2021 BMW Z4 Roadster Review: Crackerjack Cruiser
Imagine a sports car that's sophisticated enough to show up to business meetings in, proficient enough to dominate in your club's emulous track days, and has enough luxury to make cruising around a dream experience. Well, imagine no more, as the 2021 BMW Z4 Roadster is this car, comprising a sporty yet authoritative demeanor, two dynamite and refined engines, and all the contemporary creature comforts, conveniences and safety features one would expect from a premium vehicle. In the focused Z4 line is the sDrive30i, which comes standard-fit with a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine, while the sDrive M40i gets a 382-hp 3.0-liter turbo 6-cylinder motor. The 2021 Z4 Roadster has the dynamic performance chops to put it up against the likes of the Porsche 718 Boxster and the modern and luxurious makeup to stand alongside the tech-laden Audi TT.
2021 Z4 Roadster Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170.7 in | 97.2 in | 51.4 in | 73.4 in | 63.7 in | 63.5 in | 3,287.0 lbs |
2021 Z4 Roadster Performance
2021 Z4 Roadster Interior
2021 Z4 Roadster Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2021 BMW Z4 Roadster A Good convertible?
There are still a multitude of premium 2-door roadsters in the USA that are stunning, capable, and contemporary, despite the current SUV and crossover trend. That means the Z4 Roadster convertible has a lot of competition, including the renowned Porsche 718 Boxster. However, none have the proud legacy of the BMW Roadster, making it one of a kind within the segment. It's an eye-catching drop-top, too, and contemporary both outside and in. Each of the engines in the line offer plenty of power and throttle responses are precise and refined. Together with the Z4's masterfully modulated chassis and racing-traditional RWD setup, this delivers a truly phenomenal driving experience. It comes fairly well-outfitted with modern and luxurious creature comforts and conveniences, but at the 2021 BMW Z4 Roadster's price of $49,700, we feel it could be presented with a few more driver assists. After all, the current fourth-gen Z4, which includes the 2021 BMW Z4 Roadster, hasn't undergone review for its crashworthiness. Most high-end cars don't get a safety rating, though and the Z4 drop-top actually has a pretty decent reliability expectation for a luxury convertible. The Z4 Roadster is undoubtedly a special car and while it may not be the nonpareil of its class, it isn't easily outclassed.
What BMW Z4 Roadster Model Should I Buy?
Deciding on which 2021 Z4 Roadster to go for will come down to whether you want to embrace its performance or luxury side more - either way, you'll be getting a phenomenal car. The sDrive30i has the turbo-four and is about $14,000 cheaper than the sDrive M40i, but that price gap can easily be bridged by optioning in all of the available packages and add-ons. If you're willing to close that gap, you'll be choosing either the M40i with its exhilarating inline-6 engine and mid-spec level of features, or the sDrive30i with its more balanced engine and top-spec-level of features. With the extraordinary driving experience the sDrive M40i offers, however, it's the soft-top Z4 we'd recommend every time.