As the saying goes “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That appears to be exactly the route that BMW is taking with the 2023 Z4 roadster. At first glance, there doesn’t appear to be much about the ’23 model that’s different from the 2022 BMW Z4 roadster. However, upon closer look, BMW has decided to throw in some extras this time around and give buyers some new options to personalize their roadster. We also have a full spec sheet, including pricing to go over but don’t expect too many surprises there—unlike the 2023 Toyota Supra, the Z4’s mechanical twin, the BMW does not receive a manual transmission option.
Everybody gets a M Sport package
One of the biggest changes for the 2023 Model year is that the M Sport package now comes as standard equipment on the four-cylinder Z4 sDrive30i. That’s right; No more checking that $1,500 box on BMW’s “build your own” webpage for roadster buyers. The M Sport package includes more aggressive air intakes in the front fascia, sportier rear accents, and “restyled” side air intakes. The ionic BMW kidney grilles have been reworked and given a “horizontal inner structure.” According to BMW, the new, horizontal mesh design is meant to emphasize the roadster’s width better than last year’s vertically oriented grille filler.
New shoes and new colors
If the M Sport package is now standard, then what goodies do buyers get to shop for when optioning out their new roadster? Well, for those who actually enjoy ticking those wallet-punching boxes BMW has thought of you, too. There is a new set of 19-inch M light-alloy wheels available exclusively for the Z4 roadster. The new rollers feature a V-spoke design and come in a matte Jet Black finish with a diamond polished lip (they’re pictured here on this purple Z4). The staggered wheel set comes wrapped with 255/35 ZR19 tires at the front and 275/35 ZR19 tires at the rear.
In addition to the new wheels, BMW adds three new color options to keep things fresh. The new hues include Thundernight metallic, which is more purple than the stuff from the Sunny D commercials (and a great borrow from the 2 Series Coupe), “Portimao Blue” metallic, and Skyscraper Gray metallic, which is a first-time offering on the Z4.
Shadowline headlights are the final new option which adds dark interior inserts to the headlights which BMW says gives the Z4 a “discreetly sporting aura.” Sure, let’s go with that. Extended “shadowline” (black) trim remains an option as well.
As previously stated, you’re not going to find much new when it comes to the 2023 Z4’s specs. The sDrive30i will still come with the same 255-hp 2.0-liter I-4 engine and the M40i will be equipped with the same 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 as the 2022 model.
Those who were hoping that BMW would shake things up to further differentiate the Z4 from its Toyota Supra cousin may be disappointed by the 2023 model. However, those who are perfectly happy with what BMW is doing with the Z4, the fact that it is virtually unchanged for 2023 is likely great news.
| 2023 BMW Z4 Specifications (sDrive30i/M40i) | |
| Base Price | $53,795/$64,295 |
| Layout | Front-engine, RWD 2-pass, 2-door convertible |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I-4 (255 hp/295 lb-ft)/3.0L turbo I-6 (382 hp/369 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Curb weight | 3,287 lbs/TBD |
| Wheelbase | 97.2 in |
| Length x Width x Height | 170.7 x 73.4 x 51.4 in |
| 0-60 mph | 5.2/4.4 seconds |
| EPA City/Hwy/Comb. MPG | TBD |
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