2020 BMW Z4 M40i Review: An Ever-Rarer Breed

We bring to a close our unofficial Convertible Week in style with the 2020 BMW Z4 M40i. Even among the small flotilla of small convertibles currently on the market, the Z4 belongs in a category all on its own, a car like they hardly make them anymore.

See also our reviews of the 2019 BMW M850i, the 2019 Fiat 124 Abarth and the 2019 Mazda MX-5!

The BMW Z4 has been a three-season presence on our roads since 2003. At that time the roadster segment was in full bloom, what with the arrival of the Porsche Boxster and Audi TT, not to mention the Mercedes-Benz SLK. You could also add to this entirely German trio some Japanese and American speedsters like the Nissan 350Z Roadster, Honda S2000 and Chrysler Crossfire.

That golden age would not last, however, and the competition has thinned out considerable in the category. We’re left with the 718 Boxster, the aging 370Z Roadster and the Audi TT, currently on its last legs on the market as its maker has confirmed it intends to cancel it.

Needless to say, the 2020 BMW Z4, the model’s third generation, arrives like a huge breath of fresh, especially in the age of sport utility vehicles; we live in an automotive landscape that’s unrecognizable compared to 15 years ago.

Read more