TOP-DOWN MOTORISTS, YOUR MANUAL 2025 Z4 HAS ARRIVED!

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

And we thought it was all over for the manual! But thanks to BMW, for the first time, the 2025 Z4 will come with a 6-speed gearbox option, part of the $3,500 Handschalter package (“hand shift” in German). That should bring plenty of grins to the faces of stick-shift aficionados! To accommodate for this welcome addition, the German carmaker has retuned the handsome roadster’s chassis, suspension and steering systems.

Z4

Under the long bulging hood of the two-seater sits a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine. This power plant delivers an enormous 382 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm. That translates into 0 to 60 in just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. Incredible for a slightly 3514-pound vehicle? You bet. Push the starter button to summon the twin-scroll turbocharger, and the rev-happy Z4 emits a throaty exhaust roar.

Keeping that muscle on the road is a double-joint spring McPherson strut front end and a multilink rear suspension that provides a stable refined ride even on harsh streets and in bad weather. An adaptive M suspension instantly adjusts damping force in response to driver input and road conditions. And before we forget, you have a choice of eco pro, comfort and sport modes.

Quick turns and bends are no challenge as the M Servotronic electric power steering with variable sport takes over. Active M Differential distributes drive torque evenly to the rear axle for more control and stability.

Stopping the two-seater, which rides on 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, are 13.7-inch ventilated front discs and 12.7-inch rear disc brakes. Four-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control join in to avoid any mishaps. Safety is built into the Z4 with dual front and side airbags, side curtain, front knee airbags, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure and forward-collision warnings, active cruise control (varying speed and maintaining a safe distance from vehicle in front), blind sport monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, rearview camera, rollover protection and parking sensors with emergency brakes.

No matter where you travel, the convertible sportster displays its attractive presence. A black mesh kidney grille hosting the BMW emblem is flanked by swept-back LED headlights and gloss black accents on badging and mirror caps, and red caliper brakes. Step into the cabin and luxury trimmings will envelop you. The 12-way power front seats, all decked in gorgeous Vernasca leather, are a sight to behold and then ensconce in. The 10.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment is easy to use and control. Want to do some top-down motoring? Just push a button on the center console and within seconds, the sky will open up! Our cognac-colored test drive also came with a manual tilt/telescopic steering column with paddle shifters, dual auto a/c, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a piano-black shifter.

The rev-happy and smooth Z4 powertrain provides plenty of punch around town while its two occupants are coddled in a lavish, tech-laden cabin. Once again, kudos to BMW for integrating the stick into the shift! Indeed, it is open-air riding at its finest!

Z4 M40i

Tires: 255/35R19 front; 285/30R20 rear

Wheelbase: 97.2 inches

Length: 170.7 inches

Width: 73.4 inches

Height: 51.3 inches

Fuel capacity: 13.7 gallons

City: 19 mpg

Highway: 26 mpg

Base price: $66,450

Price as tested: $74,520

Web site: www.bmwusa.com