Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW Z4 roadster - Interior & comfort

Z4 has a high-quality interior, but it relies on older tech and lacks a sense of occasion

Carbuyer Rating

3.9 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Interior & comfort Rating

4.0 out of 5

If the Z4's driving dynamics suggest it isn’t a true rival for the Porsche Boxster or Alpine A110, its interior does even more to widen the gap. While both its rivals, but especially the Alpine, have a pared-down, minimalist feel inside that emphasises their sports car spirit, the Z4 is far more like a sporty saloon or coupe inside. In fact, the dashboard has an overwhelming similarity to that of the pre-facelifted BMW 3 Series.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Disappointingly, the Z4 isn’t getting BMW’s latest Curved Panel infotainment setup of most BMW models, instead making do with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. It's tidy in layout and easy to use, and its build quality is beyond reproach. Also excellent are the seats. They're superbly supportive when you're vigorously tackling a country lane, yet comfortable on a long motorway journey.

Many will say, though, that while the Z4 scores well for quality, ease of use and interior features, it doesn't have that unique, tailor-made feeling that some other sports cars do.

Equipment

The Z4's standard equipment list looks rather more coupe than sports car, too. Two trim levels have been offered; Sport and M Sport, but for the facelifted Z4 only the latter remains. Both look suitably aggressive on the outside, with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting all round and gloss-black details. The M Sport has more pronounced contouring to the bumpers and side skirts, a new hexagonal grille and a different design of alloys.

Inside, there are sports seats and ‘M’ steering wheel, pedals and footrest, along with leather trim for the dashboard. The dashboard is dominated by BMW's LiveCockpit system, with sat nav and Bluetooth compatibility, and music can be enjoyed via a ten-speaker stereo.

Early buyers could choose the Z4 M40i First Edition, which was even more lavishly equipped. Finished in special Frozen Orange metallic paint with a contrasting anthracite roof, the First Edition boasts extra gloss exterior accents that include the mirror housings, and special bi-colour 19-inch alloy wheels. Adaptive LED headlamps are standard. Inside, the seats are electrically adjustable with a memory feature, there's a head-up display and an upgraded Harman Kardon stereo.

Options

Key options include adaptive LED headlamps whose beams can alter to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic when driving on full beam, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo and a head-up dashboard display.

While autonomous emergency braking is standard, other driver-assistance technology is reserved for the options list. You'll need to pay extra for lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control or parking assistance.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW Z4 roadster review
BMW Z4 facelift
In-depth reviews
20 Jun 2023

BMW Z4 roadster review

Top 10 best convertibles
Top 10 best convertibles 2023
Best cars
3 May 2023

Top 10 best convertibles

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes
Skoda Karoq SportLine
In-depth reviews
26 Mar 2024

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024