2026 BMW Z4

The 2026 Z4 is BMW's smallest and most affordable convertible. This two-seater is at its best on curvy roads or on road trips where you can put down the top and enjoy the car's stable handling and comfortable ride. The Z4 carries over into 2026 unchanged, but that's OK: It's a solid roadster that provides plenty of comfort, luxury and driving enjoyment for a relatively low starting price.

Most luxury-convertible shoppers will be happy with the base sDrive30i model. Its 255-horsepower turbo-four engine provides plenty of grunt, hitting 60 mph in a quick 5.3 seconds when we tested it. But folks who prefer more power and performance should step up to the M40i. Its 382-hp six-cylinder engine blasted the convertible to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The M40i also comes equipped with larger brakes and adaptive sport suspension. But if you want the ultimate Z4 driving experience, you should splurge for the M40i's Edition Handschalter package. It adds a manual transmission and additional performance upgrades.

You might want to check out the Chevrolet Corvette convertible and the Porsche 718 Boxster. Both are more expensive than the Z4 but provide superior performance. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is another great option that provides much of the Z4's top-down fun but at a much lower price. Other options are typically larger four-seat convertibles that include BMW's 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz's CLE.

The 2026 BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel-drive two-seat roadster available in two trim levels: sDrive30i and M40i. The sDrive30i comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The M40i upgrades to a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (382 hp, 368 lb-ft). An eight-speed automatic comes standard on both trims, but the M40i offers an optional six-speed manual transmission.