30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
M40i sDrive 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
M40i sDrive 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
M40i sDrive 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 8AM)
M40i sDrive 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 8AM)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 255 hp 8A)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
M40i sDrive 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
M40i sDrive 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
M40i sDrive 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
M40i sDrive 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 255 hp 8A)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 255 hp 8A)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
M40i sDrive 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 255 hp 8A)
M40i sDrive 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 8AM)
sDrive30i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
M40i sDrive 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 8AM)
Overall Rating
Back after a break of 3 years and in an All-New Avatar, the BMW Z4 sDrive30i has been launched in its 3rd Generation in 2020 in the US Market.
Back after a break of 3 years and in an all-new Avatar, the BMW Z4 sDrive30i has been launched in its 3rd Generation in 2020 in the US Market. Jointly developed with Toyota, the Bimmer shares it platform and Engines with the 2020 Toyota Supra which isn’t currently available for sale in the US. The 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i convertible allows seating for 2 people and features BMW’s latest 7th generation iDrive Multimedia interface.
There are two trims: the usual sdrive 35i and the other one is M40i. And let us make it simple for you. You want a daily go to work and have fun in sportscar go for the the sdrive 35i. If you want those thrilling Gs hitting your gut, hilariously quick late night zips get the M40i.
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 255 hp 8A)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
30i sDrive 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Back after a break of 3 years and in an All-New Avatar, the BMW Z4 sDrive30i has been launched in its 3rd Generation in 2020 in the US Market.
Back after a break of 3 years and in an all-new Avatar, the BMW Z4 sDrive30i has been launched in its 3rd Generation in 2020 in the US Market. Jointly developed with Toyota, the Bimmer shares it platform and Engines with the 2020 Toyota Supra which isn’t currently available for sale in the US. The 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i convertible allows seating for 2 people and features BMW’s latest 7th generation iDrive Multimedia interface.
The 2020 BMW Z4 comes in just 2 trims for 2020 and we are reviewing the sDrive30i here. The Convertible comes loaded with the best in terms of safety and equipment that BMW has to offer in 2020. Some of the highlights include:
Trim |
BMW Z4 sDrive30i |
---|---|
MSRP (RWD) |
$49,700 |
Key Features |
LED Headlights |
Electrically Operated Soft Top roof |
|
10.25” Digital Instrument Cluster and 10.25” Center Display with Standard 10 Speaker 205W Audio System |
|
Cloud based Voice Control |
|
7th Gen iDrive Mutlimedia System with 20GB Memory, 2 USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple Car Play |
|
Electric Sport Seats with Integrated Head Rests |
|
SensaTec/Vernasca Leather Upholstery |
What do we recommend?
If you aren’t satisfied with this exhaustive set of features and want more from BMW, guess what, BMW has a lot more to offer. You have access to plenty of optional equipment that includes Heads Up Display, 19” Alloys, Adaptive LED Headlights, Msport, and Track Handling Packages and a lot more.
The 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i, comes powered by BMW’s All New 2.0 liter four-cylinder TwinPower Turbocharged motor with a High Precision Injection system whose maximum pressure has been increased to 350 bar / 5,076 psi. Power and Torque figures have improved significantly over the previous gen model and now stand at 255hp and 295lb.-ft. Respectively. The Z4 packs in enough punch for daily driving purposes and the turbocharged motor provides enough grunt, to overtake that odd car on the motorway or on the city streets.
Transmission duties are performed by a slick 8 Speed Transmission and comes with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Drivers can manually take control of the gear shifts and the Motor allows the drivers to shift when they want, without the intervention of the auto unit.
Models |
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible |
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible |
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$50,695 |
$59,000 |
$49,395 |
Engine |
2.0L Twin Turbocharged Motor Inline-4 |
2.0L Intercooled Turbocharged Motor H4 |
2.0L TFSI Inline-4 |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD |
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Manual |
7-Speed Automated Manual |
Power |
255hp@5,000rpm |
300hp@6,500rpm |
228hp@5,000rpm |
Torque |
295lb-ft@1,500rpm |
280lb-ft@1,950rpm |
258lb-ft@1,750rpm |
At this price point, no car can match the Bimmer in terms of numbers. However, pay a premium of around $10,000 and you can lay your hands on the Porsche 718 Boxster that generates 45 more horses than the BMW.
