BMW Z4 M40i
As the only model from the Bavarian manufacturer to have this superimposed optical look, the BMW Z4 M40i is pretty much unique. In an age of full-blown electrification, this 6-cylinder roadster with mechanical gearbox gives us a chance to rediscover the joys of driving.
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A future collector's piece
The latest-generation BMW Z4, which was restyled in 2023, continues to appeal to roadster enthusiasts with its blend of tradition and modernity, and, true to BMW’s slogan, this model really does embody the very essence of driving pleasure. Although not a new model, with the first generation dating back to 2003, it has undergone quite a few changes in its twenty years of existence, but the real appeal of this car in 2025 lies in its mechanical gearbox and 6-cylinder engine.
This increasingly rare engine type is still very popular in Munich, which has a long history of over 90 years with this legendary engine. With a 3.0L in-line unit developing 340hp and an impressive 500Nm of torque from 1,600rpm, it’ll have you glued to the back of your seat.
Hear me roar
The melody of the six-cylinder engine is just delightful: deep and hoarse, it becomes increasingly aggressive as the engine speed climbs (aided, of course, by the speakers). Those with a penchant for auditory sensations will find this much to their satisfaction, especially when driving with the top down. Changing gear is an opportunity for the turbo to provide an auditory reminder of its own presence, while the automatic heel-and-toeing during downshifts really gets the engine roaring. This, too, is a reminder for the driver of what real driving pleasure feels like, with an authentic sound that’s a far cry from the artificial sounds found in new electric models.
Equipped with the TwinPower Turbo technology (a turbocharger driven by two exhaust streams, also known as Twin-Scroll) combined with a double VANOS (controlled camshaft phasing that allows the timing to be shifted so as to achieve torque at low revs and power at high revs), this engine has been optimised to offer instant throttle response and a gradual increase in revs.
The manual gearbox, meanwhile, allows the driver to maintain full control, adding a certain connection with the car that purists will no doubt appreciate. The gears are as short and precise as BMW can make them, which only contributes to the excellent driving experience.
Precision steering
The BMW Z4 M40i, fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres as standard, reveals its true dynamic potential on winding roads, thanks notably to its double-joint strut front axle and five-link rear axle, both of which help ensure remarkable handling. With its low centre of gravity, rigid chassis and ideal weight distribution (50:50), it takes even wet bends with great precision, notably as a result of its M Sport differential.
The steering is very precise, and every gear change is an opportunity to appreciate the meticulous work that has gone into this gearbox. Sport mode enhances acceleration, makes the engine more responsive, stiffens the suspension and makes the car sound more raucous, the only downside being the braking, which doesn’t ‘bite’ as much as it might! You do have to press down pretty hard on the brake pedal to stop this beast when travelling at a steady pace.
The Z4 M40i with manual gearbox also has a more docile side that comes in very handy when driving in urban environments. The engine is somewhat more discreet in Comfort or EcoPro mode, and the Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport seats absorb uneven road surfaces very well. The car’s versatility makes it a pleasure to drive on a daily basis, but it also makes for a sporty drive whenever the opportunity arises!
A collector’s item in the making
The Z4 is at odds with the times when it comes to infotainment, too. Don’t expect to find a large touchscreen here, because what you’ll get is a pretty small, low-key alternative that allows the driver to focus all of their attention on driving. That said, the car we test drove was very well equipped, with speakers and an (optional) Harman Kardon surround sound system complete with 408W amplifier.
Although this roadster seems, in many respects, to shun modernity, it is still well equipped, with a significant head-up display and BMW’s Drive Assist Pack as good as it has ever been. The canvas soft top is as easy to use as ever and gives it a vintage look, and the 281 litres of storage space in the boot really isn’t to be sniffed at, either.
Clearly, the BMW Z4 is much more than just a roadster. With its 6-speed manual gearbox and 6-cylinder engine, the model will no doubt be a collector’s item in a few years’ time. Above all, it manages to put the sensation back into driving at a time when more and more cars are focusing increasingly on comfort.
With regard to price, the base model is priced at €57,479.34, rising to €80,817.02 for the model we got to test drive.
Technical specifications:
Power (kW/Nm) 250/500
Consumption (L/100km) 8.7
CO2 emissions (g/km) 197-195
Range (km) 600
Acceleration (secs 0-100km/h) 4.6
Base price (€)57,479.34
The ACL’s opinion
The pros
– The mechanical gearbox
– The raspy sound of the engine
– The easy-to-use soft top
The cons
– The braking is pretty light
– The cost of the optional extras
By Loïc Schiocchet and Jérémy Zabatta
Photo : Julie Odva