Quick answer: The 2024 BMW Z4 is a premium two-seat roadster that balances sports car agility with luxury grand-touring comfort. Starting at $53,600 for the four-cylinder sDrive30i and $66,300 for the six-cylinder M40i (excluding the $995 destination fee), the Z4’s headline update is the introduction of a six-speed manual transmission on the M40i. It delivers refined open-air performance, comfortable interior space for tall drivers, and respectable fuel efficiency, making it an excellent daily-drivable sports car.
Key takeaways:
- The Z4 M40i now offers a six-speed manual gearbox via the Handschalter package, bringing a highly requested driver-focused experience to the roadster.
- Base pricing starts at $54,595 for the sDrive30i and $67,295 for the M40i when including the mandatory $995 destination charge.
- Powertrain choices include a 255-hp turbo four-cylinder and a potent 382-hp turbo inline-six, the latter yielding a 0-60 mph sprint in as little as 3.9 seconds.
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is included for three years or 36,000 miles, helping offset early luxury ownership expenses.
What’s New for the 2024 BMW Z4?
The most significant update for the BMW Z4 is the arrival of the six-speed manual transmission option for the M40i trim. Enthusiasts have long petitioned for this configuration, which is mechanically shared with the Toyota GR Supra coupe.
For the North American market, the manual transmission option is bundled into a special package that BMW designated for the 2025 model year, though production began in March 2024. In Europe, the configuration was launched in early 2024 as the “Edition Handschalter” (German for manual shifter).
Opting for the manual transmission does not merely swap the gearbox. The package introduces several performance-focused hardware updates, including:
- A staggered wheel setup featuring 19-inch wheels in the front and 20-inch wheels in the rear.
- Stiffer front anti-roll bar clamps and retuned adaptive M suspension dampers.
- Re-calibrated steering software for more feedback and precision.
- An M Sport rear differential with model-specific traction control logic.
- Exclusive Frozen Deep Green metallic paint option paired with a Cognac leather interior.
Beyond the manual gearbox rollout, the Z4 enters the model year with minimal styling or tech changes, maintaining the clean lines and sports car proportions of the current generation.
2024 BMW Z4 Pricing and Trims
The 2024 BMW Z4 is available in two distinct trim levels defined by their engines. The following table details the starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and typical invoice prices.
| Trim | Base MSRP | MSRP with Destination | Est. Invoice Price | 0-60 mph (Est) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sDrive30i | $53,600 | $54,595 | $50,350 | 5.2 sec |
| M40i | $66,300 | $67,295 | $62,100 | 3.9 sec |
Note: Pricing data is sourced from official manufacturer listings. Est. Invoice Price estimates are based on J.D. Power industry averages.
At dealerships, the average transaction price for the sDrive30i hovers around $58,975 once options and packages are added. Savvy buyers negotiating at dealerships can sometimes find incentives dropping the final price to 10% below MSRP. For the M40i, opting for the manual transmission package adds a $3,500 premium, bringing the total MSRP for a manual-equipped Z4 M40i to $70,795.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The driving experience of the Z4 changes character depending on which engine sits under the hood. While both trims share a rear-wheel-drive layout, their performance profiles appeal to different types of drivers.
sDrive30i: The Comfort Roadster
The entry-level sDrive30i is powered by BMW’s B48 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-four engine. It produces 255 horsepower at 5,000-6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 1,600-4,000 rpm. Paired exclusively with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, the sDrive30i reaches 60 mph from a standstill in a respectable 5.2 seconds.
On the road, the sDrive30i excels as a grand tourer. The suspension is compliant, smoothing out road imperfections while remaining composed in corners. It is peppy and highly responsive in city traffic, but it is built more for scenic cruising than track days.
M40i: The Enthusiast’s Choice
For high-performance roadster driving, the M40i steps up to the B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, developing 382 horsepower at 5,800-6,500 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 1,800-5,000 rpm. The automatic version vaults from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. In independent road tests by publications like Car and Driver, the automatic M40i recorded a blistering 3.5-second 0-60 mph run.
