BMW Z4 M40i Review: Surrey Lanes, Belgravia Streets and Open-Top Elegance
If you are searching for a roadster that turns Surrey lanes into a private playground and Belgravia streets into a catwalk, the BMW Z4 M40i is waiting patiently to ruin you for ordinary cars forever.
BMW Z4 M40i Review
A weekend in Surrey behind the wheel of the BMW Z4 M40i LCI B58C 3.0i was a masterclass in refined indulgence. I began my week’s tour with a morning admiring the e-foiling and sailing at Queen Mary Sailing Club, followed by a festive shopping spree in Sloane Square, before retreating to the Eccleston Square Hotel for a night of calm luxury, and finished with dinner at Jones Family Kitchen in Eccleston Yards, Belgravia. Every mile reminded me that the Z4 is a convertible roadster that balances style, fun, and high-performance engineering, making even mundane journeys feel deliberately extravagant.
In San Francisco Red metallic, the Z4 immediately caught my eye. Its long bonnet, taut rear, and low-slung profile hinted at mischief and speed, while subtle design cues suggested precision and sophistication. Whether parked outside a boutique hotel or darting along Surrey’s winding country lanes, I found its presence as compelling as its performance. The proportions make it clear this is a car built for those who enjoy the thrill of driving as much as the admiration it inspires.
BMW Z4 M40i Specs: Torque, Throttle and Perfect Proportions
Under the taut bonnet sits BMW’s B58C 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine, producing 335 hp (250 kW) and rocketing from 0–62 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The electronically limited top speed of 155 mph is more a gentle suggestion than a boundary; on open Surrey lanes, I could feel the car wanting to stretch its legs.
Weighing 1,625 kg, the Z4 M40i balances agility with stability. The 7-speed manual gearbox is a delight, crunchy and precise, giving a mechanical connection that feels wonderfully old-school in a modern world of assisted paddles. The reverse gear sits just to the left of first, requiring neither push nor pull, which means it is remarkably easy to select first when I meant reverse or reverse when I intended first. That subtle quirk kept me alert and occasionally amused, a tactile reminder that driving should always involve a little mind and muscle.
Exterior Design: San Francisco Red, Sculpted Lines, and Nighttime Drama
Few roadsters manage to combine aggression and elegance so effortlessly. The Z4 M40i in San Francisco Red gleams under sunlight, while its long bonnet and sculpted haunches hint at athleticism even when stationary.
Every detail serves both form and function. Black trim tops the doors and stops halfway to the roof, offering a visual extension of the car’s proportions. Front side vents channel heat from the engine bay, and the grille, which I affectionately call the “Poirot Moustache,” gives the Z4 a cheeky character and charm. Rear spoilers with plier-shaped alloys suggest readiness for speed, while illuminated door handles at night add a little theatre, letting me glide toward the car like an actor on cue. Compared to earlier Z4 models, this iteration is larger, more purposeful, and sportier without losing an ounce of elegance.
Interior Luxury: Jet-Cockpit Ambience Meets Comfy Roadster Charm
Inside, the Z4 M40i feels indulgent and purposeful. Warm orange ambient lighting traces the interior, highlighting controls and symbols in a manner reminiscent of a private jet. Black Vernasca Leather seats with Grey Contrast Stitching are fully electrically adjustable, providing support whether navigating twisty lanes or the occasional London traffic jam. The air scarf, removable and tucked neatly in a rear net, kept me cozy with the roof down, making open-top motoring a true pleasure even on chillier mornings.
Everything inside feels deliberate. Textures are pleasing to the touch, plastics are solid, and cabin insulation is exceptional for a soft-top roadster. Wireless and wired phone charging, HUD, and crystal-clear glass elevate convenience without cluttering the experience. Even on damp Surrey mornings, the cabin remained warm and inviting, demonstrating BMW’s mastery of interior comfort.
The steering wheel, while slightly thick and somewhat slippery, stayed responsive. Sports seats hugged me like a glove, though I can imagine that those of a larger frame might prefer comfort seats. Visibility is excellent, and the cockpit layout ensures all controls are intuitive and easy to reach. It is a cabin that makes every drive a comfortable, engaging experience.
BMW Z4 M40i Technology: Controls, Drive Modes, and Mechanical Delight
BMW strikes a careful balance between technology and simplicity. Start-stop controls and drive mode selectors are positioned on the centre dash for easy access without distraction. The short-stick manual gearbox delights with tactile precision, offering mechanical satisfaction that has become increasingly rare. Reverse gear’s unusual placement, further left of first with no push or pull, requires a brief learning curve but rewards attention with a sense of mechanical honesty.
Drive modes are cleverly tuned. Sport mode sharpens throttle response, suspension, and steering for a direct, engaged experience. Comfort and Eco modes soften the drive for city streets and improve fuel efficiency, but the essence of the Z4’s performance remains undiluted. Technology exists to support my enjoyment rather than to dominate it, leaving driver engagement as the star of the show.
Performance Dynamics: Torque, Brakes, and Acceleration That Excites
Driving the Z4 M40i is a sensory joy. The B58 inline-six delivers torque low in the rev range, accompanied by a throaty growl that rises delightfully as revs climb. Sport mode sharpens suspension, throttle, and steering, creating an athletic, involved feel, while Comfort and Eco modes soften the drive without blunting character, making the car equally at home on city streets or Surrey lanes.
The suspension strikes a masterful balance between rigidity and comfort, holding the chassis firm through corners yet compliant over rough surfaces. The gears and clutch are precise and firm, evoking the tactile mechanical feel of a classic sports car and rewarding drivers, like me, who crave true engagement. M Sport brakes with red calipers are race-tuned without being overbearing, providing stopping power with precision and confidence. Acceleration feels direct and mechanical, under my control rather than mediated by software, making each launch a small thrill.
The Two-Seater Argument: Open-Top Freedom Beats SUVs
BMW’s philosophy with the Z4 M40i is simple: two seats are enough. Ninety percent of journeys are solo or with one companion. Why invest in a bulky, ungainly SUV when an open-top, agile, and stylish roadster delivers far more engagement and flair? The gloriously long bonnet, precise handling, and open-air freedom make the Z4 perfect for touring Surrey lanes, city escapades in Belgravia, or spirited runs on country roads.
Weekend touring, adventure sports, and flowing traffic felt effortless in the Z4. Its blend of performance, comfort, and fun ensured that I arrived at every destination not only on time but in good humour, with the wind in my hair and a grin firmly in place. The Z4 M40i offers a rare combination: it looks superb, drives beautifully, and delivers the visceral engagement that SUV owners only dream about.
BMW Z4 M40i Pricing, Packages, and Full Specifications
• Basic vehicle price: £56,180.00
• Subtotal packages and optional equipment: £7,740.00
• Subtotal retailer additional items: £762.50
• Total cash price: £64,682.50
For full technical specifications, configuration options, and official BMW details, visit:
