The roadster segment is only getting smaller by the year. Fortunately, the players that remain are really vehicles you want in your driveway. The 2025 BMW Z4 M40i is exactly one of those cars: beautiful and spirited.
While technically a small two-seat roadster, the Z4 M40i’s appointments also qualify it as a grand tourer.
Looking back, I can now see there comes a time in the life of every generation when the things they thought were cool eventually become passé. Still, I find it difficult to believe this is now the case for small two-seat sports cars.
Having lived through the roadster renaissance triggered by the success of the 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata, it’s something of an eye-opener to realize it is now one of but three such models currently found in showrooms.
The other two are the Porsche 718 Boxster and the subject of this review, the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i. However, it can be argued the Z4 would now be but a memory, were it not for BMW’s partnership with Toyota to produce the Supra on the same platform. Particularly telling in this regard is how little capital investment the G29-series Z4 has enjoyed since its introduction in back in 2018.
Barely changed, word on the street has it the G29 Z4 will be lain to rest after the 2026 model year. What’s more, that same buzz indicates there are no plans for a replacement. On the other hand, the 2025 Z4 M40i is being offered with a manual transmission for the first time in the history of the G29-series roadster, which is the way the example I drove was equipped.
With 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque motivating 3,543 pounds, this may be the most common view of the Z4 M40i for most.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
“My” Z4 was also fitted with one of BMW’s legendary inline 6-cylinder engines; this one fortified with a twin-scroll turbocharger and an intercooler. Displacing 3.0-liters, the direct injected DOHC B58 series engine was configured to produce 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. And oh, did I mention? A 6-speed manual transmission fed the rear wheels.
Fuel economy was EPA rated at 23 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway and 25 combined. According to the Z4’s trip computer, I averaged 24 mpg. Here though, I must admit to having spent an inordinate amount of my time with the BMW roadster on two-lane back roads with the tach rather high up in its register.
Interior Accommodations
Unabashedly businesslike, the Z4’s cockpit focused its controls on the driver’s seat. At once handsome, luxurious and purposeful, the interior’s ergonomics left no doubts as to the intention of its designers. This was first and foremost a driver’s environment.
Fuel economy was EPA rated at 23 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway and 25 combined.
It also radiated quality. The seats, dash, door panels and center console were upholstered in supple twin-stitched leather. The switchgear exuded a substantive appearance and delivered admirable tactile response. Simply put, while technically a small two-seat roadster, the Z4 M40i’s appointments also qualify it as a grand tourer.
Comfort, Convenience & Safety Tech
Far roomier than its dimensions might lead to you to believe, the Z4’s passenger compartment is also comfortable. At 6’1” in height, I had more than enough leg and headroom, even with the soft top deployed.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see how well the roof mimicked a hardtop. The roof’s headliner would have convinced me I was in a two-seat coupe rather than a convertible, If I hadn’t known better. The folding top was also very quiet at speed, with no wind noise apparent.
Unabashedly businesslike, the Z4’s cockpit focused its controls on the driver’s seat.
Supportive in all the right places, while permitting easy ingress and egress, the seats were as perfect as they could be. Adjustable extensions ensured thigh support for my long legs, while my lovely and ever so gracious traveling companion could retract them to suit her shorter ones. Instinctively positioned, all of the controls fell readily to hand, and there were more than enough interior storage options to enable the Z4 to serve as a daily driver.
Infotainment features were accessed via a 10.3-inch touchscreen, with voice control and BMW’s rotary iDrive controller providing redundancies. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with navigation, were on the list of standard features, as were a USB port and Bluetooth streaming audio.
Forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection with city braking and BMW’s lane-departure warning system were also on the roster of standard features. Active cruise control, active blind-spot detection, rear-collision protection, and rear cross-traffic alert were fitted from the list of optional equipment.
Driving Impressions
The seats, dash, door panels and center console were upholstered in supple twin-stitched leather.
With 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque motivating 3,543 pounds, the B58 engine wasn’t stressed at all. In fact, at the risk of engaging in anthropomorphism, the turbocharged powerplant seemed gleeful. Winding smoothly to redline, the 3.0-liter straight 6 effortlessly pulled like it had no limits. I saw 4-second runs to 60 mph, even while driving the BMW as if I would have to pay for clutch repairs.
As quick as it was though, the Z4 seemed happier touring at high speeds than it was strafing twisty canyon roads. Don’t get me wrong, the BMW handled nicely, it just wasn’t as agile as say, a Porsche Boxster.
Of course, this makes sense when you think about it. That long nose/short rear deck configuration, while perfect for housing an inline 6-cylinder engine, places the driver right in front of the rear wheels. This meant the front wheels were into a corner long before my body was. Turning into a curve felt more like telegraphy than telepathy.
That said, grip was outstanding. Steering was precise, with good feel. And, the brakes were capable of scrubbing off speed almost as fast as the B58 could generate it. Thoroughly living up to its pedigree, the G29 Z4 M40i is a driver’s car — through and through.
Displacing 3.0-liters, the direct injected DOHC B58 series engine was configured to produce 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
In Summary
The optimist in me wants to believe there will eventually come another roadster renaissance. However, my inner pessimist senses driving just for the sheer pleasure of driving might be less of a thing in the future. Young people aren’t clamoring to get their driver’s licenses the way they did when I was coming up.
And, with the tariff wars’ price hikes, car makers might well decide to let niche products fall by the wayside and focus on what sells best. On the other hand, there’s always hope. If past is indeed prologue, small two-seat roadsters could make a comeback. After all, they’ve done it before.
For now, with so much uncertainty about, it’s best to jump off the fence and get into the driver’s seat if this Z4 is calling your name. Your chance to do so is rapidly dwindling away. Pricing for the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i starts at $66,450. Price as tested for the example I drove was $77,470.
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