Yahoo Autos 2023 BMW Z4 M40i Review: We're Really Glad It's Still Here
Low-production enthusiast cars always seem to be on life support. No matter how fast, refined, or just overall good they are (or how much pedigree they possess), relatively rare rides that prioritize fun over function always feel like they’re on the verge of leaving our shores or production lines altogether. In the case of the 2023 BMW Z4 M40i, this would be a great shame because it’s such an enjoyable choice in these driving-appliance times we’re currently living through.
The Z4 follows several generations of its own badge, the Z3 behind it, and the Z1 even further back, as the German brand's two-seater athletic drop-top of the past 30 years. There's a Z8 back there somewhere, too. This latest inline-six-powered G29-generation M40i is as at home on a twisty road as it is in a grocery store parking lot, and every form of easy, top-down cruising in between. Here's why it's a very fun convertible in all of the best ways.
2023 BMW Z4 M40i Specs | |
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The Basics
This generation of BMW Z4 has been around since 2019 but underwent a mid-cycle refresh for this year's model. The car already looked great before, but slightly revised kidney grilles and other minuscule changes make it look just a smidge better. Especially when painted in my tester's optional San Francisco Red Metallic that's contrasted by the optional Shadowline Package’s black mirror caps and exterior trim. In light of BMW's current, extra-controversial styling elsewhere in its lineup, the Z4 is rather refreshing to look at.
Top up or down, it's a very handsome car with a classic sports car shape. I especially dig its wide rear hips; its long hood and short rear overhang make it seem like you're sitting on the rear differential—and you nearly are. It's dimensionally much larger than one might assume from looking at photos—a far cry from the simpler days of the E36/7 Z3. Cars are big these days, and the Z4 is no exception.
Inside, my tester's options made it a very pleasant place to be. With supple leather sport seats with good adjustment, power bolsters, and heating that came in quite clutch during an unseasonably blustery week. Stitched leather and Alcantara cover most surfaces, while any rubberized or hard plastic possesses a solid, quality feel. I wasn't keen on the amount of piano black trim that populates the center console and dash, but at least this Bimmer's iDrive controller helps cut down on fingerprints.
Driving the BMW Z4 M40i
The M40i is the most muscular BMW Z4 that we can get our hands on in the U.S. Because BMW is one of the most Lego-like manufacturers ever, everything underneath mirrors what you find in other 40i cars, like the M240i and M340i. Its heart is the venerable 3.0-liter B58 straight-six that produces 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels exclusively via an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and M Sport limited-slip differential.
BMW says that the 3,535-pound Z4 will reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and click off a mid-12 quarter mile time. It's an engine and drivetrain with true character, too, on top of frequently reminding me that it's seriously fast, regardless of traction or driving mode. Even just pulling away from a simple green light in Comfort mode, the angry B58 would rev up and briefly chirp the rear tires with three-quarters throttle before being reigned in by the ECU. Like when an excited big dog pulls hard on its leash and the owner has to really yank to bring it back in line.
It became a fun game to see what the Z4 would do on city streets with a sudden full jab of the throttle mid-corner—the rear tires would yelp and ever-so-slightly push the rear end out, but it'd quickly get right back into line. Again, like an excitable pitbull or rottweiler. Good job, BMW.
