The 2026 BMW Z4 Roadster is the end of an era — and your last chance to buy a brand-new BMW convertible sports car. With production ending in 2026 after more than two decades, the final-year BMW Z4 Roadster lineup runs from the $56,100 sDrive30i to the $78,675 M40i Final Edition, offering a turbo four or a 382-horsepower turbo inline-six with an available 6-speed manual. In this guide, we cover every 2026 BMW Z4 Roadster trim and price, full engine specs, interior and soft-top practicality, a head-to-head comparison with the Porsche 718 Boxster and Mazda MX-5 Miata, and an honest buying verdict for US shoppers.
BMW Z4 Roadster Trims, Pricing & Final-Year Availability
The 2026 BMW Z4 Roadster comes in three core configurations plus a limited Final Edition, all built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. Pricing starts at $56,100 for the sDrive30i, climbs to $68,400 for the M40i, and tops out at $78,675 for the Final Edition — and because this is the last model year with no successor planned, availability is limited to remaining dealer inventory.
BMW Z4 sDrive30i vs M40i Roadster
Choosing between the sDrive30i and the M40i is the biggest decision a BMW Z4 Roadster buyer faces. The sDrive30i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic. It hits 60 mph in 5.2 seconds — quick enough to be fun, and the most fuel-efficient way into the range at 25/33 mpg city/highway.
The M40i upgrades to BMW’s celebrated 3.0-liter B58 turbo inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft, dropping the 0–60 sprint to 3.9 seconds with the automatic or 4.2 seconds with the manual. It also adds an M Sport differential, adaptive M suspension, and stronger brakes. The price jump is $12,300 before options, but for enthusiasts the M40i transforms the BMW Z4 Roadster from a stylish cruiser into a genuine sports car. A detailed breakdown of 2026 BMW Z4 specifications and pricing is available on Autoblog.
| Trim / Configuration | Base MSRP | Engine | 0–60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
| sDrive30i (Automatic) | $56,100 | 2.0L Turbo I-4, 255 hp | 5.2 sec |
| M40i (Automatic) | $68,400 | 3.0L Turbo I-6, 382 hp | 3.9 sec |
| M40i Handschalter (6-Speed Manual) | $71,900 | 3.0L Turbo I-6, 382 hp | 4.2 sec |
| M40i Final Edition | $78,675 | 3.0L Turbo I-6, 382 hp | 3.9–4.2 sec |
Note that destination adds $1,175 to each figure, and the $3,500 Handschalter package is the only way to get the 6-speed manual — it is exclusive to the M40i. If long-term running costs matter to your decision, our guide to Z4 Roadster maintenance cost breaks down what ownership looks like after the warranty years.
Z4 Final Edition and Limited Availability
BMW announced the Z4 Final Edition in November 2025 to mark the end of roadster production, and it is the most special 2026 BMW Z4 Roadster you can buy. Based on the M40i, it wears exclusive BMW Individual Frozen Black metallic paint, a Moonlight Black soft top, high-gloss Shadowline trim, red M Sport brake calipers, and staggered 19-inch front / 20-inch rear wheels. Inside, “Z4 FINAL EDITION” door sills, Vernasca leather with Alcantara, red contrast stitching, and M tri-color seat belts set it apart, while the Premium and Driving Assistance packages come standard.
Production ran in very small numbers from February to April 2026, and the last Z4 left the Graz assembly line in 2026 — ending a run that began with the Z3 in 1995. MotorTrend’s first look at the 2026 BMW Z4 Final Edition confirms the $78,675 MSRP with a choice of automatic or manual transmission. Manual Final Editions also get the special Handschalter chassis tuning with revised steering and damper mapping. With no successor announced and the mechanically related Toyota Supra also discontinued, remaining new inventory will not last long.
Watch this POV drive and walkaround of the Final Edition to see the last BMW Z4 Roadster in action:
BMW Z4 Roadster Engine, Performance & Specifications
Every 2026 BMW Z4 Roadster sends power to the rear wheels only — no all-wheel drive, no hybrid assistance, just classic roadster layout. The two turbocharged engines share sharp throttle response and a characterful exhaust note, but they deliver very different performance personalities.
Turbocharged Four-Cylinder vs Turbo Inline-Six
The sDrive30i’s 2.0-liter TwinPower turbo four produces 255 hp at 5,000–6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft from just 1,550 rpm, giving it strong low-end pull for everyday driving. It is smooth, refined, and the lighter engine (curb weight 3,314 lbs) makes the front end feel eager in corners.
