The 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is powered by BMW’s all-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder TwinPower Turbocharged engine. It has a High Precision Injection system whose maximum pressure has been increased to 350 bar / 5,076 psi. The engine comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission system with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. This setup can produce 254 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque which helps accelerate the car from 0-60MPH in just 5.2 seconds and a quarter-mile of 13.6 seconds. Though not the most powerful, the higher torque value of the convertible allows it to have higher power at lower RPMs.
The base trim is available in only RWD drivetrain configuration and the power output has improved drastically as compared to the previous-gen models. Moreover, for 2020 MY, you also have an M40i variant which is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that churns out 382 hp and 368 lb-ft torque. The base engine has enough power for your daily needs but the M40i is built for track days too.
Models
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2020 BMW Z4
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2020 Porsche 718 Boxster
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2020 Audi TT Roadster
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2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible
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MSRP
|
$49,700
|
$61,600
|
$49,000
|
$64,700
|
Engine
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2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
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2.0L Turbocharged flat-4
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2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
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2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
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Drivetrain
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RWD
|
RWD
|
AWD
|
RWD
|
Transmission
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8-speed automatic
|
6-Speed Manual
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7-Speed Automated Manual
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8-speed automatic
|
Power
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254 hp @ 5,000 rpm
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300 hp @ 6,500 rpm
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228 hp @ 4,500 rpm
|
296 hp @ 5,500 rpm
|
Torque
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294 lb-ft @ 1,550 rpm
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280 lb-ft @ 1,950 rpm
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258 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
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295 lb-ft @1,500 rpm
|
0-60 MPH (sec)
|
5.2
|
4.9
|
5.5
|
5.4
|
Quarter mile (sec)
|
13.6
|
12.7
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13.7
|
14.1
|
Top Speed (MPH)
|
155
|
155
|
155
|
155
|
The BMW Z4 has impressive performance but falls a bit short in front of the Porsche 718 Boxster. The Porsche comes with a 2L turbocharged flat-4 engine which is the secret recipe for its impressive performance. Moreover, it comes with a standard 6-speed manual transmission which is pure bliss for enthusiasts. It churns 300hp while its closest rival, the Jaguar F-Type can do 296 hp. However, 718 Boxster is the quickest of the lot covering the 0-60MPH run in just 4.9 seconds. Audi is the slowest on the other hand, but in no way does it feel underpowered. Moreover, you buy a TT Roadster more for its curvy looks.
How well does the 2020 BMW Z4 handle?
BMWs are always known for their excellent handling characteristics and the same can be seen in the 2020 BMW Z4. The newer chassis and powertrain do wonders and the car feels crisp around the corners. The double-joint spring strut suspension at the front and a new five-link suspension in the rear with a subframe and control arm mounting points lead to precise cornering in sharp turns.
The car feels agile and fast. However, the steering feels unresponsive and has very little feedback. Opting for the Track handling package significantly improves cornering performance and driving dynamics. The package equips M Sport brakes with blue calipers, an adaptive M Suspension, and an M Sport differential. Though the suspension is tuned for track days, it does soak up most bumps.
2020 BMW Z4 Braking Performance
The 2020 BMW Z4 has one of the best brakes in its class. The standard brakes can stop the car from 0-60MPH in just 113 feet. Opting for the M Sport brakes significantly improves its braking performance as well. However, at lower speeds, the brakes lack a tad-bit precision and feel soft and grabby, while under hard-braking or emergency situations, body roll becomes rather evident.
Models
|
2020 BMW Z4
|
2020 Porsche 718 Boxster
|
2020 Audi TT Roadster
|
2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
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N/A
|
13.0
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12.3
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14
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Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
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N/A
|
11.8
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11.8
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12.8
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Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
3287
|
3021
|
3384
|
3405
|
60-0 MPH (feet)
|
113
|
112
|
115
|
109
|
The BMW Z4 performs very well in the braking test but stands just behind the Porsche 718 Boxster that can come to a halt in 112ft. The Z4 is also equipped with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) to improve the overall braking performance. Jaguar F-Type has the largest brakes in the lot of 14 and 12.8 inches at the front and back and that is needed because it is slightly heavier than the others. Moreover, it is the quickest to stop from 60-0MPH in 109 feet, while the Audi TT Roadster covers the maximum ground before coming to a standstill.