The New Powertrain and the Chassis have resulted in significant upgrades in the performance of the 3rd Gen Z4 as compared to its predecessor. The Z4, coupled with its Launch Control system does the dash to 60MPH in just 5.2 seconds. While the Quarter mile figures haven’t been released by BMW yet, we do expect them to hover somewhere between the 12.5 to 13.5-second mark.
Models |
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible |
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible |
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro |
---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
5.2 sec |
4.9 sec |
5.5 sec |
Quarter Mile |
12.3 sec |
12.7 sec |
13.7 sec |
Top Speed | 155 MPH | 180 MPH | 174 MPH |
Engine |
2.0L Twin Turbocharged Motor Inline-4 |
2.0L Intercooled Turbocharged Motor H4 |
2.0L TFSI Inline-4 |
As expected, the Porsche is the fastest convertible of the lot, to reach 60MPH and in the quarter-mile runs. The Bimmer comes in 2nd in this respect and the Audi and the Merc stand 3rd and 4th respectively.
With the New Generation of the Z4, BMW has left no stone unturned in offering the best ride and handling setup for the same. The Z4 sDrive30i gets a double-joint spring strut suspension at the front and a new five-link suspension in the rear. The Rigid front suspension subframe and control arm mounting points lead to precise cornering and reduces road noise as well.
Adding to the agility is the Aluminum control arms and swivel bearings that reduce unsprung weight and offer better superb agility as well. The Lightweight Aluminum/Steel design in the rear suspension reduces the weight of the same and helps the chassis add to the 50-50 weight balance.
The 3 Spoke Sports steering with variable power assist and ratio adds to the feedback while cornering and weighs up well while doing low-speed commutes in the city. Adding to the handling package is the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) that includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC).
As expected of a BMW, the 3rd Generation BMW Z4 Roadster doesn’t disappoint in terms of the braking performance. The Brakes on the Z4 sDrive30i allows it to stop from 60MPH to a standstill in just 113ft. The Body, however, does showcase some roll and pitch under hard braking but it’s just a matter of getting used to.
Model |
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible |
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible |
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro |
---|---|---|---|
Brake Rotors Front |
N/A |
13" |
13.3" |
Brake Rotors Rear |
N/A |
11.8" |
12.2" |
Curb Weight |
3287 lbs |
2944 lbs |
3395 lbs |
60-0 MPH |
113 ft |
112 ft |
115 ft |
The Porsche again wins the bout in terms of braking performance as it marginally beats the Bimmer in the braking performance. The Audi lose out to their other german adversaries in terms of braking performance.
With the Twin Turbocharged Motor, BMW has managed to achieve a good combination of performance and efficiency with the 2020 Z4 sDrive30i. The Z4’s MPG figures are rated at 25MPG on the city, 32MPG on the highway and an overall figure of 28MPG. With a fuel tank of 13.7 gallons, the Bimmer can munch down 343 miles on the city and 438 miles on the highway.
Model |
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible |
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible |
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
25 |
21 |
23 |
MPG (Highway) |
32 |
28 |
31 |
MPG (Combined) |
28 |
24 |
26 |
Fuel Capacity |
13.7 gallons |
16.9 gallons |
14.5 gallons |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
343/438/383 miles |
355/473/405 miles |
334/450/377 miles |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr) |
6.3 |
7.3 |
7.1 |
While the Merc and the Porsche offer the least overall combined MPG figures, they manage to beat the Bimmer and the Audi in terms of overall range, with their massive fuel tanks. The Audi offers the least MPG figures of the entire lot and has the least range as well.
With a driver focused cabin, the 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i, does well in offering a comfortable ride for the passengers riding in it. The Bigger dimensions allows for easy access inside the cabin. The Sport Seats on the Bimmer offer good levels of support and bolstering and come with conveniences like Heating Functionality and Power Adjust. A wide center console seperates the passenger seat and the driver, with the driver’s right leg brushing the same a bit more often than required.
The Soft Top on the Z4 lowers and raises under speeds of 30MPH. The Noise insulation from the outside with the top up is excellent and resembles some other BMW sedans. The only downside comes from the fact that the Bimmer can only seat 2 people.
Model |
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible |
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible |
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro |
---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.9/54.3/42.2 |
N/A |
36.6/53.6/41.1 |
In terms of Seating, the Mercedes-Benz C 300 trumps all of its rivals as it is the only car in this comparison that can seat 4 people. In terms of the front seats as well, the C 300 is closest to the Bimmer as well. The Audi TT comes 3rd in this list and since Porsche doesn’t reveal the dimensions of its cars, we don’t have much to say about the same.
