The all-new 2019 BMW Z4 is a modern reinterpretation of a BMW roadster. It aims to deliver the best balance between a sporting ride and comfortable handling with a high quality and high tech interior.
What's New for 2019
The BMW two-door convertible gets new styling, a new powertrain, modern technology, a new chassis, and a new body that's longer, wider, and taller, though the wheelbase is 1-inch shorter.
Choosing Your BMW Z4
For the 2019 model, the BMW Z4 is only available in sDrive30i guise. Pricing starts at $50,695, including the $995 destination charge. In 2020, an all-new M40i model will join the lineup, but it's just the sDrive30i model for now.
The 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is powered by a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 255 horsepower from 5,000 rpm on upward to its redline. The peak torque figure of 295 pound-feet stretches down to 1,550 rpm and stays on board until 4,400 rpm. These figures represent a 15 hp increase and a 35 lb-ft of torque increase over the outgoing model.
An eight-speed automatic transmission features a launch mode, shorter gearing ratios, and performs faster gear changes that help pull off a zero-to-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds. Available only with rear-wheel drive, the BMW Z4 earns an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 combined.
The longer, wider, and taller body design remains a two-seat convertible. The fabric top can be operated on the move (up to 31 mph) yet it only needs 10 seconds to open or close. With the top up, there's an optional pass-through for storing longer items and the folded top has no impact on trunk volume, which is 9.9 cubic feet (a more than 50 percent increase over the outgoing Z4).
Standard equipment on the Z4 sDrive30i includes 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, black trim, and of course, a convertible fabric top with a glass rear window. Standard active safety and convenience features include low speed automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and BMW’s full suite of electronic chassis control systems.
The standard sport seats are wrapped in black leatherette and includes 14-way power adjustment with memory. The basic audio system places 10 speakers in the cabin and, while it's compatible with Apple CarPlay, it lacks satellite radio connectivity.
The Z4 has two large screens that make up the instrument cluster and touchscreen. Similar in appearance to the BMW 3-Series, the tachometer and speedometer are pushed to the edges and, in this case, a 12.3-inch digital display resides in the middle. A 10.25-inch center touchscreen utilizes BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system, while navigation with over-the-air updates and real-time traffic, BMW Remote Services, and cloud-based voice control all promise to deliver an improved user experience.
The Z4 is available in two different BMW designs: the standard $50,695 Sport Line Design and the $53,645 M Sport Design. The M Sport adds updated front bumper and air intakes, extended side skirts, 19-inch wheels, and a reshaped rear diffuser to make the vehicle look more aggressive.
There are five packages available on the Z4. The Convenience Package ($1,450) brings keyless entry, park assist, lumbar support, a one-year satellite radio subscription, daytime pedestrian protection, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driving Assistance Package ($500) adds blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and the safety features from the Convenience pack.
The Premium Package ($1,600) bundles a head-up display, heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, and a wi-fi hotspot, while the Executive Package ($2,500) includes leather seats and trim, adaptive automatic headlights, ambient lighting, full LED lighting, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Last but not least, those looking to get the most performance out of their roadster will be interested in the Track Handling Package ($2,450). It brings higher-performance brakes, adaptive dampers, a lower ride height, and an actively locking rear differential.
Standalone options include adaptive cruise control ($1,200), park distance control ($200), wireless charging and wi-fi hotspot ($500), heated front seats ($500), a heated steering wheel ($190), remote start ($300) and extended shadowline trim ($300).
The refreshed 2019 BMW Z4 melds the the modern roadster’s design with an udapted version of BMW’s historically smooth four-cylinder engine. The Convenience Package allows for a bit more comfort for the daily commute.