Back after a break of 3 years and in an All New Avatar, the BMW Z4 sDrive30i has been launched in its 3rd Generation in 2020 in the US Market. Jointly developed with Toyota, the Bimmer shares it platform and Engines with the 2020 Toyota Supra which isn 't currently available for sale in the US. The 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i convertible allows seating for 2 people and features BMW 's latest 7th generation iDrive Multimedia interface.
The Car arrives in it's 3rd Generation in 2020 and has been redesigned from scratch
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$49700
bodystyle
2dr Convertible
passenger capacity
2
top speed
149 mph
drivetrain
RWD
engine type
displacement
122 cu.in.
horsepower
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
torque
295 lbs.-ft @ 1550 rpm
transmission
8-speed shiftable automatic
chassis
frame type
Unibody
suspension front
Independent front strut suspension w/anti-roll bar
suspension rear
Independent rear multi-link suspension w/anti-roll bar
brake rotors (f/r)
63.7/63.5
dimensions
wheelbase
97.2 in.
length
170.7 in.
width
73.4 in.
height
51.4 in.
curb weight
3287 lbs.
ground clearance
4.7 in.
capacity
cargo volume
9.9 cu ft.
payload capacity
593 lbs.
performance
zero to 60 mph
6.2 sec.
zero to 100 mph
6.6 sec.
standing ¼-mile
14.7 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
25/28/32 mpg
highway range
438.4 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
4 yr. / 50000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
4 yr. / 50000 mi.
powertrain warranty
48 months. / 50000
corrosion warranty
12 yr. / unlimited
roadside assistance
4 yr. / Unlimited
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Black Sapphire Metallic
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Available in 2 Trims- sDrive30i and M40i. While the former one is available on sale right now for $50,695, the latter comes in as a 2020 model only. Powering the New Z4 sDrive30i is 2.0L 4 Cylinder TwinPower Turbocharged Motor that is good for 255 horses and 295 lb-ft. Of torque. As a perspective, power and torque figures of the 2020 Z4 sDrive30i are up by 15hp and 35lb-ft. Respectively over its predecessor. Other than the new Motor, the Z4 sDrrive30i also gets new front and rear suspensions and a new chassis.
While the time the Z4 hasn’t been on sale for the past 3 years, rivals have caught up and are offering some serious punch. The rivals to the Z4 now include the Porsche 718 Boxster, Audi TT 2.0 Quattro Convertible, Mercedes-Benz C300 Convertible and the Nissan 370Z.
2020 BMW Z4
2020 BMW Z4
7.0/10 Features
8.0/10 Engine and Performance
5.0/10 Fuel Economy
6.0/10 Interior
8.0/10 Exterior
2020 BMW Z4 Features
7.0/10
The 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30icomes in just 1 trim for 2020- The sDrive30i. The Convertible comes loaded with the best in terms of safety and equipment that BMW has to offer in 2020. Some of the highlights include
Trim
BMW Z4 sDrive30i
MSRP
$50,695
Features
LED Headlights
Electrically Operated Soft Top roof
10.25" Digital Instrument Cluster and 10.25" Center Display with Standard 10 Speaker 205W Audio System
Cloud based Voice Control
7th Gen iDrive Mutlimedia System with 20GB Memory, 2 USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple Car Play
Electric Sport Seats with Integrated Head Rests
SensaTec/Vernasca Leather Upholstery
We Recommend
If you aren't satisfied with this exhaustive set of features and wan't more from BMW, guess what, BMW has a lot more to offer. You have access to plenty of optional equipment that includes Heads Up Display, 19" Alloys, Adaptive LED Headlights, Msport and Track Handling Packages and a lot more.
2020 BMW Z4 Engine and Performance
8.0/10
A True sports car, the 2020 BMW Z4 has rorty power on tap and well-balanced handling- TheCarConnection.com
Engine and Transmission
The 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i, comes powered by BMW's all new 2.0 liter four-cylinder TwinPower Turbocharged motor with a high precision injection system whose maximum pressure has been increased to 350 bar / 5,076 psi. Power and torque figures have improved significantly over the previous generation model and now stand at 255hp and 295lb.-ft. Respectively. The Z4 packs in enough punch for daily driving purposes and the turbocharged motor provides enough grunt, to overtake that odd car on the motorway or on the city streets.