Despite being a Convertible, the 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i manages to offer a slightly higher cargo space than some of the coupes on sale in the market today. The 9.9 cu.ft of cargo capacity on offer, ranks as one of the best in the segment and a through-loading system with integrated transport bag, adds to the convenience of storing luggage in the same. Storage spaces are available on the doors and behind the front seats while a glove box in the center console allows for storing nifty stuff.
Model |
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible |
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible |
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro |
---|---|---|---|
Cargo Capacity |
9.9 cu.ft. |
9.7 cu.ft. |
7.5 cu.ft. |
The Porsche 718 Boxster manages to hold a candle against the Bimmer in terms of cargo capacity while all others in this comparison, fall short of the same. The Audi comes in the last spot of this comparison while the Merc has to suffice with the 3rd spot.
Stand in front of the 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen Z4’s parked next to each other and you’ll be amazed by the stark differences in design and dimension between the 2. In terms of design, the 2020 Z4 sDrive30i gets a sculpted front end with large air intakes, a low, broad BMW kidney grille and headlights positioned at the outer edges. The Kidney grill gets a new design as well as the 2 headlights that have been positioned one above the other. The Trunk Lid gets an integrated spoiler and enhances BMW’s L Shape design with the horizontally arranged rear taillights.
The 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i comes with a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a shorter wheelbase (1.0” lesser than the 2nd Gen) that enhances the agility of the Z4. Also, the 2020 Z4 is 3.3 inches longer, 2.9 inches wider and 0.5 inches taller than its predecessor, making it spacious than the same.
Model |
BMW Z4 sDrive30i Convertible |
Porsche 718 Boxster convertible |
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
3287 lbs |
2944 lbs |
3395 lbs |
Length |
170.7" |
172.4" |
165.0" |
Width |
73.4" |
70.9" |
72.1" |
Height |
51.4" |
50.4" |
53.4" |
Ground Clearance |
4.7" |
4.3" |
5.1" |
Wheelbase |
97.2" |
97.4" |
98.6" |
Speaking of the dimesnions, the C Class comes out on top in terms of the Length and Height but falls short in terms of the ground clearance. The Boxster comes second in terms of the same but offers a far better ground clearance than the Merc. The TT from Audi is the smallest in terms of dimensions but is taller than the Bimer and the Porsche.
With the recent rise in demand for safer cars, BMW has taken ote of the same demand and is offering the 2020 Z4, with a whole host of safety tech as standard aboard the same. While the NHTSA and the IIHS haven’t tested the 2020 Z4 yet, the sophisticated chassis and long list of safety features ensure the protection of its occupants at all instances.
Safety Features
The BMW Z4 sDrive35i is developed new from ground up and in comparison the Audi TT which is still untouched since 2014. The Audi TT is one of the most popular convertibles in the market owing to its crisp driving behavior and a feature loaded equipment list. The Audi manages to look striking without looking underwhelming and impresses with its build quality. The Audi however, can’t match the power of the Z4 and is less frugal than the Bimmer as well. In terms of dimensions, the Bimmer has a clear upper hand and is the more practical of the 2 as well. If your are not willing to shell out more than 50 grand, the Audi makes for a good choice but if you aren’t willing on making compromises, the Bimmer is the one to go for.
The Porsche Boxster 718 is the benchmark among all the convertibles as far as handling and driving dynamics are concerned. The Porsche offers a tank like build on the inside and on the outside, feels ounchy and powerful and is an absolute treat to drive. However, compare it to the BMW and you will feel that the 718 may be a bit expensive for what it offers. The Bimmer offers similar levels of performance as the Porsche, is more fuel efficient and practical than the same and is nearly 10 grand cheaper than it. If you want the best driving convertible without spending a fortune, the Porsche Boxster comes closest to fulfilling this deal. But if you are tight on budget and want a Convertible that can do everything that the Porsche does but with a small compromise on the handling, the Z4 is a no brainer then.
With previous-gen Z models, focusing more on comfort rather than performance and handling, the all-New 3rd Gen Z4 manages to turn things the other way around. With a powerful motor underneath the hood and a redesigned Chassis coupled with high tech equipment, the 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i does come close to being called a proper Sports Roadster. With the new Z4, BMW has offered a Roadster that can corner like a 3 series, accelerate like a Boxster and look like an Audi. If you aren’t willing on spending a fortune on a powerful track-focused roadster and can live with a convertible that is the “Jack of all trades but Master of None”, then the 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is the best bet for you.