BMW Z4 Review: The Open-Top Roadster That Makes Every Commute Feel Like a Weekend Escape

You know that moment when you realize driving has quietly turned into… logistics? Point A to point B. Traffic, podcasts, notifications. The car becomes just another appliance with seats, a rolling smartphone dock that happens to burn fuel or electrons.

If a part of you misses the days when driving felt like an event, when a simple run to the store could double as a mini road trip, you're not alone. The market is flooded with tall, safe, rational vehicles that do everything right and nothing exciting. And for driving enthusiasts, that's the problem.

That's where the BMW Z4 comes in.

The BMW Z4 is BMW's modern answer to the simple question: what if driving could be fun again, without sacrificing comfort, tech, and everyday usability? It's a compact two-seat roadster built on BMW sports-car hardware, with a fabric soft-top, rear-wheel drive, and the kind of balanced chassis that still makes enthusiasts on Reddit and forums light up when the model name comes up.

Why this specific model?

The current-generation BMW Z4 (G29), as detailed on the official BMW site, leans hard into a specific promise: deliver classic roadster feel with grown-up refinement. Rather than a bare-bones weekend toy, it's designed as a car you can actually daily-drive, commute with, and still look forward to taking the long way home.

On BMW Germany's configurator and model overview, you'll typically find two main performance variants:

• BMW Z4 sDrive20i – a four-cylinder turbocharged engine aimed at efficiency and accessible performance.
• BMW Z4 M40i – the range-topping six-cylinder turbo that enthusiasts rave about for its effortless power and traditional BMW straight-six character.

Depending on market and model year, BMW pairs these engines with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. In practice, that means smooth, fast shifts when you're just cruising, and crisp, responsive gear changes when you pull the paddles and start driving with intent. Reviewers like Car and Driver and Top Gear consistently praise the Z4's blend of pace and composure, noting that it feels genuinely agile without beating you up on broken pavement.

The soft-top itself is a big part of the appeal. Instead of a heavy, complex metal hardtop, BMW uses a fabric roof that opens and closes electrically in around ten seconds (timings vary slightly by test, but all agree it's quick) and can be operated even at low driving speeds. Users on forums frequently mention how this encourages spontaneous top-down moments between stoplights or at the start of a highway on-ramp — no planning required.

Inside, the Z4 borrows heavily from the broader BMW range: high-quality materials, a driver-focused cockpit, and BMW's latest infotainment environment (the exact version depends on model year, but reviewers highlight intuitive menus, sharp graphics, and robust navigation). Features like digital instruments, smartphone integration and driver assistance options turn what could have been an old-school roadster into a modern, connected daily companion.

Compared with competitors like the Toyota GR Supra (which actually shares underlying architecture) or the Porsche 718 Boxster, the Z4's unique selling point is comfort-meets-playfulness. Reddit threads commonly call it the "grown-up" roadster: fast enough to be genuinely fun, but quiet and compliant enough for real-world commuting and longer trips.

At a Glance: The Facts

Feature	User Benefit
Rear-wheel drive layout	Classic sports-car feel with balanced handling and a playful rear end when you want it, calm stability when you don't.
Turbocharged engines (4-cylinder and 6-cylinder options)	Choice between efficient everyday performance or serious power for spirited driving and highway overtakes.
Electric fabric soft-top	Quickly switch between coupe-like isolation and full open-air experience without sacrificing trunk space the way many hardtops do.
Modern BMW infotainment and digital displays	Easy access to navigation, media, and vehicle data with a familiar BMW interface and clear, high-resolution screens.
Driver assistance systems (market- and spec-dependent)	Extra reassurance on long drives and in heavy traffic, helping make a "fun" car less tiring to use every day.
Compact two-seat layout	Focused cockpit feel for driver and passenger with enough luggage space for weekend bags, not a moving van.
Premium build quality from BMW AG	Reassurance of a long-established manufacturer (ISIN: DE0005190003) with global support and a strong dealer network.

