2020 BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 has carved a niche for itself in the market and has racked up abundant sales for the brand. The 2 seater car justifies its price tag with a strong engine lineup, nimble handling characteristics, and posh interior. While the base engine holds adequate power, the newly introduced Z4 M40i delivers even better performance and has been reviewed separately. Some of the main competitors of the 2020 BMW Z4 include the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster, the 2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible, and the 2020 Audi TT Roadster.

The 2020 BMW Z4 comes in one base trim- sDrive30i. Moreover, there is a performance variant - M40i added to the lineup this year. The price of the base trim starts from $49,700 and can go up based on the optional packages you choose. As standard, you get SensaTec simulated leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and Apple CarPlay. Optional packages include M Sport which adds 18-inch orbit-grey wheels and Shadowline exterior trim; Track Handling package which adds M Sport brakes with blue calipers, an adaptive M Suspension, and an M Sport differential. Moreover, there is an Executive package that adds premium leather upholstery, adaptive headlights, and a premium sound system. The convertible is made available in only an RWD configuration and has a single-engine option at its disposal. 

Which Trim should you buy?

Z4 sDrive30i is a standalone trim and thus there will be no confusion in choosing a trim. If the standard features on offer are still less for you, then you can opt for a variety of packages and optional features like 19-inch Alloy wheels, Adaptive LED Headlights, M Sport package, and Track Handling Package, and a lot more.

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.

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. 

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. 

The 2020 BMW Z4 performs impressively when it comes to fuel economy. It provides roughly around 24/32/27 mpg on city/highway/combined driving cycles respectively. The 3L Turbo Inline-6 significantly boosts performance but the fuel economy doesn't take a hit either. Moreover, it comes equipped with a 13.7-gallon fuel tank which will be enough to cover around 370 miles between each fill-up.

The BMW Z4 offers well-balanced performance and fuel efficiency. The 2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible and Audi TT Roadster offer similar efficiency as the Z4 but they come with the larger fuel tanks in the lot. The Jaguar, however, manages almost 500 miles in a single refill, which is significantly higher than rivals. The 718 Boxster is tuned for performance rather than efficiency and its combined efficiency of 22 MPG is evidence of the fact.

The interior of the 2020 BMW Z4 is far better than most of its competitors. You will be mesmerized by the layout and design language. The 3rd generation Z4 is slightly bigger which allows easy ingress and egress of the cabin. But it has seats for only two people. The two-tone interior throughout the car looks beautiful and there are chrome accents everywhere. 

SensaTec simulated leather upholstery is standard but that can be upgraded to Vernasca leather upholstery. 

Apart from that, you also get automatic climate control, 14-way power-adjustable seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power-folding soft top as standard. The steering wheel is very light and is wrapped in leather. The soft-top can be raised or lowered when the car is cruising under 30 mph. The bolstering on the seats makes it look sporty as well. Overall, the entire interior layout of the car is fabulous and very sporty. Our only complaint in an otherwise inch-perfect cabin is that visibility outside does feel compromised, especially when rivals provide a better and higher seating position. Even the storage spaces on the inside feel rather impractical and accessing the front cupholders is an ordeal. 

The 2020 Audi TT Roadster has the least interior space while the Porsche fairs poorly when its cargo space is compared to its competitors. F-Type offers incredible legroom but the headroom takes a hit owing to the low slung roof but if you retract the soft-top that won't be a problem. The BMW Z4 on the other hand has the best cargo space available at 9.9 cu ft. In terms of cabin setup and layout, it is difficult to declare a certain winner as each convertible car makes use of premium quality materials and has defined ergonomics. 

Standout interior features:

• 14-way power-adjustable M Sport Seats with Memory function
• SensaTec and Vernasca Leather upholstery
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Automatic climate control
• Ambient Lighting
• Dual-zone Climate Control

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2020 BMW Z4 gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with BMW Connect and BMW Remote Services. The display is of excellent quality and there is no screen glare issue even in bright sunlight. The graphics are very crisp, the font is readable, and even the menus are logically placed. It has 20GB of multimedia storage and while Apple CarPlay is a standard inclusion, the infotainment system still remains devoid of Android Auto compatibility. 

The display is controlled by an iDrive touchpad controller which is very easy to use. You can connect your smartphone with the infotainment system with the help of Bluetooth connectivity. The navigation system will help you to reach your destination and works perfectly fine. Finally, a 12 speaker Harman Kardon audio system will take the party to the roads.

