down. There are no folding seats, roof rails or hitch, so a couple of soft bags fit but bulky gear does not.

A balanced rear-drive chassis (shared with the Supra) with strong grip and body control, and a lot of fun on a winding road. Reviewers place it a step behind the Boxster's precision.

The steering is quick and precise but light on feedback, the most-cited dynamic criticism of the G29.

The pedal is firm and progressive with short stops and good fade resistance for street use. The M40i adds upgraded M Sport brakes.

The B48 2.0T is eager to rev and feels stronger than its 255 hp. It is paired with the smooth, quick-shifting ZF 8-speed, and the M40i's B58 six is even smoother.

The four-cylinder is smooth and refined at cruise but sounds functional rather than stirring. The M40i's inline-six supplies the character.

The 36.1-ft turning circle is reasonable for a rear-drive roadster on wide tires.

A low, well-placed seat with wide power adjustment and memory, and a sensible control layout with the iDrive knob and physical buttons. Visibility with the top up and getting in and out of the low car are the compromises.

A genuinely fun open-top roadster, and 2025's manual M40i Handschalter adds enthusiast appeal. The volume sDrive30i leans toward grand touring rather than raw engagement.

The 2025 sDrive30i comes standard with LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, synthetic-leather power seats (heated seats newly standard for 2025), dual-zone climate, a 10-speaker audio system, and a touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The M40i adds adaptive suspension, an M Sport differential, upgraded brakes and a heated wheel. That is competitive for the money, though the head-up display and driver-assist upgrades still cost extra.

The Z4 is about $55.7k for the 255-hp four-cylinder and $68.2k for the 382-hp M40i, with the manual Handschalter package adding $3,500. That places it between the Miata, the bargain of the class, and the costlier Porsche 718 Boxster. The M40i's 4.3-second 0-60 time is strong performance for the price; the sDrive30i is fair value rather than a deal.

There are only two models, sDrive30i and M40i, both rear-drive, plus stand-alone packages. For 2025 the M40i adds a six-speed manual option (Edition Handschalter), which widens the choice for enthusiasts. Even so, the lineup has no AWD, no coupe and no budget entry trim in the US.

The Z4 sells in low volume in a shrinking two-seat roadster segment, and BMW has signalled the G29 will end without a direct successor. Its sales are roughly in line with a small niche rather than evidence of buyers rejecting the car.

BMW is one of the most aspirational premium brands, with particular enthusiast credibility in rear-drive sports cars, and the roadster's image benefits from the badge.

BMW Financial Services usually supports the Z4 with moderate lease and APR offers, and leftover sDrive30i inventory commonly sells below sticker. The new manual M40i is in demand and sells near MSRP.

2025 is the seventh model year of the G29 generation, which launched for 2019. The year brings only minor updates: the manual option, revised M40i suspension tuning, and heated seats made standard. The generation ends after 2026 with no direct successor, so buyers are getting an aging platform near the end of its run.

The 2025 M40i manual drew some of the Z4's strongest reviews: The Drive called it 'the very best BMW you can buy right now,' and Edmunds strongly recommends the Handschalter. Comparison tests still generally rank the Porsche 718 Boxster ahead on driving purity, so the Z4 is very well regarded but rarely the overall pick of the class.