What Users Are Saying

Across Reddit threads and owner forums, the general sentiment around the BMW Z4 is notably positive, especially regarding the M40i. Here's the distilled mood from recent discussions:

• Driving experience: Owners praise the car's balance of comfort and agility. Many mention that, unlike some ultra-stiff sports cars, the Z4 is something they're happy to take on longer journeys without feeling beaten up.
• Engine character: The six-cylinder M40i variant is often called "a gem" and "classic BMW" in feel, with effortless acceleration and a satisfying soundtrack, especially with the roof down.
• Everyday usability: People are surprised by how livable the car is. The trunk isn't huge, but owners report it can handle a weekend for two, and the cabin has more space than you might expect for a roadster.
• Tech and comfort: Most users like BMW's infotainment and digital interfaces, though a few prefer older iDrive versions for simplicity. Seats and driving position get consistent praise even from taller drivers.

It's not all roses, and the critiques are worth understanding:

• Steering feel: Some enthusiasts feel the steering could offer more feedback, especially compared with older hydraulic setups or rivals like the Porsche 718.
• Exclusivity vs. attention: A recurring comment is that the Z4 is "underrated" or "overlooked" — which can be a pro (you don't see one on every corner) but also means you're buying something most people forget exists until they see it.
• No manual transmission: Purists lament the lack of a manual gearbox option, especially given the car's sporting intent. If you're a three-pedal diehard, that's a potential deal-breaker.

Overall, though, the online crowd tends to describe the Z4 as a "hidden gem" in BMW's lineup: a car that delivers big smiles without demanding race-car sacrifices.

Alternatives vs. BMW Z4

The roadster market is smaller than it used to be, but the BMW Z4 still faces some strong rivals. Here's how it stacks up in broad strokes:

• Porsche 718 Boxster: The benchmark for razor-sharp dynamics. It usually edges the Z4 in ultimate steering feel and track focus. But once similarly equipped, it tends to be significantly more expensive, and the ride can be firmer. If your priority is everyday comfort with plenty of speed, the Z4 feels more relaxed and luxurious.
• Mercedes-Benz SLC / older SLK (used market): These hardtop roadsters offer a more cruiser-oriented vibe but are no longer in current production in the same way. The Z4 feels more modern, more athletic, and benefits from the latest BMW tech and safety features.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata: The enthusiast darling for pure, lightweight fun at a lower price point. It's more analog in feel but has much less power and a more compact, simpler cabin. If you want big power and premium ambiance with your open-top fun, the Z4 plays in a different league.
• Toyota GR Supra: Built on related hardware, but available only as a coupe. It leans more toward hardcore sportiness, with a fixed roof and a slightly edgier personality. If you love the idea of that platform but insist on top-down driving, the Z4 is the obvious choice.

Put simply: the BMW Z4's niche is "serious fun that still feels like a premium BMW." It's not the rawest, not the cheapest, not the most track-obsessed. Instead, it aims to be the sweet spot where open-air thrills meet adult-life practicality.

Final Verdict

The BMW Z4 is for you if you're tired of treating driving as a chore and want a car that actively invites you to unplug from the daily grind — without forcing you to compromise on comfort, tech, or build quality.

It solves a very modern problem: cars have become better than ever, yet somehow less emotional. The Z4 reverses that trend. Drop the roof, hear the engine, feel the rear-drive balance through a twisty on-ramp, then settle into a quiet, composed cruise on the highway. It's a reminder that "fun" and "usable" don't have to be opposites.

From the perspective of a lifestyle purchase, the Z4 is more than a spec sheet. It's a mood switch. A two-seat declaration that you value experiences over pure utility. Backed by BMW AG and its global presence (ISIN: DE0005190003), it also brings the reassurance of a major manufacturer and well-developed after-sales support.

If all you want from a car is maximum cargo space per dollar, look elsewhere. But if you're hunting for a roadster that blends classic proportions, contemporary luxury, and genuine driver engagement, the BMW Z4 deserves a serious look — and, ideally, a long, top-down test drive on your favorite stretch of road.