2021 BMW Z4 M40i Reviews
2021 BMW Z4 M40i Reviews– The Z4 comes in two classes: sDrive30i and sDrive M40i. Those numbers are mostly meaningless as the base car has a 2.0-liter turbo-4 which is rated at 255 horsepower while the M40i pulls even harder with its 3.0-liter turbo-6 which is rated at 382 hp. An 8-speed automatic torrent to rear wheels; don’t look for the manual.
The lightweight Z4 is quite economical; expect at least 30 mpg on the highway and at least 25 mpg combined regardless of engine.
The Z4 uses a tight chassis with a short wheelbase and an almost even distribution of weight between the axles. It’s a great starting point that helps provide the car with proper handling in any situation, especially with the optional active damper that can tighten the ride or soften it as needed.
Stylish on the outside, the Z4 also looks deeper. Not very broad for humans or cargo, but that’s not the point. The soft top lasts for about 10 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph and extinguishes road noise and steel roofs.
Basic safety equipment comes standard, although full-speed automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are expensive options.
There’s nothing better than putting up the roof on a nice day and finding a nice road to enjoy, and the 2021 BMW Z4 is a great choice for such an activity. Buyers can choose between a turbocharged four-cylinder or a twin-turbo in-line six, the latter of which pushed the Z4 to 100 km / h in just 3.8 seconds on our test track. A rear-wheel drive is standard and a four-wheel drive is not offered, but unfortunately, neither is a manual gearbox; all Z4s are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Dynamically, the Porsche Boxster is still our favorite ragtop sports car, but the Z4 offers plenty of driving fun with a slightly smoother ride for everyday use. The cabin is cozy but comfortable for two adults and has many standard comfort and connectivity features. If you prefer a coupe with a fixed roof, check out the mechanically similar Toyota Supra. Toyota partnered with BMW for this and the two cars share their powertrains and suspensions.
What’s New in 2021 BMW Z4 2021?
There are few changes for BMW’s two-seater convertible for 2021. Parking sensors have been added to the optional Driving Assistance package and the price has been increased from $ 500 to $ 700 accordingly. Other minor changes include the addition of an optional wireless charging dock for smartphones and M Sport brakes with red-painted calipers.
2021 BMW Z4 Engine & Performance
Every 2021 BMW Z4 will have an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and manual mode. Gearshift paddles on the steering wheel are also standard. That’s right: for the first time, the BMW Z4 is not available with a traditional manual gearbox with clutch pedal. You will not miss it. The eight-speed gearbox is one of the best automatics out there, with crisp responses, snappy shifts and smooth handling. The sDrive30i is powered by the brand’s excellent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers plenty of torque and 255 hp. In our tests, this model accelerated to 100 km / h in 5.1 seconds. That’s fast, but it’s a little slower than a Porsche Boxster, which is still available with a manual gearbox. For more grunt, the M40i model gets a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six. Incredibly smooth and refined, it turns the Z4 into a super-fast sports car with a time from zero to 100 km / h in just 3.8 seconds. That is faster than the 350 hp Porsche Boxster S.
2021 BMW Z4 Fuel economy
The fuel economy of the Z4 sDrive30i is rated by the EPA as 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. With its much higher horsepower, the Z4 M40i’s fuel economy is just a few mpg lower, 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. During our testing, both models registered 20 mpg in mixed driving. Unfortunately, both engines require more expensive premium gasoline, and the Z4 has a small gas tank, so the fuel range has not been expanded. Expect about 300 miles of highway driving between each refueling.
2021 BMW Z4 Interior Colors and Materials
As with all current BMWs, the 2021 BMW Z4 has a very high-quality interior. In fact, it has arguably the best interior in its class. It features luxurious materials, exceptional panel mounting, and excellent control placement. The seats are comfortable with large supports to keep you in place while enjoying the dynamics of the Z4. There is also more space inside than you might expect, even for people taller than six feet. Thick and insulated, the fabric roof closes well. When the roof is up, the BMW’s interior is impressively quiet, with so little wind or road noise it almost feels like a Grand Touring coupé.
