The 2025 BMW Z4 M40i is a driver’s delight. With its new optional six-speed manual transmission installed, the rear-wheel-drive, two-seat roadster is keen for daily transportation. But it’s at its best on a winding country road, top down. It’s an automotive stress deflator.
There’s nothing wrong with the other available trim, the sDrive30i. It has a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its performance is satisfying, but the M40i represents BMW’s heritage sportiness. It features a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower.
Via its category, the BMW Z4 is not a cavernous sedan for a family vacation. It’s a two-seat sports car, with tight seating, limited trunk space and a low-to-the-ground feel inherent to the convertible persona.
That said, the roadster has more comfort than its competitors. The seats don’t feel cramped and shifting is accomplished without awkward arm positioning. Getting in and out of roadsters isn’t joyous, but the result is the enjoyment of the drive. It won’t hold more than one soft-sided suitcase in the trunk. There may be room for a set of golf clubs if no one is occupying the passenger seat.
BMW vehicles are equipped with hefty lists of standard features. The Z4 M40i gets much of the same equipment as the sDrive 30i, heated power-adjustable seats to a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. A 10-speaker audio system and a forward collision mitigation system are also standard. The latter warns the driver of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios.
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also in the standard equipment mix with two USB charge ports. Technology upgrades include a wireless charging pad, a head-up display and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The power-folding fabric convertible top works quickly via the lever to the right of the center console. The top lowers and rises intact in less than 15 seconds.
Beyond its more powerful engine, the M40i adds keyless entry, a heated steering wheel and lumbar adjustments for both seats.
Several additional packages and stand-alone extras vault the M40i into another level of attractiveness, from additional safety to convenience.
The Premium Package ($1,250) is only available in the M40i and it includes remote engine ignition, ambient light, a head-up display and an automated parking system. A Harmon Kardon surround sound audio adds $750 and a Shadowline Package ($550) features adaptive full LED lights).
Upscale items comprise a Handschalter (hand shift in German) manual trim package ($3,500). It gives the roadster handsome touches —extender Shadowline black high-gloss exterior trim pieces, red brake calipers and dark badging.
There are five available Vernasca leather upholstery colors complementing several exterior M40i color choices, including BMW’s Individual Frozen Deep Green metallic ($2,950). It’s fluorescent and widely changes colors in varying weather conditions.
With all of its top-line equipment and stunning looks, The Z4 M40i maintains the carmaker’s enduring legacy via its superior drive. Acceleration from 0-to-60 miles per hour takes 3.9 seconds, but it feels quicker. Gas mileage averages are 23 miles per gallon in city driving, 31 mpg on the highway. The car is quiet, albeit quieter with the top-up, a common trait among convertibles.
While convertible vehicles with manual transmission are uncommon, the Z4 M40i has several competitors, the Porsche 718 Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette, Mazda Miata and Ford Mustang. Every vehicle in the group is uniquely handsome with specific merits.
The BMW Z4 M40i has an MSRP of $66,450 and a final tally of $77,470. Like all BMWs, it’s not a bargain. It’s an enduring German sports car for those who like to shift through gears. It defines, with good reason, the adage of getting what you pay for.
James Raia is a syndicated automotive column and sports and lifestyle freelance writer. Email address: james@jamesraia.com