BMW Z4

The 2025 BMW Z4 in India is primarily offered with a powerful 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder petrol engine, particularly in the M40i variant. This engine is a true highlight, producing 335 bhp (340 PS) of power at 5000-6500 rpm and a robust 500 Nm of torque at 1600-4500 rpm. For the 2025 M40i Pure Impulse Edition, BMW has introduced a highly anticipated 6-speed manual transmission option, alongside the standard 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. This allows for a blistering 0-100 kmph acceleration in 4.5 seconds with the automatic and 4.6 seconds with the manual. The Z4 boasts an electronically governed top speed of 250 kmph. The engine delivers immediate throttle response, a pleasing exhaust note, and strong, linear power delivery throughout the rev range, making it an incredibly engaging car to drive. Fuel efficiency is around 12.09 kmpl (ARAI combined).

Ride and Handling

The 2025 BMW Z4 is engineered to deliver a dynamic and engaging ride and handling experience, staying true to its roadster heritage. It features an Adaptive M suspension as standard on the M40i, which allows for dynamic damping control, adapting to various driving conditions and modes. This system provides a firm yet compliant ride, offering excellent body control and minimizing roll during spirited driving.

The electric power steering is precise and offers good feedback, making the Z4 incredibly agile and responsive through corners. The rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with the low center of gravity, contributes to a balanced and engaging driving dynamic. The staggered wheel setup (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) with performance tires further enhances grip and stability. While it is a sports car, the Z4 manages to absorb most road imperfections reasonably well, making it comfortable enough for daily commuting and long-distance touring. The various driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport+) allow drivers to customize throttle response, steering weight, and suspension stiffness to suit their preferences.

The interior of the 2025 BMW Z4 is a driver-centric cockpit that blends premium materials with modern technology. Designed strictly as a two-seater, the cabin focuses on immersing the occupants in the driving experience while providing luxurious comfort. High-quality materials such as Vernasca leather upholstery (with exclusive contrast stitching in the Pure Impulse Edition), aluminum or optional carbon fibre trim, and soft-touch surfaces are used throughout.

The sport seats are highly supportive, electrically adjustable, and designed for long-distance comfort, offering excellent bolstering during spirited driving. Key features include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a central 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. Creature comforts include dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, and a wind deflector for enhanced open-top driving comfort. While boot space is a compact 281 litres, it is practical for a roadster and can accommodate a couple of weekend bags.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 BMW Z4 is powered by BMW's iDrive system, featuring a responsive 10.25-inch central touchscreen display. This system is intuitive to use, with sharp graphics and a user-friendly interface. It can also be controlled via the iDrive rotary controller on the center console, steering-wheel-mounted controls, or voice commands.

The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, part of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, offers customizable displays for driving information, navigation, and multimedia, all within the driver's direct field of vision. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. A premium Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 12 loudspeakers (optional) delivers a rich and immersive audio experience. Additional features include an adaptive navigation system with 3D maps, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports.

The exterior design of the 2025 BMW Z4 is a striking interpretation of a modern roadster, characterized by its long bonnet, short overhangs, and a compact, athletic stance. The iconic BMW kidney grille, now with a mesh-design for a sportier look, is flanked by sharp, vertically stacked LED headlights that give the Z4 a distinctive and aggressive front fascia. The sculpted lines and prominent wheel arches emphasize its dynamic proportions.

The Z4 features a classic soft-top roof that can be opened or closed electrically in a matter of seconds, even at speeds, allowing for a seamless transition between coupe and open-top motoring. The M40i Pure Impulse Edition introduces new metallic paintworks like Frozen Deep Green and Sanremo Green, along with specially designed 19-inch front and 20-inch rear M Light Alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal and performance stance. Its dimensions are approximately 4324 mm in length, 1864 mm in width, and 1304 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2470 mm, contributing to its agile and nimble character.

Safety is a core consideration in the 2025 BMW Z4, which is engineered with a robust chassis and a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features. It has received commendable safety ratings from international organizations, including a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, underscoring its strong occupant protection.

The Z4 is equipped with 4 airbags (driver, passenger, and side airbags) as standard, providing essential passive protection. Active safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with extended contents (including Dynamic Traction Control - DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Hill Assist, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It also boasts essential driver-assistance systems such as Park Distance Control (PDC) at the front and rear, and a rear-view camera. Optional advanced features include Active Driving Assistant (with lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring), Automatic Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The 2025 BMW Z4 operates in the premium two-seater convertible segment in India, facing off against a select group of niche rivals.

Its primary competitors include the Porsche 718 Boxster and the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet. The Porsche 718 Boxster is often considered a more track-focused sports car, offering exceptional handling and a mid-engine layout. The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet provides a more luxurious and comfortable open-top experience. The Z4 differentiates itself with its unique blend of BMW's signature driving dynamics, a powerful inline-six engine (especially with the new manual option), and a balance of sportiness and everyday usability.

Other indirect rivals could include higher-end variants of coupe-SUVs or performance sedans, though none offer the pure two-seater convertible experience of the Z4. The Z4's strong performance, distinctive styling, and the allure of open-top motoring make it a highly desirable choice for enthusiasts in the Indian market.

The 2025 BMW Z4 is a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts in India who seek an unadulterated roadster experience. It successfully combines a powerful and engaging powertrain, now with the added thrill of a manual transmission option in the M40i Pure Impulse Edition, with a sleek and captivating design. The interior is a luxurious and driver-focused space, equipped with modern technology and comfortable amenities.

While its two-seater configuration and compact boot space might not suit everyone's practical needs, the Z4 justifies its premium price with its exhilarating performance, dynamic handling, and the sheer joy of open-top motoring. For those in India who prioritize a pure driving experience, distinctive styling, and the prestige of the BMW badge in a convertible package, the 2025 BMW Z4 is an excellent and highly desirable choice.