The M40i’s 3.0-liter B58 TwinPower turbo inline-six is one of the great modern BMW engines: 382 hp at 5,800–6,500 rpm and 369 lb-ft from 1,800–5,000 rpm. It pulls hard to redline with a far richer soundtrack, and at 3,543 lbs the M40i still feels balanced thanks to its near-50/50 weight distribution. Both engines require premium fuel.
| Specification | sDrive30i | M40i |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 3.0L Turbo I-6 (B58) |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 382 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed auto / 6-speed manual |
| 0–60 mph | 5.2 sec | 3.9 sec (auto) / 4.2 sec (manual) |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 155 mph |
| EPA fuel economy | 25 city / 33 hwy / 28 comb. | 23/29/25 (auto); 19/26/22 (manual) |
| Curb weight | 3,314 lbs | 3,543 lbs |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | |
Horsepower, 0–60 MPH, Transmission & Rear-Wheel Drive
Straight-line numbers only tell half the story. The ZF 8-speed automatic is superb — fast, smooth, and well-matched to both engines — but the headline act is the 6-speed manual offered on the M40i through the Handschalter package. BMW added it in response to enthusiast demand, with a light clutch, active rev matching, and model-specific chassis tuning. It is a few tenths slower to 60 mph than the automatic, yet most drivers will find it more engaging.
The rear-wheel-drive chassis is the other half of the BMW Z4 Roadster formula. Steering is sharp and well-weighted, the adaptive dampers keep the car composed in fast corners, and the M Sport differential on the M40i puts power down cleanly on corner exits. It is not as razor-edged as a mid-engine Porsche, but it is more comfortable and forgiving — a grand-touring sports car rather than a track weapon. For the full efficiency picture, see our Z4 Roadster mileage and MPG breakdown.
BMW Z4 Roadster Interior, Soft Top & Everyday Practicality
A roadster lives or dies on its cabin, and the BMW Z4 Roadster gets the fundamentals right: a driver-focused cockpit, quality materials, and a power soft top that works as effortlessly as it should. Two seats and modest cargo space are the inherent trade-offs — but within those limits, the Z4 is one of the easiest sports cars to live with daily.
Two-Seat Comfort, Cargo Space & Interior Technology
The cabin seats two in well-bolstered sport seats — heated seats with memory are now standard, ideal for top-down driving on cool evenings. Materials feel properly premium, with Vernasca leather, aluminum trim, and tight panel gaps. The driving position is low and spot-on, with good visibility for a convertible.
Cargo space is 9.9 cubic feet, and impressively, the trunk is not compromised when the top is down — the folding soft top stows without eating luggage room. Two carry-on bags fit comfortably, making weekend trips entirely feasible. Technology includes iDrive 8.5 with a 10.25-inch central display and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and an available Harman Kardon surround sound system that stays clear even with the roof open.
Power Soft Top, Wind Noise & Open-Top Usability
The power soft top opens or closes in about 10 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph — fast enough to operate at a stoplight or in slow traffic. With the top up, the multi-layer fabric insulates well; wind and road noise are subdued for a convertible, and the cabin feels close to a coupe on the highway. Top down, wind buffeting is well managed with the windows up, though an optional wind deflector further calms things for long highway stretches.
Like all soft tops, the fabric roof needs occasional care — keep it clean, treat it with protectant yearly, and avoid harsh automatic car washes.
BMW Z4 Roadster vs Porsche 718 Boxster & Mazda MX-5 Miata
The BMW Z4 Roadster sits between two very different rivals: the precision-engineered Porsche 718 Boxster above it and the lightweight, affordable Mazda MX-5 Miata below it. All three are rear-drive convertibles, but they chase the same sunny day in completely different ways.
Performance, Driving Character & Price Comparison
The 718 Boxster starts around $77,600–$79,595 with a 300-hp flat-six and a standard manual — sharper and more track-focused than the Z4 thanks to its mid-engine balance, but significantly more expensive and, notably, Porsche has closed orders as the model goes electric. The MX-5 Miata starts at just $31,665 with around 181 hp — half the price of the Z4, wonderfully nimble, but far less powerful and less refined on the highway. TrueCar’s BMW Z4 vs Porsche 718 Boxster comparison highlights the Z4’s price and fuel-economy advantages.
| Model | Starting MSRP | Engine / Power | 0–60 MPH | Drivetrain Layout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BMW Z4 sDrive30i | $56,100 | 2.0L Turbo I-4, 255 hp | 5.2 sec | Front-engine, RWD |
| 2026 BMW Z4 M40i | $68,400 | 3.0L Turbo I-6, 382 hp | 3.9 sec | Front-engine, RWD |
| Porsche 718 Boxster | ~$79,595 | 2.0L Flat-6, 300 hp | ~4.9 sec | Mid-engine, RWD |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | $31,665 | 2.0L I-4, 181 hp | ~5.7 sec | Front-engine, RWD |
Which Roadster Offers the Better Value?
Value depends on what you want from a roadster. The MX-5 Miata is the undisputed value champion — nothing delivers this much joy per dollar. But it is a smaller, simpler car with far less power, less refinement, and a more basic interior.
