The BMW Z4 has been quite the lone soldier marching on as a unique roadster, and now, for the 2025 model year, receiving the option of a 6-speed manual transmission. Having the Z4 M40i in for a review with the manual transmission brings back a bit more enthusiastic passion for the ultimate driving machine where there’s still some fun to be had before we part ways with the manual.
Combining the powerful 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque turbocharged inline-6-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual transmission to power the rear wheels is a combination for a lot of fun, especially in the welcoming roadster platform of the Z4. With that, there’s a slight connection to the Toyota Supra in its recent addition of the 6-speed manual transmission where the two, sharing a similar platform underneath their vastly different sheet metal, feel somewhat similar. The shifter is slightly notchy, which is a common trait for BMWs but nothing to take away from the enjoyment of rowing your own gears. The power from the turbocharged inline 6 feels much more than stated on paper, having the Z4 M40i somewhat squat in the rear while the elongated front end lifts a bit even while in the Sport Plus drive mode where the adaptive dampers are set in their firmest position.
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There’s something special in the Z4 for its cohesiveness in feeling like a proper roadster that’s purpose-built, exhibiting no noticeable cowl shake and a rather connected feeling to the road. Moreover, the Z4 M40i is luxurious, even in its sporty attitude where it feels more compliant for the newer model year, soaking up bumps with ease and surprise for such a smooth ride quality – even with its staggard-sized 285-width 20-inch wheels in the rear and smaller 19-inches up front. BMW went the distance to make the latest Z4 M40i feel the best it has ever and retained that even weight distribution and decent curb weight for modern-day vehicles at 3,514 pounds. That gives the Z4 M40i the power to hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds – of course, at the mercy of your driving skills banging through the manual gears.
For 2025, the finely tuned and reworked enhancements go the distance to make the Z4 M40i a vehicle that shouldn’t be overlooked in the rare roadster segment. BMW reworked many elements, and it shows in the improved road-going drive quality from retuning the suspension, limited-slip differential, steering, and even the traction control settings to lay back a bit to let that rear end slip out for some extra fun.
My loaded-up BMW Z4 M40i with its exclusive Edition Handschalter Package ($3,500) adorned with an attractive San Remo Green Metallic paint job, is essentially the “hand shift” package that gives us the 6-speed manual transmission and performance improvements by the way of the unique set of staggered sized wheels all complimented by interior refinements.
The interior remains mostly the same as last year, retaining the older iteration of the iDrive system, which is one I prefer over the recent iDrive 8 and 9 setups. You still get the expected wireless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a smartphone wireless charging pad.
The seating remains surprisingly good for a respectable amount of space and adjustability for a roadster. The Z4 remains accommodating for most and is luxurious for those who enjoy long drives with the top-up or down. Speaking of the top, it can still be raised or lowered while driving up to 30 mph, and best of all, the trunk space remains the same no matter whether the top is up or down.
BMW keeps with their tradition in giving the world a fun, powerful, yet luxurious roadster in the new Z4 M40i, and even more fun for old-school enthusiasts in having the 6-speed manual transmission option – even if it costs you a bit more, by way of the Edition Handschalter Package. Having all the fun and goodies bundled up in the new 2025 BMW Z4 M40i will set you back $74,520, including a destination charge of $995 for my test vehicle you see here.