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On the entry-level Z4, the seats and dashboard are covered in classy black SensaTec upholstery, and there’s a high gloss black trim inlay. Vernasca leather upholstery is optionally available in colors such as Black, Magma Red, Ivory White, Black Alcantara Black with Blue contrast stitching, and Cognac. This upgrade will cost you at least $ 2,850 as it is bundled with the Convenience Package. The Black Alcantara Black upgrade adds to the total price of $ 4,150 as it requires the M Sport Package too. Aluminum Tetragon or Aluminum mesh effect are two additional trim options, but the first requires the M Sport Package.
2021 BMW Z4 Handling and Driving Impressions
The previous-generation Z4 was slightly softer, but the latest version has far superior body handling and control. Fast steering gives the Z4 quick reaction when changing directions, and there’s plenty of lateral grip. This helps the Z4 have an ideal 50:50 weight distribution. Switch to Sport Mode, and this is an interesting roadster to drive fast. It never comes close to the delicacy of a Porsche Boxster, and not much is communicated via the steering wheel, which is more disappointing here than in the Series 5. While the soft-top roof is lighter, it feels a little heavier than ideal for a truly agile experience, but a less demanding test drive is unlikely to disappoint.
On the road, the Z4 impresses with its convincing straight-line stability. While the ride is fast, the suspension handles road scars quite well. It’s surprisingly refined in the cabin, and that applies to whether the roof goes up or down, which means a lot for a convertible. Braking power is at its best although stopping the Z4 smoothly at low speeds isn’t always easy, with the system prone to adhesiveness. Overall, the Z4 is easy to use around town and fun when the speed is high and the streets are empty.
2021 BMW Z4 Roadster Gas Mileage
Considering its excellent acceleration, the Z4 engine won’t have you regretting your buying decision at the pump. It matches competitors in this area. The SDrive30i returns an estimated EPA of 25/32/28 mpg across city/highway / cycle combined, which is easily better than a basic Porsche Boxster. Moving on to the M40i will see those numbers drop to 22/30/25 mpg which is still pretty good, although this depends on how heavy your right foot is. With a 13.7-gallon gas tank, the base Z4 has a combined cruising range of about 383 miles, down to 342 miles for the six-cylinder version.
Fuel tank capacity
- 13.7 Gallons
Fuel Economy
- City / Hwy: 25/32 mpg
2021 BMW Z4 Infotainment and connectivity
A massive 10.3-inch touchscreen comes as standard, along with navigation and free Apple CarPlay integration; Android Auto capability is not available. The latest version of BMW’s iDrive system is user-friendly, with sharp graphics. The system can also be operated intuitively with a button and buttons on the console of the Z4 or with voice commands.
2021 BMW Z4 Safety
Collision warning and daytime pedestrian detection with city brakes are standard, as is BMW’s Lane Departure Warning system. Other driver assistance systems are available as options on both Z4 models. That list of available systems includes active cruise control, active blind-spot detection, rear collision protection, and rear cross-traffic warning.
Verdict: Is the BMW Z4 Roadster 2021 a good car?
The current Z4 is a worthy drop-top to carry on the proud legacy of the BMW Z roadster. As is often the case with BMW, the powertrains and driving experience are great; The Z4 is entertaining to drive fast but has a wide flair that makes it quite comfortable too. A well-designed cabin means that individuals with a larger frame can enjoy the thrill of riding on an open roof, and while BMW could be more generous with standard driver aids, the Z4 is pretty defined in basic form. If you need the safety of an all-wheel-drive system or prefer to shift gears yourself, the Z4 isn’t going to meet your needs as well as some of the competition, but there’s nothing wrong with that slick auto box. Even though the Porsche Boxster has a cuter chassis,
How much is the BMW Z4 Roadster 2021?
The base model BMW Z4 has seen a slight $ 200 price increase in the US for 2021, while the six-cylinder variant maintains the same initial MSRP. That means the BMW Z4 will cost $ 49,700 for the sDrive30i and $ 63,700 for the M40i. These prices do not include the $ 995 destination fee and many optional extras that can add thousands to the final price of the BMW Z4.