The 718 Boxster is the driver’s choice for precision, but it costs $10,000+ more than a comparable Z4 M40i, options escalate quickly, and new-car availability is effectively over as Porsche transitions the model to electric power.
The BMW Z4 Roadster lands in the sweet spot: M40i straight-line pace that beats the base Boxster, at a lower price, with a more comfortable cabin and better fuel economy. CarBuzz calls the Z4 the last BMW sports car you can still buy new in 2026 — and against its rivals, it makes a compelling case as the best all-rounder of the three.
BMW Z4 Roadster Buying Guide
Buying the final-year BMW Z4 Roadster is straightforward, but a few smart choices separate a good purchase from a great one. With no 2027 model coming, the decision is which trim to grab while dealer inventory lasts — and whether the Final Edition premium is worth it.
Best BMW Z4 for Daily Driving and Performance Enthusiasts
For daily driving, the sDrive30i is the rational pick: 28 mpg combined, a lower $56,100 entry price, cheaper insurance, and 255 hp that feels lively in real-world traffic. It is the comfortable commuter that happens to be a convertible.
For performance enthusiasts, the answer is the M40i — and specifically the M40i with the Handschalter 6-speed manual. The B58 inline-six, 3.9-second pace, adaptive suspension, and M Sport differential deliver the full sports-car experience, and the manual adds an engagement no automatic can match. According to our experience, this is the configuration future collectors will want: the last manual-transmission BMW roadster ever built.
Budget for ownership beyond the purchase price, too. Our Z4 Roadster maintenance cost guide details service intervals, tire and brake costs, and what to expect once the complimentary 3-year/36,000-mile maintenance plan ends.
Pros, Cons & Is the Final-Year Z4 Worth Buying?
Pros: charismatic B58 inline-six; available 6-speed manual; 10-second power soft top; comfortable, premium cabin; strong straight-line performance for the money; final-year exclusivity with no successor.
Cons: no successor and limited remaining inventory; manual restricted to the M40i; firm ride on larger wheels; only two seats and 9.9 cu-ft of cargo; Final Edition commands a steep premium for mostly cosmetic upgrades.
Is the final-year BMW Z4 Roadster worth buying? Absolutely — if you want one, now is the time. This is the last traditional BMW roadster, the M40i manual is an instant future classic, and values for clean, low-mileage examples should hold well given the model’s finite production. Buy the M40i Handschalter if you can find one; take the sDrive30i if you want the smart daily; consider the Final Edition only if exclusivity matters more to you than value.
FAQs About the 2026 BMW Z4 Roadster
Quick answers to the most common questions US buyers ask about the 2026 BMW Z4 Roadster — price, specs, availability, and rivals.
How much does the 2026 BMW Z4 Roadster cost?
The 2026 BMW Z4 Roadster starts at $56,100 for the sDrive30i and $68,400 for the M40i, plus a $1,175 destination charge. The M40i with the Handschalter manual package costs $71,900, and the limited Final Edition tops the range at $78,675.
Is 2026 the last year for the BMW Z4?
Yes. BMW ended BMW Z4 Roadster production in 2026 after more than two decades, with the final cars built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. There is no successor planned, and the related Toyota Supra was also discontinued — so remaining new inventory is all that is left.
Does the 2026 BMW Z4 come with a manual transmission?
Yes — a 6-speed manual is available exclusively on the M40i through the $3,500 Handschalter package (standard on the Final Edition). It hits 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, a few tenths behind the automatic, but delivers far more driver engagement with its light clutch and rev matching.
How fast is the BMW Z4 M40i 0–60 mph?
The BMW Z4 Roadster M40i reaches 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with the 8-speed automatic and 4.2 seconds with the 6-speed manual, thanks to its 382-horsepower turbocharged inline-six. The sDrive30i manages 5.2 seconds. Top speed is 155 mph for both.
BMW Z4 vs Porsche 718 Boxster — which is better?
The 718 Boxster is sharper on track with its mid-engine balance, but the BMW Z4 Roadster M40i is faster in a straight line, $10,000+ cheaper to start, more comfortable daily, and more fuel efficient. With Porsche closing 718 orders ahead of an electric successor, the Z4 is also the easier car to actually buy new.
Is the BMW Z4 a good daily driver?
Yes — the BMW Z4 Roadster is one of the most daily-friendly sports cars sold. The sDrive30i returns 28 mpg combined, the soft top insulates well with the roof up, the trunk holds 9.9 cu-ft regardless of roof position, and BMW’s 4-year/50,000-mile warranty plus 3-year complimentary maintenance keep early ownership painless.
The 2026 BMW Z4 Roadster closes the book on BMW’s classic two-seat convertible — and it goes out at the top of its game. Whether you choose the efficient sDrive30i, the thrilling M40i manual, or the collectible Final Edition, you are buying the last of a line that stretches back to the Z3. For US buyers who have always wanted a proper BMW roadster, there will never be a better — or a last — time to buy.
