BMW Z4 refreshed for 2023 — here's how the roadster is changing
Still no manual M40i
BMW has announced a mid-life refresh for the 2023 BMW Z4 and a rejigging of the model range.
The entry-level four-cylinder version of the Z4, the sDrive20i, will now come equipped as standard with the M Sport package, which means sportier styling cues in the form of the three-section air intakes at the front (as on other M models), new side-sill contouring and a slight redesign of the rear apron.
Also remodelled are the side intakes that channel airflow around the wheel arches to reduce aerodynamic turbulence.
The front kidney grille has been reworked, with a new horizontal inner structure that, according to BMW, gives the Z4 a wider visual presence.
New additions to the standard equipment list include 18in lightweight alloy wheels with a dual-spoke design. These duo-tone wheels come shod in mixed-size tyres: 225/45 R18 at the front and 255/40 R18 at the rear.
Another new option is the fitment of larger 19in alloy wheels with a design exclusive to the Z4. These present a V-spoke design and a black matte finish with diamond polished rim edges and, as with the 18in wheels, are wider at the rear (255/35 ZR19 up front and 275/35 ZR19 at the back).
The range of paint finishes on the Z4 has been revised for 2023, too. New shades include Thundernight Metallic — a tremendous name for a particularly attractive purple colour already on the options list of the BMW 2 Series Coupé — as well as Portimao Blue and Skyscraper Grey metallic.
All of this is in addition to the current range of colours that spans the spectrum between white, black, red and grey.
The fabric folding roof will continue to be offered in black or Anthracite Silver.
One final new addition to the Z4’s options list is M Shadow Line lights, a small addition that blacks out some of the chrome-coloured elements inside the headlight units for a stealthier look.
The Shadow Line option is only available in conjunction with the also-optional adaptive LED headlights and give, according to BMW, “a subtle sporting aura”.
There are no mechanical changes to the Z4 line-up offered in the UK.
An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard across the range. Rumours that the refreshed M40i would follow in the footsteps of the Z4’s cousin, the Toyota GR Supra (they share underpinnings) and add a manual gearbox option to the six-cylinder model as an alternative to the eight-speed Steptronic transmission have proven unfounded.
Fuelling those rumours was the recent addition of a manual gearbox option on the Dutch configurator for the M40i, though shortly after being spotted, the option was quickly and quietly taken down.
While the GR Supra proves that the addition of a manual gearbox to the M40i’s spec list is at least technically feasible, for now buyers will have to either make do with the automatic gearbox.
Prices for the updated Z4 start at £42,305 for the Z4 20i M Sport, while the M40i costs from £53,720.
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