2023 BMW Z4 M40i, does it still give you the correct feeling?
The third generation of the BMW Z4 -launched in 2020- has received an update with new design elements and more equipment. Fortunately, what really counts in a two-seater roadster hasn’t changed: driving pleasure! We take the most potent version to verify it.
We already know that BMW received welcome (financial) help from Toyota in the design of the current Z4. This made it possible to share the costs of development with the Japanese brand. Due to the sharply reduced demand for two-seaters in this segment, the brand thought it wasn’t wise to build a new generation of the Z4 (on its own). The result: the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 share their technical base and engine (for the last time: that ain’t a bad thing!). Yet both cars differ profoundly, due to their look but also due to the fact the Supra is a coup only and BMW remained faithful to the roadster concept. This time going back to the “start'“ with a soft top, unlike the second generation which opted for a hard retractable roof.
Update, just a little one
In the model year update for 2023, BMW changed just a few things on the Z4. On the exterior, the remodeled grille will be the biggest eye-catcher, while the revised equipment on the inside includes a now standard M Sport package and interesting features such as heated seats and a wind deflector behind the seats. The technical base hasn’t changed and the infotainment system also remained unchanged. The BMW Z4 is not yet entitled to the curved display from the most recent BMWs. Personally, we didn’t mind because we liked the setup of the previous infotainment system.
The Z4 -built by Magna Steyr in Austria on behalf of BMW- is available with three engines. The entry-level Z4 is the sDrive20i with a 2-liter four-cylinder that produces 197 hp and 320 Nm of torque. This one is the only one with a manual gearbox, but can optionally be supplied with the eight-speed automatic gearbox of the other two. At the center of the range, the Z4 sDrive30i has the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder but this time with 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque delivered to the rear wheels. And then we come to the big daddy, mister power, the one you want: the BMW Z4 M40i. The top model features BMW’s beautiful 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque linked to the sublime eight-speed automatic gearbox throwing all that power to the back wheels!
Not only is the zero to 100km/h time of 4,5 seconds breathtaking, but also the feeling the car gives you while driving it at any speed required. Pushing it to the limit, the car is almost telepathically linked to your body -thanks to the perfect weight distribution- while screaming from its exhaust and tires. But whilst driving the car in a normal way, it transforms into a grand tourer and gives a soothing feeling with its electronically controlled dampers! Everything you want and search for in a roadster.
Driving with the wind in your hair
The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically in no more than 10 seconds up to a speed of 50 km/h, so with the slightest bit of sun you will try to enjoy driving with the roof down. When you do this at the wheel of the Z4 M40i, you will be rewarded with the great sound of the 3.0-liter power source which will never get annoying.
No matter how much fun it is to drive the BMW Z4 M40i, this is still a car that can only accommodate two occupants (with a rather spacious boot for a roadster). It will therefore be used as a second car and then the price could be a bummer. Because the M40i starts at 68.850 euros (BE) and 10k in options isn’t a unique thing. If you can pay that for a second/fun car then you will not mind the 9l/100km the Z4 M40i will consume. Just to make something clear: for a 3.0-liter six-cylinder car, that’s not bad at all.
So what’s the verdict?
How nice is it to be able to enjoy a high-performance six-cylinder with the roof down that not only guarantees strong performance but also an inspiring musicality. The Z4 M40i remains true to the ethos of driving pleasure with or without the top off.
However it’s meant to drive with the top off so if it’s not raining, put that roof down and enjoy the experience.