Opting for the six-speed manual package alters the vehicle’s driving dynamics. Because the manual gearbox lacks the rapid shifts of the automatic, the official 0-60 mph time increases slightly to 4.2 seconds. However, the manual version compensates with mechanical upgrades. The stiffer anti-roll bars, retuned steering, and staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels make the manual M40i feel more aggressive, direct, and engaging on twisty roads. The Z4 M40i pulled an impressive 1.00 g of lateral grip on the skidpad, demonstrating its sports car credentials.
Specifications and Fuel Economy
Mechanically, the Z4 shares its chassis architecture with the Toyota GR Supra, resulting in compact roadster proportions and a low center of gravity.
Dimensions and Capacities
The dimensions are identical across both sDrive30i and M40i trims:
- Length: 170.7 inches
- Width: 73.4 inches
- Height: 51.4 inches
- Wheelbase: 97.2 inches
- Trunk Volume: 9.9 cubic feet
- Passenger Volume: 52 cubic feet
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.7 gallons
Powertrain Comparison
The mechanical specifications highlight the differences between the I4 and I6 engines:
| Specification | sDrive30i | M40i |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 (B48) | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 (B58) |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5,000-6,500 rpm | 382 hp @ 5,800-6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,000 rpm | 369 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed Automatic | 8-speed Automatic or 6-speed Manual |
| Curb Weight | 3,314 lbs | 3,543 lbs (Auto) / 3,514 lbs (Manual) |
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
The four-cylinder sDrive30i offers standard commuter-car efficiency, while the M40i’s consumption varies based on the transmission selection:
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| sDrive30i (2.0L Auto) | 25 | 33 | 28 |
| M40i (3.0L Auto) | 23 | 31 | 26 |
| M40i (3.0L Manual) | 19 | 26 | 22 |
While the EPA rates the automatic M40i at 31 mpg highway, independent 75-mph highway fuel economy tests recorded an exceptional 37 mpg, proving the inline-six is highly efficient during steady-state cruising. Premium fuel is required for both engines.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The interior of the BMW Z4 is arguably the most refined in its segment, utilizing premium soft-touch materials, precise stitching, and logical layout ergonomics. The cabin is surprisingly accommodating, offering enough legroom and headroom to seat drivers over six feet tall comfortably.
Standard technology features include:
- A 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running BMW iDrive software.
- A matching 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- Integrated navigation with real-time traffic updates.
- A 10-speaker premium audio system with Bluetooth streaming.
With the power-operated fabric top up, the Z4’s cabin is exceptionally quiet. The insulated roof blocks out wind and tire noise, creating an experience close to a hardtop coupe. Lowering the top takes less than ten seconds at the push of a button. A standard mesh wind deflector fits between the headrests, keeping cabin buffeting to a minimum at highway speeds.
Cabin storage is tight, limited to small door pockets, a narrow center console, and a cargo net behind the seats. However, the 9.9-cubic-foot trunk is shaped well enough to fit two carry-on suitcases for a weekend road trip.
5-Year Ownership Costs
Owning a luxury roadster involves long-term expenses. Kelley Blue Book’s 5-year cost-to-own analysis estimates the total costs for both trims, factoring in fuel, maintenance, insurance, repairs, and depreciation.
| Cost Category (5 Years) | sDrive30i | M40i |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $7,712 | $8,315 |
| Maintenance | $3,707 | $3,707 |
| Insurance | $17,340 | $18,305 |
| Repairs | $1,630 | $1,630 |
| Depreciation | $34,640 | $43,102 |
| Total 5-Year Cost | $82,341 | $96,268 |
Note: Calculations assume 15,000 miles driven annually with average insurance premiums and premium fuel costs.
To help manage these expenses, BMW includes its Ultimate Care program, which provides complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles. This covers factory-recommended services like oil changes, vehicle inspections, and brake fluid flushes. The standard factory warranty spans four years or 50,000 miles.