Transmission duties are performed by a slick 8 speed transmission and comes with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Drivers can manually take control of the gear shifts and the motor allows the drivers to shift when they want, without the intervention of the auto unit.
Models
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Convertible
MSRP
$50,695
$59,000
$49,395
$52,845
Engine
2.0L I-4 Twin Turbocharged Motor
2.0L H4 Intercooled Turbocharged Motor
2.0L TFSI Inline 4 Motor
2.0L, Turbocharged Inline-4 Motor
Transmission
8 Speed Automatic
6 Speed manual
7 Speed Automated Manual
9-speed automatic
Horsepower (hp)
255 @5000rpm
300 @6500rpm
228 @5000rpm
255 @5800rpm
Torque(lbs.-ft.)
295 @1500rpm
280 @1950rpm
258 @1750rpm
273 @1800rpm
At this price point, no car can match the Bimmer in terms of numbers. However, pay a premium of around $10,000 and you can lay your hands on the Porsche 718 Boxster that generates 45 more horses than the BMW.
Acceleration
The New Powertrain and the Chassis have resulted in significant upgrades in the performance of the 3rd Gen Z4 as compared to its predecessor. The Z4, coupled with its launch control system does the dash to 60MPH in just 5.2 seconds. While the quarter mile figures haven't been released by BMW yet, we do expect them to hover somewhere between the 12.5 to 13.5 second mark.
Models
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Convertible
0-60 MPH
5.2 sec
4.9 sec
5.5 sec
6.1 sec
Quarter mile
N/A
12.7 sec
13.7 sec
14.1 sec
Engine
2.0L I-4 Turbocharged Motor
2.0L H4 Intercooled Turbocharged Motor
2.0L TFSI Inline 4 Motor
2.0L, Turbocharged Inline-4 Motor
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
6.3
7.3
7.1
7.1
As expected, the Porsche is the fastest convertible of the lot to 60MPH and in the quarter mile runs. The Bimmer comes in 2nd in this respect and the Audi and the Merc stand 3rd and 4th respectively.
Ride and Handling
With the new generation of the Z4, BMW has left no stone unturned in offering the best ride and handling setup for the same. The Z4 sDrive30i gets a double-joint spring strut suspension at the front and a new five-link suspension in the rear. The rigid front suspension sub frame and control arm mounting points lead to precise cornering and reduces road noise as well.
Adding to the agility is the aluminum control arms and swivel bearings that reduce unsprung weight and offer better superb agility as well. The lightweight aluminum/steel design in the rear suspension, reduces the weight of the same and helps the chassis add to the 50-50 weight balance.
The 3 spoke sport steering with variable power assist and ratio adds to the feedback while cornering and weighs up well while doing low speed commutes in the city. Adding to the handling package is the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) that includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC).
Braking
As expected of a BMW, the 3rd Generation BMW Z4 Roadster doesn't disappoint in terms of the braking performance. The brakes on the Z4 sDrive30i allows it to stop from 60MPH to a standstill in just 113ft. The body however, does show some roll and pitch under hard braking but it's just a matter of getting used to.
Model
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Convertible
Brake Front (in.)
N/A
13
13.3
13
Brake Rear (in.)
N/A
11.8
12.2
11.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3287
2944
3395
3894
60-0 MPH (ft.)
113
112
115
153 (70-0)
The Porsche again wins the bout in terms of braking performance as it marginally beats the Bimmer in the braking performance. The Audi and the Merc again lose out to their other german adversaries in terms of braking performance.
2020 BMW Z4 Fuel Economy
5.0/10
With the twin-turbocharged motor, BMW has managed to achieve a good combination of performance and efficiency with the 2020 Z4 sDrive30i. The Z4's MPG figures are rated at 25MPG on the city, 32MPG on the highway and an overall figure of 28MPG. With a fuel tank of 13.7 gallons, the Bimmer can munch down 343 miles on the city and 438 miles on the highway.
Model
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Convertible
MPG (city)
25
21
23
21
MPG (highway)
32
28
31
29
MPG (combined)
28
24
26
24
Fuel Tank Capacity
13.7
16.9
14.5
17.4
Range(City/Hwy) in Miles
343/438
355/473
334/450
365/505
While the Merc and the Porsche offer the least overall combined MPG figures, they manage to beat the Bimmer and the Audi in terms of overall range, with their massive fuel tanks. The Audi offers the least MPG figures of the lot and has the least range as well.
