BMW Z4 Top Gear Review: Power, Precision, and Performance
The BMW Z4 stands as a benchmark in the compact roadster segment, and its top gear performance delivers a thrilling blend of power and precision that keeps driving enthusiasts hooked.
Top Gear Performance: Unleashing Raw Power
In top gear, the BMW Z4 unleashes its 382-horsepower inline-six engine with seamless responsiveness, transforming every acceleration into a dynamic experience. The Z4’s top gear maintains optimal RPM range, ensuring effortless high-speed cruising while preserving the car’s agile handling. Even at elevated speeds, the powertrain delivers consistent torque delivery, making long drives both effortless and exhilarating.
Gear Shift Precision and Driving Control
The Z4’s top gear operates with surgical precision, supported by a responsive manual or adaptive automatic transmission (depending on trim) that enhances driver confidence. The shift logic is intuitive, minimizing lag and maximizing responsiveness—critical for merging onto highways or navigating tight urban corners. This blend of refinement and responsiveness elevates the Z4 beyond mere performance into a refined driving experience.
Top Gear in Real-World Conditions
Whether carving coastal roads or navigating city streets, the Z4’s top gear performs admirably across varied conditions. At highway speeds, it maintains a balanced rhythm, while in city driving, it avoids unnecessary revving, preserving fuel efficiency without sacrificing power. The Z4 proves top gear isn’t just about speed—it’s about control, efficiency, and sustained enjoyment.
The BMW Z4’s top gear redefines what a driver expects from a modern roadster—combining raw power with intelligent tuning and seamless control. For those seeking a dynamic yet refined driving experience, the Z4’s top gear delivers excellence, making every journey a testament to BMW’s engineering mastery. Ready to experience the Z4’s top gear in action? Test drive today and feel the difference.
A six-cylinder sports drop-top sports car with a six-speed manual gearbox is a rare thing these days. The looks? That's up to you. The Z4 M40i has adaptive dampers, so full-on recreational driving isn't its only happy place.
Even in the sport mode, where you get clearly sharper turn-in, the dampers allow the suspension to. Can the Z4 finally emerge from the Boxster's shadow? With a muscular straight-six powering the rear wheels and a driver-angled two-seat cabin, previous BMW Z4s felt like an arrow directed right at. This is a new BMW Z4.
This test drive only starts taking shape, at least in any meaningful sense, with the sphincter. The Z4 is only available with straight sixes - this 3.0-litre twin-turbo, a naturally-aspirated 3.0-litre and a 2.5-litre. For the time being, BMW isn't talking about an M version.
Richard Hammond takes on the scapel. Read our 2026 BMW Z4 review for information on ratings, pricing, specs, and features, and see how this convertible performed in our testing. Tested: 2025 BMW Z4 Manual Is a Clutch Addition BMW drops a manual transmission into the Z4 and transforms the two-seater into a throwback driver's car.
In Series 13, Episode 6, Jeremy reviews the E89 Z4 against the Nissan 370Z at the Top Gear Test Track. He praises the car's improved styling, handling, comfort and speed and despite the 370Z being faster he ultimately states the BMW to be far superior. At the hands of The Stig it sets a time of 1:28.2.