BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 is a two-seater convertible sports car (Roadster) under the BMW Group, carrying on the mantle of the Z3 and representing the brand's interpretation of pure rear-wheel-drive driving pleasure. The third-generation Z4 (codenamed G29) was introduced in 2018, co-developed with Toyota, sharing its platform and the Magna Steyr production facility in Graz, Austria, with the Toyota GR Supra. On 26 November 2025, BMW unveiled the Z4 Final Edition. This model marks the swan song of the G29-generation Z4 and signifies the brand's hiatus from the roadster segment. The official guide price range for the 2026 BMW Z4 is RM493,900 to RM640,900. Key competitors include the Porsche 718 Boxster and Audi TT, among others.

Design Language

The BMW Z4 Final Edition boasts a visually arresting exterior design. The body is finished in bespoke BMW Individual Frozen Black Metallic paint. The vehicle comes standard with the Shadowline Package, which adds a high-gloss black finish to the wing mirror caps, kidney grille, lower air intakes, and exhaust tailpipes. This is paired with a Moonlight Black soft-top convertible roof and striking red M Sport brake callipers. It rides on double-spoke M-exclusive alloy wheels with a staggered setup, featuring 19-inch rims at the front and 20-inch at the rear. Inside, the cabin is upholstered in a combination of black Vernasca leather and Alcantara, with red contrast stitching accenting the dashboard, centre console, door trim panels, and M Sport seats. The door sill scuff plates feature exclusive "Z4 Final Edition" badging. Overall vehicle dimensions stand at 4,336 mm in length, 1,867 mm in width, and 1,322 mm in height.

Powertrain and Performance

The BMW Z4 is offered with a choice of powertrains. The entry-level sDrive20i is powered by a low-output 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, delivering a maximum output of 197 hp (145 kW) and a peak torque of 320 Nm. The sDrive30i is equipped with a high-output 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 258 hp (190 kW) and a peak torque of 400 Nm. The flagship M40i is powered by a B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, generating 382 hp (a 340 hp version is also available) and a peak torque of 500 Nm. The entire lineup adopts a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. In terms of transmission, the Final Edition offers two options: a 6-speed manual gearbox and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time for the sDrive20i is 6.6 seconds, while the sDrive30i completes it in 5.4 seconds.

Chassis and Handling

The BMW Z4 features an independent suspension setup with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. The Final Edition is available with the optional, exclusive Edition Handschalter package. Models specified with the 6-speed manual gearbox receive a bespoke chassis tuning, including dedicated calibration for the rear suspension damping, steering system, traction control, and M Sport differential. BMW specifically re-engineered the chassis for manual variants, incorporating unique auxiliary springs front and rear, reinforced anti-roll bar mounts, as well as recalibrated software for the electronic damper control and variable sport steering system. Steering response is razor-sharp, delivering transparent chassis feedback.

Cabin and Equipment

The cockpit features a dual-screen layout consisting of a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system operates smoothly and supports voice recognition control. The Final Edition comes standard with a Harman Kardon surround sound system, Head-Up Display (HUD), driver assistance features, and multi-colour ambient lighting. The cabin is also equipped with seatbelts featuring exclusive M tricolour accents. The updated model is further fitted with a crafted crystal gear selector and carbon-fibre trim highlights.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The BMW Z4 is comprehensively equipped with active and passive safety systems. Standard across the range are electronic aids such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Traction Control, and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). On the passive safety front, it comes with driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags. The Final Edition model is equipped with driver assistance features as standard.

Market Performance and Outlook

Following a peak of 15,827 deliveries in 2019, BMW Z4 sales declined year after year, with only 9,744 units delivered globally in 2025. In the Chinese market, sales stood at 1,454 units in 2022, 1,304 units in 2023, 846 units from January to September 2024, and only 474 units from January to July 2025. Ahead of its discontinuation, global Z4 deliveries in the first quarter of 2026 reached 2,555 units, representing a 4.9% year-on-year increase. BMW has confirmed that the Z4 will officially cease production in March 2026. In the near term, convertible sports cars bearing the Z badge—whether petrol or electric—are not expected to return to the market. As a purist sports car engineered solely for driving thrills, the BMW Z4 has left an indelible mark among car enthusiasts worldwide, celebrated for its classic FR layout, the mechanical purity of its straight-six engine, and the open-air sense of freedom.