2023 BMW Z4 Roadster First Look Review: Bring On The Purple

The base price for the 2023 Z4 starts at $52,800 for the sDrive30i model. For the M40i version, the starting cost goes up to $65,300. These prices are MSRP and exclude the $995 destination fees.

The only BMW Z4 rivals left in the ring these days include thePorsche 718 Boxsterand Audi's TT Roadster. The Boxster starts at $65,500 in 300-horsepower base guise, while the Boxster T asks for almost $10k over and above that. The Boxster S sits near the top of the pile with a $77,500 starting price. Even in base spec, the Boxster has more power and gets to 60 mph 0.3 seconds quicker. For over $90k, you can have a 394-hp monster that cuts the dash to 4.3 seconds in GTS spec. Closer in price and specs, the one-model Audi TT has less power yet still costs more than $55k.

The new BMW Z4 Roadster comes with a raft of design updates, with the M Sport Package now included from the entry-spec trim. The Package is intended to underscore the aggressive looks and includes three-section air intakes in the front apron, and bespoke side-sill contouring. The rear apron also has distinctive edging; the redesigned side air intakes are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing, designed to aid aerodynamics and reduce turbulence in the wheel arches.

Up front, the kidney grille is all-new with a honeycomb pattern that makes it look even wider.

The sleek package rolls on 18-inch wheels as standard, with numerous 18 - and 19-inch items available optionally. This includes some new designs in matte black. Other optional extras include the M Shadowline Lights Package, which you can equip together with the Adaptive LED headlights - it adds dark inserts around the lights to highlight the roadster's sporting aspirations. It looks particularly stealthy with the optional Extended Shadowling Trim box ticked.

In terms of exterior colors for the BMW Z4, the original palette wasn't particularly extensive to begin with. Covering the standard whites and silvers, there were only blue and red hues available, but for 2023, the automaker blesses buyers with three new options, namely Thundernight (the purple shade you see here), Portimao Blue, and Skyscraper Grey. We're definitely fans of the new purple, bringing a bit of life into an otherwise conservative list of options.

No changes are made to the BMW Z4's dimensions for 2023, with the little roadster measuring 170.7 inches in length over a 97.2-inch wheelbase, and standing 51.4 inches in height. Width comes in at 79.7 from one mirror tip to the other (73.4 excluding mirrors), making it slightly wider than the 718 Boxster.

Curb weight has also stayed the same at 3,287 pounds in base guise; although the automaker hasn't released figures for the 2023 Z4 M40i, it's safe to assume a figure akin to the 2022 model's 3,457 lbs.

你可以有你的Z4敞篷两种味道s - a 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the sDrive30i makes 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm. This is sufficient to get the slight-sized roadster to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. If that's not spicy enough for you, the M40i comes with the same 3.0-liter six-cylinder found in the Toyota GR Supra. This turbocharged unit is good for 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. This engine hurtles the BMW Z4 M40i from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Both models have a top speed of 155 mph.

An eight-speed automatic transmission does duty in both models and sends the power to the rear wheels, where keen drivers can encourage tail-happy shenanigans if they tire of the smooth and comfortable cruising the Z4 offers. The BMW Z4 may share a platform and engine with the Supra, but unlike that car, a manual transmission is unlikely to make its way to the USA, although it'smore likely to become a reality elsewhere in Europe.

Official data hasn't been released yet, but since there aren't any mechanical changes to the 2023 Z4, we can look at the gas mileage figures for the 2022 versions. According to the EPA, the sDrive30i will manage 25/32/28 mpg on city/highway/combined cycles, while the more potent M40i sips a little more eagerly of its premium gasoline, at 22/29/25 mpg.

It takes 13.7 gallons of gas to fill up the tank in the Z4, so expect a maximum range of around 380 miles with the sDrive30i and 40 miles less with the M40i.

Some may feel a little disappointed that the update to the 2023 Z4 hasn't permeated a little deeper. While the inside has also been tweaked, buyers may be left wanting more, especially in terms of technology and infotainment. The 2022 setup carries over, so we don't get to see anyfancy curved screens or updated iDrive software. The existing setup comprises two 10.25-inch displays for the Live Cockpit professional ahead of the driver and a central infotainment touchscreen powered by iDrive 7.0.

The driver-focused design of the BMW Z4 interior for 2023 centers around clear lines of sight and minimal distractions - there are few decorative and potentially distracting surfaces, and cluttered controls have been avoided. The new models come with an M-style leather steering wheel and M pedals, an M driver's footrest, and a dashboard wrapped in SensaTec faux leather. The BMW Z4 seats just two in M Sport buckets with integral head restraints. These can be upholstered in a choice between SensaTec or Vernasca leather. The cabin is smartly trimmed in Black High Gloss accents or aluminum in either Tetragon or Mesh Effect designs.

Features worth mentioning include dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, dynamic cruise control, and, on the upper trim, a heated steering wheel and heating for the seats. You can add various options, including a head-up display, remote engine start, blind-spot detection, park-distance control, and ambient lighting if you wish.

In terms of cargo capacity, the BMW Z4's trunk space is a respectable 9.9 cubic feet, which is sufficient for the compact segment. And if you're looking for place to store your purse, phone, or keys, the Z4 has a small glovebox, door bins, and a netted area in the passenger footwell. There are just two cupholders, and they aren't ergonomically positioned, so you'll have to hold on to your latte as you drive.