BMW Z4 M40i 2020 Review

Let’s get it out of the way right up front. Yes, the BMW Z4 provides the building blocks that underpin the Toyota Supra. But to say the two are the same to look at or even drive is patently ridiculous.

Toyota arrived at the Z4 party way later than it chooses to admit. So, what you’re looking at here is 100 per cent Bavarian at heart. Which is good as BMW has a history of building appealing two-seat convertibles that goes back to before World War II to the 328.

The latest G29 series is the third generation of the BMW Z4 badge in an evolution that has inexorably moved the German roadster to the softer end of the segment.

It was debuted at Pebble Beach in 2018 and we’ve driven a number of different variants, including the original Z4 M40i that didn’t quite have the extra neddies of this powered-up version.

For 2020, BMW’s thrown some extra kW at the Z4 M40i – methinks just to ensure that pesky Toyota knows who is boss… At least until the 2021 model Supra arrives.

In a rare turn-up for the books, our Glacier Silver metallic 2020 BMW Z4 M40i arrived with just one option – the aforementioned metallic paint.

That raised its ‘as tested’ pricing by $2000, to $129,900 plus on-road costs.

The ‘Vernasca’ Black leather upholstery (with ‘décor stitching’) was standard equipment, as was the Aluminium Tetragon interior trim and 19-inch Cerium Grey M double-spoke alloy wheels.

No, there’s not a lot missing from the BMW Z4 M40i’s standard spec sheet that you’ll need.

As standard, there’s seat heating, keyless entry and start and, of course, the latest BMW infotainment system with Connected Services – some of which you might actually use! The latter is via its own SIM and a three-year subscription.

The electric top drops or raises in about 12 seconds (I timed it and that’s quicker than average) at speeds up to 50km/h.

The M40i is the most extreme BMW Z4 variant and sits at the very top of the current Z4 range. This is the new 285kW version (torque is unchanged at 500Nm).

BMW says it’s good for 0-100km/h in 4.1sec. The 250kW predecessor was 0.4sec slower. Reason enough to buy? Maybe not.

The six-cylinder turbo M40i gets a swag of mechanical upgrades over the four-cylinder Z4s including Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport brakes and electronically controlled limited-slip Sport differential, plus Driving Experience Control drive mode optimisation.

Essentially, it’s the fastest, most luxurious two-seat BMW you can buy, now the hybrid i8 sports coupe has been discontinued.

There’s a reason this car doesn’t wear a proper M badge. And, by the way, kudos to BMW for withstanding the temptation.

The fact is, even with the mechanical upgrades and more oomph, the BMW Z4 M40i is still more cruiser than racer.

The tauter suspension, bigger wheels and generally more ‘tied down’ dynamics separate this Z4 from its four-cylinder counterparts but it is still far more comfortable at a brisk road pace than when pushed closer to its limits.

Any pretensions of tracking it should be left at the dealership.

It’s more capable than the aging Mercedes-Benz SLC (nee SLK) but a Porsche Boxster competitor it is not and this will shape its buyer demographic.

Better to compare it with the Jaguar F-TYPE roadster or even the V8 GT version of the Ford Mustang convertible.

As a convertible it works particularly well. Any buffeting with the roof down is minimal and with heated seats and the windows up, it’s a very comfortable place to spend some time – even in single-digit temperatures.

The turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine makes the BMW Z4 M40i properly rapid in a straight line.

And thanks to that big, flat torque curve that peaks at 500Nm, vibrant acceleration is available under your right foot almost at any time in any gear. Indeed, the roll-on and overtaking performance, aided by the excellent eight-speed auto, makes a mockery of our open-road speed limits.

The straight turbo six retains a wonderfully smooth, quick-revving nature and the tunes it produces, while not of an E46 M3 timbre, are stirring enough. Yet it’s also quiet and refined when you need it to be.

The adaptive dampers deliver decent enough ride and even in comfort mode provide enough body control. In Sport, the ride barely deteriorates. In this aspect, this is a very grown-up and refined roadster.

The cabin too errs on the conservative – perhaps a more extravagant leather colour might liven things up a bit, but I found the understated nature of the finishes added class.

With the roof up, there’s even a half-decent boot. Cue golf club member chide here.

I like the Z4 M40i, but as was the case with BMW’s last couple of generations of roadsters, I don’t love it.

I once described the original Z3 M Roadster as Munich’s homage to the original Shelby Cobra. It was raw, cantankerous and just a little dangerous.

Part of me… a lot of me actually, wanted the Z4 M40i to have just a little bit of mongrel about it.

As it is, this two-seater is far too polished to be considered a pukka sports car.

How much does the 2020 BMW Z4 M40i cost?
Price: $127,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 285kW/500Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 171g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (EuroNCAP 2019)