2020 BMW Z4 Interior
6.0/10
The asymmetric layout of the previous model is carried forward but thoroughly modernized with BMW's new Live Cockpit Professional- Edmunds.com
Seating and Comfort
With a driver-focused cabin, the 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i, does well in offering a comfortable ride for the passengers riding in it. The bigger dimensions allow for easy access inside the cabin. The sport seats on the Bimmer offer good levels of support and bolstering and come with conveniences like heating functionality and power adjust. A wide center console separates the passenger seat and the driver, with the driver's right leg brushing the same a bit more often than required.
The Soft Top on the Z4 lowers and raises under speeds of 30MPH. The noise insulation from the outside with the top up is excellent and resembles some other BMW sedans. The only downside comes from the fact that the Bimmer can only seat 2 people.
Model
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Convertible
Passenger capacity
2
2
2
4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.9/54.3/42.2
N/A
36.6/53.6/41.1
38.8/54.8/42.0
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
N/A
N/A
N/A
35.6/51.7/32.0
In terms of seating, the Mercedes-Benz C 300 trumps all of its rivals as it is the only car in this comparison that can seat 4 people. In terms of the front seats as well, the C 300 is closest to the Bimmer as well. The Audi TT comes 3rd in this list and since Porsche doesn't reveal the dimensions of its cars, we don't have much to say about the same.
Interior Features
14 Way Powered M Sport Seats with Memory
Auto Dimming Interior RearView Mirror
Rearview Camera
SensaTec Upholstery and Dashboard
Automatic Climate Control
Engine Start/Stop Button
BMW Ambient Lighting
Power Windows with one touch push-pull open/close for driver side
Cargo Capacity
Despite being a convertible, the 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i manages to offer a slightly higher cargo space than some of the coupes on sale in the market today. The 9.9 cu.ft of cargo capacity on offer, ranks as one of the best in the segment and a through-loading system with integrated transport bag, adds to the convenience of storing luggage in the same. Storage spaces are available on the doors and behind the front seats while a glove box in the center console allows for storing nifty stuff.
Model
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Convertible
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)
9.9
9.7
7.5
8.8
The Porsche 718 Boxster manages to hold a candle against the Bimmer in terms of cargo capacity while all others in this comparison, fall short of the same. The Audi comes in the last spot of this comparison while the Merc has to suffice with the 3rd spot.
Infotainment System
10.25" Infotainment Screen and Instrument Cluster
iDrive 7.0 with touchpad controller, voice control and Navigation
Bluetooth, 2 USB Ports, 20GB Multimedia storage
BMW Remote Services
BMW Connected App
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel with Audio, Cruise and Bluetooth control
2020 BMW Z42020 BMW Z42020 BMW Z42020 BMW Z42020 BMW Z4
2020 BMW Z4 Exterior
8.0/10
The latest Z4 presents a welter of BMW's recent design themes- TheCarConnection.com
Design and Dimensions
Stand in front of the 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen Z4's parked next to each other and you'll be amazed by the stark differences in design and dimensions between the 2. In terms of design, the 2020 Z4 sDrive30i gets a sculpted front end with large air intakes, a low, broad BMW kidney grille and headlights positioned at the outer edges. The kidney grill gets a new design as well as the 2 headlights that have been positioned one above the other. The trunk lid gets an integrated spoiler and enhances BMW's L shape design with the horizontally arranged rear taillights.
The 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i comes with a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a shorter wheelbase (1.0" lesser than the 2nd Gen) that enhances the agility of the Z4. Also, the 2020 Z4 is 3.3 inches longer, 2.9 inches wider and 0.5 inches taller than its predecessor, making it spacious than the same.
Model
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Convertible
Curb weight (lbs.)
3287
2944
3395
3894
Length(in)
170.7
172.4
165.0
184.5
Width(in)
73.4
70.9
72.1
71.3
Height(in)
51.4
50.4
53.4
55.3
Ground clearance (in)
4.7
4.3
N/A
3.8
Wheelbase (in)
97.2
97.4
98.6
111.8
Speaking of the dimensions, the C Class comes out on top in terms of the length and height but falls short in terms of the ground clearance. The Boxster comes second in terms of the same but offers a far better ground clearance than the Merc. The TT from Audi is the smallest in terms of dimensions but is taller than the Bimmer and the Porsche.