Standout infotainment features:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• USB Connection
• Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Voice control
• Premium Package includes wireless charging and heads-up display

The 3rd gen BMW Z4 has been changed drastically when compared to the 2nd gen. The 2020 MY carries the same design language as that of the 2019 MY as it came after a long hiatus. It bears an aggressive fascia with a striking stance and has the ability to turn heads on the bustling streets of New York. The kidney grille has been redesigned for the 3rd gen which looks amazing and does not feel overpowering as is the case with other upcoming models. The large air intakes on the front are functional and it receives black treatment which separates it from the rest of the body. 

The front headlights were redesigned and look like it is inspired by an animal. The taillights were also redesigned and look very sleek. The car has an integrated spoiler at the rear, which bestows a streamlined look to the vehicle. Also, you can easily spot the difference between the 2nd gen and the 3rd gen Z4. Being a two-door sleek convertible, the car also has a very low center of gravity. Overall, the exterior of the 2020 BMW Z4 is truly amazing.

The BMW Z4 has a shorter wheelbase of 97.2 inches as compared to its rivals. The Porsche 718 Boxster is the lightest car weighing 3021 lbs and that explains why it is the quickest and most nimble of the lot. The Audi TT roadster has the best ground clearance of 5.1 inches but it is comparatively small, while the Jaguar is evidently the largest option on offer and has the lowest clearance from the ground of 3.9 inches. 

In terms of design, all three contemporaries continue with their traditional styling cues. Though they do look on par with one another and have ample appeal in their design, the BMW’s revamped styling helps it add a touch of modernity to the segment. 

Standout exterior features of the 2020 BMW Z4 include:

• LED Headlights and Taillights
• Black Soft Top
• 18” Alloy Wheels
• Power-adjustable exterior mirrors with memory
• 18-inch Performance Tires
• Fog Lights

The 2020 BMW Z4 has not been tested by the federal and non-federal agencies, but with the latest techs and safety features, we believe that it will perform well. Some of the safety features of the convertible comes equipped with, include ABS, airbags, traction control, front and rear parking sensors, and corner braking control. Additionally, the car gets based on the Cluster Architecture(CLAR) Platform that underpins a number of vehicles from the brand. It makes use of high-tensile steel to ensure top-notch build quality and through an effective and efficient weight management system controls the curb weight of the vehicle, making it safe and reliable. Some of the other standout safety specifications include:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blindspot monitor
• Lane departure warning
• Hands-free parallel park assist
• BMW’s Active Protection system
• BMW Assist eCall

2020 BMW Z4 vs 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster

The Porsche 718 Boxster is a benchmark for all manufacturers when it comes to sports convertibles. It has a solid built quality and aesthetic look. It has slightly better performance than the Z4 but the fuel economy is poor. However, the BMW Z4 undercuts the 718 Boxster in terms of its price and offers similar performance and set of features. So, if you are tight on your budget then the 2020 BMW Z4 can be a perfect choice for you.

2020 BMW Z4 vs 2020 Audi TT Roadster

Audi TT Roadster is also a very popular convertible among enthusiasts. It has better looks than most of its rivals and better build quality as well. But it can’t match the BMW in terms of its performance and is the more frugal option amongst the two. Moreover, the BMW Z4 has a larger cabin at its disposal that feels accommodating and capacious. While both convertibles have ample features to provide, a $700 premium that the BMW commands feel worthwhile for the experience that it provides.

2020 BMW Z4 vs 2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible

The Jaguar F-Type Convertible is a clear winner when compared to the Z4 Convertible. It has better performance than the BMW. Despite being powerful, it is equally fuel-efficient as well but the Z4 is very fun to drive and feels engaging with its precise feedback. But the Z4 costs almost 15 grand less than the Jaguar which makes it a more valuable proposition. So, the Z4 is a better option to choose from on budget and if finance is not an issue, the Jaguar is an undisputed choice. 

The 3rd gen BMW Z4 is a game changer in the hands of the brand that cohesively unifies performance with luxury. The inclusion of the latest techs and features keeps it ahead in the rapidly growing competition. Its handling characteristics are excellent and it is very fun to drive. The interior is very sporty and futuristic but practical at the same time. The exterior styling is very aggressive which is what is needed in a sports convertible. While the steering does lack feedback, the overall ride quality feels immersive and so does owning this pocket rocket.