BMW Z4 Production Might Be Coming to End Soon

Mar 17, 2024 10:27 PM EDT

BMW VEHICLE Z4 CAR CONVERTIBLE — (Photo : PIXABAY/Mwnci)

After the present iteration, the BMW Z4 is set to be discontinued. There are no plans for a special edition featuring a fixed roof to commemorate the end of the current model's production, despite BMW showcasing such a concept at the 2023 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy, as shared in Motor Authority's report.

End of Production for BMW Z4

The future holds no additional generations for the Z4, whether powered by batteries or otherwise. Additionally, Munich will not introduce a coupe body style to the Z4 lineup as a final celebration for the slow-selling vehicle.

As reported by Motor Authority, the BMW Z4 is presently in its third iteration. The initial model debuted in 2003, serving as a direct successor to the renowned Z3, famously featured in the 1995 James Bond film "GoldenEye."

Since 2018, the current Z4 has been available for purchase and was developed in collaboration with the current Toyota Supra, potentially justifying the costs associated with its development and distribution. The car underwent an update two years ago, and earlier this year, BMW introduced the option of a manual transmission.

While sports cars typically do not achieve high sales volumes, the sales figures for the Z4 are notably low. BMW had a record year in this market last year. But it only sold 1,883 vehicles in the United States.

Car and Driver reports that BMW will use a dual-platform strategy for its ICE and EV vehicles. This change coincides with the launch of the i3 sedan and iX3 SUV.

However, it's anticipated that the Z4 may face discontinuation in the future. Additionally, the emergence of the Alpina subbrand is set to position BMW in competition with prestigious counterparts such as Bentley and Mercedes-Maybach, hinting at an exciting evolution in the luxury automotive landscape.

The BMW Z4

As per report by DaxStreet, the existing Z4 was developed in collaboration with the Toyota Supra and made its debut in 2018. Subsequently, it underwent an enhancement, including the introduction of a manual transmission choice, just two years later.

In anticipation of BMW's progressive shift towards an all-electric landscape, upcoming coupe and convertible variants are expected to incorporate electric alternatives, reflecting the brand's adaptation to the changing dynamics within the automotive industry.

As indicated in the review from Cars.com, the base price for the BMW Z4 commences at $54,050. Notably, the creators of the present BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra have deviated from a fundamental aspect of traditional sports cars' allure. Initially, these vehicles, developed through a collaborative effort, did not offer a manual transmission option.

Toyota introduced a manual transmission for the six-cylinder engine in 2023 due to increasing demand. While BMW has recently announced the introduction of the 2025 Z4 M40i with a six-speed manual transmission, aligning with evolving preferences in the sports car segment.

Motors recently provided insights into the practicality and spatial attributes of the BMW Z4. The review delved into aspects such as seating capacity, engine performance, and overall features. Positioned as a two-seat convertible, the Z4 faces challenges in terms of spaciousness and family suitability. Notably, it lacks rear seats, although the front seats offer exceptional comfort for adults of varying sizes.

In terms of storage, the Z4 offers decent space with a caveat. The boot capacity stands at 310 liters, comparable to many supermini hatchbacks when the roof is up. However, lowering the roof diminishes the available space to just 180 liters as the roof folds into a section of the boot. This capacity is relatively small, even when compared to city cars.

Despite the reduced boot space, the folding metal roof enhances security in comparison to traditional soft-top convertibles. While fabric roofs are susceptible to opportunistic thefts, the hardtop design of the Z4 provides the convertible experience without this inherent risk, offering peace of mind to owners.