2009 BMW Z4
#7

in Luxury Sports Cars

Based on analysis of 22 Z4 reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $45,750 - $51,650
Invoice: $42,090 - $47,520
MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.4
Performance:8.0
Exterior:9.0
Interior:8.0
Safety:NA
Reliability:NA
Research we analyzed for this review
  • Strong powertrain options
  • Retractable hard top
  • Improved materials and increased passenger room
  • An iDrive media interface that's now easier to use
  • Steering system lacks feedback
  • Limited cargo room

BMW Z4 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 BMW Z4 ranks 7 out of 8 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 22 published reviews and test drives of the BMW Z4, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The all-new 2009 BMW Z4 is improved in every way and now features a sleek retractable hard top, standard.

The BMW Z4 is completely redesigned for the 2009 model year. And though it isn't a huge departure from the previous generation, this year's model is expected to turn more heads and drop more jaws than ever before -- especially with its retractable hardtop. With this much-welcomed addition, the Z4 can now double as both a coupe and roadster.

If you're in the market for luxury sports roadster, be sure to test drive the class-leading Porsche Boxster. It costs roughly the same as the Z4, but is a much more capable sports performer. Plus the Porsche name exudes an air of exclusiveness that BMW can't match.

The 2009 Z4 is available in two trims, the sDrive30i and turbocharged sDrive35i.

  • "The outgoing BMW Z4, like the Z3 before it, was widely considered to be merely an expensive 'sporty' car -- a Miata for well-off college coeds. But a full redesign for the 2009 BMW Z4 moves the car into the rarefied realm of true luxury/performance roadsters. The new Z4 is significantly more refined, there's a little more room inside and it now boasts a power-folding hardtop." -- Edmunds

Z4 Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)

Test drivers report that the Z4 is fast and satisfying to drive. Edmunds notes: "The Z4 mostly delivers when it comes to performance, the exception being its artificial-feeling electric power steering, and it adds a level of sophistication that few small convertibles can match." continue

Z4 Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)

Sleeker than ever before, the new Z4 drops its coupe and convertible body styles in favor of a single offering that features a retractable hard top. "If the last BMW Z4 looked as though it had a few odd concavities and strange proportions-rest assured that this new one has a design that's far more elegant and cohesive," comments Popular Mechanics. "And that's rather fortunate for BMW considering that its Z4 competes in a roadster segment that's notoriously superficial." continue

Z4 Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Auto writers appreciate the Z4's new and improved interior cabin. Overall, the interior appears to have moved decidedly more upscale, especially when equipped with the optional leather-wrapped dash," writes Automobile Magazine. "BMW says it focused on increased practicality as well. Door openings are larger for easier ingress and egress, and there are new storage compartments throughout the interior." continue

Z4 Safety - NA

The Z4 has yet to be crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry. Still, it features loads of assuring safety features -- including Dual-airbag Supplementary Restraint System. continue

Z4 Reliability - NA

BMW protects the 2009 Z4 with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty that includes all scheduled maintenance at no cost for the same period. continue

Review Last Updated: 6/19/09