Z4 vs. Rivals: GR Supra and 718 Boxster
The Z4 occupies a unique middle ground in the sports car market, competing against both corporate siblings and premium European rivals.
| Vehicle Model | Starting MSRP (inc. dest) | Horsepower | 0-60 mph (sec) | Roof Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 BMW Z4 sDrive30i | $54,595 | 255 hp | 5.2 | Convertible Soft Top |
| 2024 BMW Z4 M40i | $67,295 | 382 hp | 3.9 | Convertible Soft Top |
| 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster | $72,050 | 300 hp | 4.7 | Convertible Soft Top |
| 2024 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 | $58,550 | 382 hp | 3.9 | Coupe (Fixed Roof) |
| 2024 Chevrolet Corvette C8 | $76,995 | 490 hp | 2.9 | Retractable Hardtop |
The Toyota GR Supra shares the Z4’s engines and platform but is tuned for aggressive track performance. It features a fixed coupe roof and starts at a lower price point, but lacks the open-air option.
The Porsche 718 Boxster is the Z4’s direct European competitor. With its mid-engine layout, the Boxster delivers sharper handling, better steering feedback, and a more focused sports car driving experience. However, the Boxster starts at $72,050 for the base four-cylinder model, making it thousands of dollars more expensive than the six-cylinder Z4 M40i.
Pros and Cons of the 2024 BMW Z4
Pros
- Refined, daily-drivable roadster experience.
- Potent, smooth B58 inline-six engine on the M40i.
- Newly available six-speed manual gearbox for enthusiasts.
- Insulated fabric roof provides coupe-like quietness when raised.
- 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Cons
- Steering lacks the detailed road feel of the Porsche 718 Boxster.
- Interior cabin storage is highly limited.
- Manual transmission package adds a substantial $3,500 cost.
- Thick rear roof pillars create large blind spots when the top is up.
Final Verdict: Which 2024 BMW Z4 Should You Buy?
Your choice between the Z4 trims should depend on how you intend to use the roadster:
- Buy the sDrive30i if your priority is a stylish, comfortable, and fuel-efficient luxury convertible for daily driving and highway cruising. Starting under $55,000, it offers plenty of speed for public roads without the premium price tag.
- Buy the M40i if you are an enthusiast who values acceleration and engine character. If you want the most engaging driving experience, the manual transmission package is well worth the premium, offering a rare combination of modern power and old-school mechanical control.
For more generation-specific details, pricing guides, and trim breakdowns, check out the comprehensive BMW Z4 Hub. If you are evaluating other model years, you can also read our detailed reviews of the 2023 BMW Z4 Review, the manual-focused 2025 BMW Z4 Review, and the latest 2026 BMW Z4 Review to see how the roadster evolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 BMW Z4 a fast car?
Yes. The M40i trim is exceptionally quick, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds (and as quick as 3.5 seconds in independent tests) using its 382-hp turbocharged inline-six engine. The base sDrive30i is also peppy, reaching 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
Does the 2024 BMW Z4 have a manual transmission?
Yes, a six-speed manual transmission is available on the M40i trim. Marketed in North America under the Handschalter package (offered starting in early 2024 for the 2025 model year) and in Europe as the Edition Handschalter, it marks the first time this generation Z4 inline-six has been paired with a manual gearbox.
Is the 2024 BMW Z4 reliable?
The Z4 shows average to above-average reliability for the luxury sports car segment. It shares its platform and mechanical components with the highly rated Toyota GR Supra, benefiting from shared engineering. BMW’s inclusion of 3 years of complimentary scheduled maintenance also helps mitigate early ownership costs.
How does the BMW Z4 compare to the Toyota GR Supra?
The Z4 and Toyota GR Supra share the same platform, suspension mountings, and engines. However, the Z4 is a convertible luxury roadster focused on comfort and open-air grand touring, whereas the Supra is a fixed-roof coupe tuned for aggressive track handling and a lower starting price.
