The BMW Z4 is often considered one of the most attractive and enjoyable convertibles on the market. The top-of-the-line BMW Z4 M40i is no exception with its impressive power of 340 horsepower, allowing it to dance on the roads. However, the concept can always be improved, and that’s exactly what G-Power did. Collaborating with this specialized tuner, the BMW Z4 M40i was pushed to 500 horsepower, offering even more impressive performance. This combination delivers remarkable performance for an exhilarating driving experience.
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The BMW Z4 represents one of the last “reasonable” roadsters on the market, offering a balanced blend of driving pleasure and practicality. For the 2023 model year, the Z4 has received a subtle refresh. The lineup has been simplified, the design has been revised to enhance its sporty character, and new aesthetic options such as wheels and colors are available. Despite these updates, the Z4 retains its existing range of engines that already underwent a revolution with its third generation.
When I had the opportunity to drive the BMW Z4 M40i, my curiosity was at its peak. I wanted to find out if this latest version would truly stand out as an exceptional sports car. After spending several days with the Z4, I can confidently say that its impressive power and sensational handling have almost completely won me over.
Although I enjoy exhilarating rides on the roads of Provence, I must admit that these moments represent only a fraction of my driving time. The reality of my daily life involves long distances on the highway and exhausting trips through city traffic. It is in these conditions that the Z4 truly excels. Its eight-speed automatic transmission proves to be smooth and intelligent, adapting seamlessly as the miles add up. Furthermore, the Z4 consistently exceeds BMW’s own fuel economy estimates, which is truly remarkable considering the performance of this car.
Tuner G-Power decided to take on the challenge of pushing the BMW Z4 M40i even further. Using the M40i version as a base, they managed to increase the power to 500 horsepower. This represents a 160-horsepower increase compared to the standard version, with a maximum torque of 700 Nm, 200 Nm more than the original version. To enhance the impression of power, five-spoke 20-inch wheels have been fitted.
The Z4’s engine lineup includes two variants of the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (sDrive20i and sDrive30i), as well as the turbocharged 6-cylinder in-line engine of the Z4 M40i. The success of the M40i version, which accounts for over 30% of global sales of the model, led BMW to equip the “4-cylinder” versions with the M Sport package as standard, providing a sportier look. The Advantage and Sport Line trims are no longer available, with the M Sport version becoming the norm.
In terms of aesthetics, the Z4 M40i has been redesigned with a front bumper featuring a three-part air intake, revised side skirts, and a lower rear bumper with specific diffusers. At the front, the side air intakes that feed the air curtains have been redesigned, along with the kidney grille, which visually widens the front of the roadster with horizontal slats instead of vertical ones. These modifications enhance the sporty appearance of the Z4.
The decision to switch from a metal roof to a fabric roof has been a successful one. This modification not only reduces the weight and complexity of the car but also lowers its center of gravity, resulting in significantly more precise handling compared to its predecessor.
The BMW Z4 also offers some exciting new options, including M-specific 19-inch wheels specifically designed for this model, with dimensions of 255/35 ZR19 at the front and 275/35 ZR19 at the rear. Customers can now choose from new body colors such as Thundernight metallic, Portimao Blue metallic, and Skyscraper Grey metallic. Additionally, the list of options includes M Shadow Line headlights, which feature dark inserts in the light clusters to accentuate the car’s sporty look.
Although the M40i may have a slight lack of rigidity, its incredibly efficient engine more than compensates for this aspect. Under the hood, there is a turbocharged six-cylinder in-line engine, which according to many experts, produces power closer to 400 horsepower than the advertised 335 horsepower.
Inside the cabin, the Z4 also receives the M treatment, featuring Vernasca Cognac leather upholstery with decorative stitching. The decorative inserts are beautifully crafted with M aluminum Tetragon trim. The vehicle is equipped with a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with a digital amplifier, 408 watts, seven channels, car-specific equalization, and twelve speakers. My critiques of the Z4 M40i are virtually non-existent, as I only encountered some connectivity issues with CarPlay, a common problem not specific to BMW.
While the Z4 has always been a reliable and enjoyable companion, it even managed to seduce me to the point of sacrificing my sleep for an early morning ride in the Camargue salt flats, during which this car proved to be extremely dependable. Throughout my time with it, the Z4 only required a refill of windshield washer fluid and a quick visit to the local car wash to remove sand stuck in one of the brake discs. The Z4 M40i has been a practical and enjoyable companion, proving that it represents an incredible balance of luxury, performance, and daily usability. It truly embodies a sports car for the modern driver who refuses to compromise.
The BMW Z4 M40i embodies the essence of the pleasure of driving a roadster. Its remarkable power, road agility, and refined aesthetics make it an irresistible choice for car enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating driving experience. With improvements made by tuners like G-Power, the Z4 M40i can even reach new heights of performance with its 500 horsepower. This car seamlessly combines luxury, performance, and daily usability, making it an ideal choice for modern drivers who refuse to compromise. Whether on winding country roads or in urban traffic, the BMW Z4 M40i is ready to provide an unforgettable driving experience at every moment.