BMW rates the 3.0-liter turbo inline-six engine in the Z4 M40i at 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque (500 Nm), but as it happens, the two-door roadster might develop a bit more at the crankshaft. This particular example of the breed is good for up to 373 horsepower and 425 pound-feet (576 Nm) at the rear wheels, which goes to show the B58 ticks all the right boxes.
“But it’s not an M engine!” There is no denying BMW could’ve engineered the half-brother of the Toyota GR Supra with the engine from the M3, let alone the S58 from the X3 M and X4 M. But with 500-plus ponies on tap, the Z4 M would steal sales from the next generation of the M4 Convertible.
According to BMW, the Z4 M40i accelerates to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.9 seconds, an impressive figure even in comparison to the M4 Convertible with the dual-clutch transmission (4.4 seconds). But truth be told, the two-door roadster is approximately 200 kilos lighter than the M4 Convertible.
Redesigned from the ground up for the 2019 model year, the G29 is also available with the B48 four-cylinder turbo in sDrive20i and sDrive30i flavors. The plot thickens with the Z4 M40i, which features a different output in Europe as opposed to the United States. More to the point, America gets the better engine while European customers are treated to 335 hp (340 PS).
In terms of pricing, the Z4 retails at $49,700 in the United States for the Sport Line with high-gloss black accents. The Z4 M40i is $63,700, and at that price point, the GR Supra Launch Edition is better value at $55,250 excluding destination. Bear in mind, however, that Toyota utilizes the 335-hp engine as opposed to 382 in the BMW.
Looking at the bigger picture, Toyota could’ve made the Supra a lot better and the same can be said about BMW. If there’s anyone to blame for this situation, blame the bean counters.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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