Exterior Features
LED Headlights and Taillights
Black Softtop
Heated Glass Rear Window
White Side-Turn Indicator lenses
18" Alloy Wheels
Auto Dimming Powered Exterior Mirrors with memory
Rain Sensing Windhsield Wipers
2020 BMW Z42020 BMW Z42020 BMW Z42020 BMW Z42020 BMW Z42020 BMW Z42020 BMW Z4
2020 BMW Z4 Safety
With the recent rise in demand for safer cars, BMW has taken ote of the same demand and is offering the 2020 Z4, with a whole host of safety tech as standard aboard the same. While the NHTSA and the IIHS haven't tested the 2020 Z4 yet, the sophisticated chassis and long list of safety features ensure the protection of its occupants at all instances.
Safety Features
Cornering Brake Control
Anti-Theft Alarm System
BMW's Active Protection system
BMW Assist eCall
Dual Front and Side Impact Airbags
Rollover Protection System
Central Locking System with Double-Lock anti-theft feature
2020 BMW Z4 Competition
BMW Z4 sDrive30i vs. Audi TT 2.0 TFSI
The Audi TT is one of the most popular convertibles in the market owing to its crisp driving behavior and a feature loaded equipment list. The Audi manages to look striking without looking underwhelming and impresses with its build quality. The Audi however, can't match the power of the Z4 and is less frugal than the Bimmer as well. In terms of dimensions, the Bimmer has a clear upper hand and is the more practical of the 2 as well. If you are not willing to shell out more than 50 grand, the Audi makes for a good choice but if you aren't willing on making compromises, the Bimmer is the one to go for.
BMW Z4 sDrive30i vs Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche Boxster 718 is the benchmark among all the convertibles as far as handling and driving dynamics are concerned. The Porsche offers a tank like build on the inside and on the outside, feels powerful and is an absolute treat to drive. However, compare it to the BMW and you will feel that the 718 may be a bit expensive for what it offers. The Bimmer offers similar levels of performance as the Porsche, is more fuel efficient and practical than the same and is nearly 10 grand cheaper than it. If you want the best driving convertible without spending a fortune, the Porsche Boxster comes closest to fulfilling this deal. But if you are tight on budget and want a convertible that can do everything that the Porsche does but with a small compromise on the handling, the Z4 is a no brainer then.
BMW Z4 sDrive30i vs. Mercedes-Benz C-300
While it will be unfair to compare both of these cars, the Merc falls in the same territory as the Porsche, as far as pricing goes. The Merc offers the most comfortable ride quality among its rivals, oodles with space on the inside and comes loaded with creature comforts. People, however, looking for a sporty roadster would prefer a car with an enthusiastic motor, good driving dynamics and practicality on a daily basis. The BMW Z4 sDrive30i suits all these demands perfectly. What's more is the fact that the Z4 is cheaper than the Merc by 2 grand and is relatively better loaded in features when compared to the same.
2020 BMW Z4 Final Verdict
With previous-gen Z models, focusing more on comfort rather than performance and handling, the all new 3rd Gen Z4 manages to turn things the other way around. With a powerful motor underneath the hood and a redesigned chassis coupled with high tech equipment, the 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i does come close to being called a proper Sports Roadster. With the new Z4, BMW has offered a Roadster that can corner like a 3 series, accelerate like a Boxster and look like an Audi. If you aren't willing on spending a fortune on a powerful track focused roadster and can live with a convertible that is the Jack of all trades but master of none", then the 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is the best bet for you.
FAQs about the 2020 BMW Z4 Convertible.
Is the 2020 BMW Z4 only available as a convertible?
Yes, as of now, BMW offers the 2020 BMW Z4 as a convertible only. A coupe version is speculated to be launched soon.
What does the Z in BMW Z4 stand for?
The Z in BMW Z4 stands for "zukunft" which is the German word for future.
Can you operate the roof in a BMW Z4 while moving?
Yes, you can lower and raise the roof up to a speed of 30 MPH.