Being a reasonably fast and agile handler of the two-door convertible roadster segment, the 2022 BMW Z4 sees no major changes from the outgoing model. The 2022 Z4 is still one of the best models of the segment, and it manages to retain the upmarket interior design and quality without bogging down in terms of overall cabin space and comfort. The comfortable suspension setup makes it a preferred daily driver for many enthusiasts as well.
Offered for a base MSRP of $49,900, the lower sDrive30i comes with the same peppy turbocharged inline-4 motor producing impressive acceleration and is mated to a fast-shifting 8-speed automatic. BMW has also launched the sDriveM40i trim for the enthusiasts out there, which gets the twin-turbo inline-6 motor. However, BMW has removed the features like ambient lighting and wireless phone charging, both of which are now optional. There are some changes to the optional packages too. Competing with the likes of Toyota Supra, Porsche Boxster, and Nissan Z, here are 10 things you need to know before buying the 2022 BMW Z4.
10 M40i Gets The Powerful Twin-Turbo Inline-6
If you want to experience the true potential of the Toyota-BMW joint sports car architecture platform, we would highly recommend you to opt for the impressive M40i trim, which comes with the powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 motor. With an output of 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, the performance is going to put a smile on your face and the meaty torque feels much more exciting than many of the segment rivals.
This convertible sports car with the inline-6 motor can post 0-60 mph times of just 3.8 seconds. The quarter-mile time of 12.3 seconds is better than the 718 Boxster and C300 Convertible. What makes it even more fun than the regular sDrive30i trim is the faster gearshifts provided by the 8-speed automatic and the superior top-end performance. However, the fuel efficiency numbers do see a major dip when compared to the inline-4 equipped trims.
9 Driving Experience Sees No Compromises
Being a drop-top sports car, you might expect the 2022 Z4 to be more watered down when compared to the sports coupes from the same brand. However, you are not going to be disappointed with the driving experience, as it is surprisingly agile and focused like how it should be for a Bimmer. The electric power steering offers incredible feel and feedback and weights up significantly as the speed rises.
Even though the fun-to-drive factor is still a notch below the segment benchmark, the 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster, we love the lack of understeer at the corner entry, and its excellent body control while doing mid-corner direction changes. At the limit, it does exhibit a bit of oversteer which could be easily controlled with throttle and steering input. The only minor complaint we have is that it feels heavy during hard cornering.
8 Unmatched Refinement Level For A Convertible
The 2022 BMW Z4 is a comfortable place to be, and that is mainly highlighted by its impressive refinement level, which makes it a great daily driver as well. The cabin gets a heavy dose of sound-deadening materials and this helps in reducing the external noises creeping into the cabin.
The aerodynamic design makes sure that the wind noise is not going to pose any issues and the tire noise is almost non-existent, even while driving on the highway. The steering is adequately light at slow speeds, and the suspension doesn't make any clunking noises when met with sudden potholes.
7 A Manual Transmission Is Missing
Even though the ZF-sourced 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission makes the Z4 a hoot to drive, we would have loved it even more with a traditional 6-speed manual. The Porsche Boxster still retains the brilliantly calibrated and precise manual transmission, and that makes it an incredibly enjoyable convertible.
However, the 8-speed automatic that comes mated with both the engine configurations of the 2022 Z4 provides fast and almost seamless shifts. Put it in sports mode, and you are going to enjoy the lightning-quick shift times. Push hard on the gas pedal and the transmission kicks down multiple gears, putting the engine right in the powerband.
6 Top-Notch Cabin Quality
The interior quality and comfort factor are two of the most important aspects of a premium roadster, and the 2022 BMW Z4 doesn't disappoint one bit. With no major changes from the 2021 model year, the cabin comes packed with premium leather inserts, aluminum accents, and beautiful contrast stitching, all of which exude luxury.
We also loved the standard black Sensatec upholstery on offer. If you want an even more premium experience, BMW also offers five optional Vernasca leather upholstery shades. The sporty and plush leather seats make driving an easy affair, and we found the cabin to be built to top-notch standards. There are no unwanted rattles or squeaks from anywhere, and the panel gaps are consistent throughout as well.
5 A Comfortable Daily Driver
Put the Z4 in comfort mode, and this roadster converts its personality from a sharp and focused back road barnstormer to a supremely comfortable cruiser. The strut front suspension and multi-link rear setup with adaptive ride control means that it is going to be even more brilliant as a daily driver than the likes of the 718 Boxster and C300 Convertible.
The bigger bumps and potholes are filtered with ease and never manage to bother the occupants. Even while driving at slow speeds, the ride quality turned out to be almost perfect due to its balanced suspension setup. The impressive overall refinement level coupled with smooth transmission also aids in the comfort factor of this ride.
4 Inline-4 Motor Sets Benchmark In Terms Of Gas Mileage
Most of the sales of the Z4 come from the base sLine30i trim, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 motor plays a major role in its sales success. This motor not only provides the performance that the enthusiasts crave from a roadster but also churns out top-notch fuel efficiency figures, making it a brilliant daily driver.
This roadster with the inline-4 could do 25 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, equating to combined gas mileage of 28 MPG. The 13.7-gallon fuel tank capacity also helps the car produce a highway range of close to 438 miles. In comparison, both the 718 Boxster and C300 Convertible offered a lower combined gas mileage of 24 MPG.
3 A Spacious Grand Tourer
Well-bolstered and supportive seats along with the spacious cabin make sure that even the taller folks would find the Z4 to be comfortable. The seats feel very premium and the optional Valcona leather takes the things to the next level. There is more than adequate under-thigh and lower back support as well.
When it comes to the overall space, the driver and passenger get more headroom and legroom than the Audi TT and the Mercedes-Benz C300 Convertible. Getting in and out was less cumbersome than most of the rivals, too. The cargo space of 9.9 cu ft may not be the best, however, the trunk is flat and relatively deep. The only gripe we have is the lack of cubbyholes and storage spaces inside the cabin, reducing its versatility.
2 Easy To Use iDrive Infotainment System
The 10.3" touchscreen iDrive infotainment system comes as standard for both trims. This infotainment is very intuitive to use, with excellent touch sensitivity and no lags and stutters while navigating. All the icons are neatly laid out and everything is placed where it should be.
The features like navigation, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, voice recognition, steering mounted audio controls, and a 10-speaker audio system are standard. The audio quality turned out to be superb for the segment, and the bass wasn't too overpowering. However, it still misses out on Android Auto connectivity.
1 Many Safety Features Are Optional
The only standard driver-assistance features offered with the 2022 BMW Z4 are the forward-collision monitoring system, daytime pedestrian detection with city braking, and lane departure warning. However, all the basic safety features like ABS with EBD, driveline traction control, stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, and airbags are in place.
However, if you want to go all-out with the driver-assistance tech, it can be selected from the optional features and packages list. This would provide you with adaptive cruise control, blindspot monitoring, rear collision protection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Even the rivals only offer many of these features as optional extras as well.