New 2021 BMW Z4 Model
The BMW Z4 Roadster 2021 is available in two variants: sDrive30i and sDrive M40i. Both trims transmit power to the rear axle via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Turbocharging is used for both engine options, but the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the sDrive30i makes 255 hp, the M40i increases the heat with a 382-hp 3.0-liter inline-six.
The range starts with the sDrive30i, which is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a power-operated soft-top roof, and an automatic high beam. Inside, there’s an adjustable seat with power layered in SensaTec, along with dual 10.25-inch displays – one for the instrument cluster and one touchscreen for the infotainment system. Dual-zone climate control, ten-speaker sound system, dynamic cruise control and front collision warning are standard.
As the most powerful Z4, the sDrive M40i is distinguished by a larger exhaust outlet, Shadowline exterior trim, an aerodynamic kit, and M double-spoke wheels. It is also equipped with the sDrive30i but ships with heated seats and a heated steering wheel as well. It also receives standard adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and an M Sport differential.
2021 BMW Z4 Additional Package
On a basic derivative, the $ 1,150 Comfort Package adds BMW’s active driving assistant with lane departure alerts, keyless entry convenience access, and lumbar power support. The Premium package includes all of these items plus a head-up display, heated front seats, and wireless charging for $ 2,750. Priced at $ 5,250, the Executive Package adds luxuries like a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Vernasca leather upholstery, and fully adaptive LED headlamps. For access to additional driver aids on your own, there is a $ 700 Driving Assistance Package. Individual options include a heated steering wheel ($ 190), active cruise control ($ 1,200), and heated front seat ($ 500). One of the more desirable options on the sDrive30i is the $ 2,650 M Sport Package which adds Shadowline exterior trim, 19-inch M wheels, M steering wheel, and more.
The Z4 sDrive M40i offers many of the same improvements but with some price differences. For example, the Executive Package costs $ 3,900, but that’s because the M40i comes cheaper as standard.
What BMW Z4 Roadster Model Should I Buy?
While there is a over $ 13,000 price difference between the two Z4s on offer, it’s possible to bridge this gap with the fully loaded sDrive30i. So, would we rather have the sDrive30i with all the bells and whistles or the sDrive M40i with fewer gizmos but a swanky six-cylinder engine? It’s a pretty straightforward decision – the M40i always wins. Those six pots are so good that they take the driving experience to another level that’s hard to resist. Of course, if you can’t get your hands on the M40i, the basic model with a few extras that keep the price under $ 55,000 is an attractive alternative. We’ll define ours with a Driving Assistance Package, heated seats, and wireless charging, making it a really fun roadster too
2021 BMW Z4 M40i Reviews
A stylish leader.
- Take freedom from the open roadster and instill a thrill of performance at every turn. The BMW Z4 M40i 2021 is designed for fun.
STRENGTHENED BY M DYNAMISM
- The BMW Z4 M40i 2021 shows off its dynamic character with the powerful BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, M Sport performance elements and all the attitude you are looking for in a modern roadster.
2021 BMW Z4 M40i Reviews
Smart contoured seat.
- The Standard M Sport seat provides lateral support and comfort, whether it’s charging to the top or gliding on the shoreline.
Confidence, full stop.
- M Sport brakes with available blue or red calipers add to the aesthetic appeal and strong braking force, alongside the standard 19 “wheels with performance tires.
- Aerial view of the driver on the BMW Z4 M40i 2021 in San Francisco Red Metallic, driving on open roads, showcasing the M Sport Differential capability
Unmatched dexterity.
- The M Sport Differential delivers sharper handling and superior traction to take your riding performance to a new level.
M Sport Steering Wheel Details
Unmatched control.
- The paddle shifters hold you in charge of your riding experience.
Front view of the BMW Z4 M40i 2021 on the open road, featuring the standard Adaptive M suspension
Various driving modes.
- The Standard Adaptive M Suspension gives you the freedom to choose your mode, whether you want a more sporty, dynamic feel or a relaxed everyday ride.
2021 BMW Z4 M40i Release Date & Price
- STARTING THE MSRP of $ 63,700
Upgrading to the Vernasca leather on the M40i costs between $ 1,500 and $ 1,700, while this derivative has an Aluminum Tetragon inlay equipped by default.