2014 BMW Z4

BMW Z4 Review

The 2014 BMW Z4 ranks 7 out of 10 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the BMW Z4, as well as reliability and safety data.

Reviewers like the 2014 BMW Z4’s composed ride and upscale interior, though they say it can’t match the handling of class leaders.

While test drivers appreciate the potent six-cylinder engines in the 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive35i and sDrive35is, most think the base four-cylinder in the sDrive28i offers more than enough power for most driving situations. The Z4 comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission that reviewers say is precise. An eight-speed automatic is optional, and critics think it shifts smoothly. The 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i with a manual transmission gets an EPA-estimated 22/34 mpg city/highway, which is on par with the fuel economy of four-cylinder luxury sports cars like the Mercedes-Benz SLK250. Test drivers think the Z4 has a composed ride that makes it comfortable on long trips. They say the Z4 corners flat with plenty of grip, but they agree that it still doesn’t handle as sharply as class-leading rivals like the Porsche Boxster.

Reviewers agree that the 2014 BMW Z4 has an attractive design and top-notch materials and build quality. They say it has spacious seats for a roadster, with plenty of head- and legroom. Intuitive climate controls and highly legible gauges also draw critics’ praise. The 2014 BMW Z4 comes standard with eight-way power-adjustable leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port and HD Radio. Available features include leather seats, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, navigation, Bluetooth audio streaming, satellite radio and a premium audio system.

"Sleek styling, a high-class interior and plenty of performance make the 2014 BMW Z4 a desirable roadster." -- Edmunds
"Hardcore driving enthusiasts will likely favor the purely visceral driving experience of the Porsche Boxster." -- Kelley Blue Book
"The BMW Z4 is a two-seat hardtop convertible that provides a blend of luxury, style and the expected precision BMW handling dynamics." -- Left Lane News
"While the Z4 sDrive 28i (yes, that is a mouthful) is a fun car to drive, it's not an all-out sports car." -- AutoWeek (2012)

Other Sports Cars to Consider

Critics say the Porsche Boxster has sharper handling and more responsive steering than the Z4. The Boxster’s comfortable seats and attractive, modern interior design also appeal to reviewers.

The Nissan 370Z Roadster costs significantly less than the Z4, and it comes with a more powerful V6 engine. Test drivers say the 370Z has tons of grip and almost no body lean during cornering, as well as a quick, responsive steering system.

Details: 2014 BMW Z4

The 2014 BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive, two-seat roadster with a power-retractable hardtop that comes in three trims. The Z4 sDrive28i has a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, while the sDrive35i and the sDrive35is models have more powerful turbocharged, 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engines. The Z4 sDrive28i comes standard with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. A seven-speed automated manual is optional on higher trims. The Z4 hasn’t changed much since it was last fully redesigned for the 2009 model year, so this overview uses applicable research and reviews from the 2009 through 2014 model years.