Luxury and performance don’t always go hand in hand, especially in the world of sports cars. While some prioritize raw speed and aggressive styling, others blend refined interiors with dynamic driving experiences. For drivers who want thrills without sacrificing comfort, one roadster rises above the rest.
With its sleek design, premium materials, and attention to detail, this convertible delivers an upscale feel. Inside, you’ll find a quiet, well-appointed cabin, intuitive tech, and soft-touch surfaces that elevate the daily drive. It’s a roadster that feels just as at home on a scenic coastal cruise as it does on a spirited mountain run.
Despite being overshadowed by flashier rivals, this car delivers a more polished experience than its mechanical sibling,the Toyota GR Supra. If you’re looking for a sports car that adds a touch of class to every drive, this roadster might just be the perfect fit.
to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
The BMW Z4 Is the Plusher, Drop-Top Version of the Supra
By this point, most people know that the GR Supra was developed side-by-side with the third (and current) generation of the BMW Z4.The GR Supra is a fantastic coupe, as much as people like to dog on it for its connection to BMW, but if you want something with higher-end features and a roof that you may stow away, the Z4 is the way to go.
sDrive 30i
$54,050
M40i
$66,450
The BMW Z4 comes in two different forms. The sDrive model is rear-wheel drive and features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the M40i gets a turbocharged inline-six instead. The GR Supra starts at $56,900, but only comes with the six-cylinder, meaning the difference in starting price is around $10,000.
The Z4 offers plenty to differentiate itself from the Supra, and to justify the jump in price. The upcharge isn’t simply for the BMW badge. The most obvious addition is the fact that the German roadster is a convertible. Beyond that, BMW builds the Z4 with higher quality materials and offers a plusher ride quality.
Which Model To Buy
We think that Toyota removing the option for the turbocharged four-cylinder was a mistake. While it may not be as quick or sound as nice as the inline-six, it provides more than enough power in the two-seater coupe. This is part of the reason why we would stick with the rear-wheel sDrive 30i.
The main competitors to the base Z4, such as the Porsche 718 Boxster, are much more expensive despite the four-cylinder BMW offering ample performance. Honestly, though, we wouldn’t be able to fault anyone who was swayed by the siren call of the M40i as it is an absolutely fantastic machine.
Warranties and Maintenance
Despite the GR Supra and the BMW Z4 being mechanically similar, the two automakers offer different warranty packages. Toyota covers the Supra’s powertrain for longer, extending for five years or 60,000 miles. However, BMW offers longer bumper-to-bumper coverage, beating the Supra’s three-year plan. The roadster also gets an additional year of maintenance on the house compared to Toyota’s coupe.
BMW’s Roadster Is a Comfortable Cruiser With a Luxurious Interior
Climb behind the wheel of a GR Supra, and you’ll instantly notice all the BMW influences, from the center console setup to the dashboard layout. However, you’ll also notice all the ways in which Toyota has put their own spin on things, keeping costs a little lower. In this way, the Z4 is easilythe more luxurious car, making no compromises to interior quality.
Cargo Capacity
9.9 Cubic Feet
The Z4 is more spacious than you’d expect for you and your passenger, with more than enough headroom for even taller drivers and plenty of space to stretch your legs. Obviously, the compromise, as is the case with any sporty car, is that you sacrifice cargo space. Put the roof up, and you’ll be blown away with how well-isolated the cabin feels.
We think that the Z4 offers one of the nicest interiors in this class, and that the dashboard layout is one of the best that BMW has produced in a while. Everything used throughout the cabin of the roadster feels well-built and of exceptionally high-quality. Dual-zone climate control is standard and heated and ventilated seats are available.
Infotainment and Technology
A 10.3-inch infotainment system is standard in the Z4, regardless of which model you opt for. The GR Supra gets a slightly smaller 8.8-inch unit on every model. BMW’s system is easy to use and is displayed on a crisp and high-definition display. Touch, voice, and gesture controls are all used to operate the system. There is also a rotary knob on the center console that can used for those who don’t particularly like touchscreens, which we appreciate.
There are a ton of other high-end features offered in the Z4, including customizable ambient interior lighting, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a digital gauge display. Also on offer is a full-color heads-up display and a premium Hardan Kardon sound system that will please most audiophiles.
It’s Not as Quick, but the Z4 Is Easily the More Comfortable Choice
Toyota has clearly opted to lean more heavily into the performance side of things with the GR Supra. It is quicker off the line than the Z4 and has a stiffer suspension tune. However, if you’re looking for something that can cruise along the highway for miles just as easily as it can carve corners, then the Z4 is the way to go.
8-Speed Automatic or 6-Speed Manual
255 HP
382 HP
295 LB-FT
369 LB-FT
0-60 MPH
152 MPH
The sDrive30i comes fitted with BMW’s superb turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Offering a ton of torque, this model feels much quicker than its 255 horsepower figure might suggest. The M40i is there for those who want more, which is smooth when driven gently and astoundingly quick when you put your foot to the floor.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, with paddle-shifters mounted to the steering wheel. It is quick to shift and one of the best automatics currently on the market. If you’re looking for something a little more enthusiast-oriented, BMW finally added an optional six-speed manual for the 2025 model year, only available on the M40i. The manual will set you back an additional $3,500. Though you also get stiffer anti-roll bars and better wheels and tires for that price too.
The Z4 is quick, but it doesn’t feel as hardcore as the Porsche 718 or the GR Supra. It features a more relaxed suspension tune compared to the Toyota, which is easily noticeable. Despite this, we think that the Z4 is actuallya nicer car to live withthan the GR Supra.
sDrive30i
25 MPG
33 MPG
28 MPG
23 MPG
29 MPG
19 MPG
26 MPG
22 MPG
The base sDrive30i is easily the most efficient model you can buy. In our opinion, contributing to our opinion that it is the best value model. If you want the more powerful M40i, you’ll have to pay at the pump, with it dropping a couple of miles per gallon. Getting the manual transmission has an even bigger effect on efficiency.
Safety and Driver Assists
The Z4 comes with a pretty good suite of standard driver assists and safety features, but there are some that the German brand locks behind paywalls. There are still plenty of features that help it stand out as a more luxurious option to the GR Supra, though, such as the ability to park itself.
