2023 BMW Z4 Gains New Colors And A Revised Grille But No Manual Gearbox

BMW has opted to give the Z4 roadster a subtle refresh for the 2023 model year bringing with it an expanded color palette, more standard features, a subtly tweaked grille, and new optional 19-inch alloy wheels. What it doesn’t get, at least for now, is the long-rumored manual gearbox option.

Power output stays the same, with two models to choose from: the sDrive30i and the M40i. The former sports a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushing out the same 255 hp (259 PS / 193 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque for a 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) time of 5.2 seconds.

The M40i in turn sticks with the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 hp (387 PS / 289 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nn) of torque, and can make the 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) sprint in 4.4 seconds, while both models are limited to a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). In both cases, power is transferred to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic.

M-Sport As Standard 

The first significant update for the G29 generation of Z4 since it was introduced in 2018, the 2023 facelift makes the M-Sport package standard for the sDrive30i. The trim pack, which was previously optional for the four-cylinder car but was always standard for the M40i, includes a more aggressive set of bumpers, deeper side skirts, and 18-inch wheels,

In a refreshing twist, the Z4’s kidney grilles have not only remained the same size and shape but the designers have opted for a less fussy design too. Gone is the 3D pattern of the old model, and instead, a more traditional honeycomb grille takes its place. In addition, the side air intakes have been redesigned too.

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The range of optional exterior paint finishes for the BMW Z4 has been revised, and now includes Thundernight metallic that was first shown on the new 2 Series Coupe, Portimao Blue metallic, and Skyscraper Grey metallic.

Shadowline trim (blacked-out chrome) is also standard, although an “extended Shadowline” option is available for the car’s headlights, adding dark inserts. The “M Shadowline” lights can be selected with or without the optional Adaptive LED Headlights.

Meanwhile, a new matte black (with polished lip) 19-inch M light-alloy wheel design is available for the 2023 BMW Z4. It features 255/35 profile tires in the front and 275/35 tires in the rear.

Interior Updated Confined To Trim Upgrades, No Word On A Manual

The interior updates of the 2023 Z4 are confined to the added goodies the now-standard M-Sport package brings to the sDrive30i. This includes an M leather steering wheel, M Sports seats, M pedals, an M driver’s footrest, and a dashboard upholstered in SensaTec.

Despite intense speculation that the Z4 M40i would follow the path set out by its Toyota GR Surpa cousin, there’s as yet no mention of a stickshift option (the four-cylinder sDrive 20i has been offered with a manual gearbox in several markets since 2019). Carscoops did, however, reach out to BMW USA about the potential manual box, and the response was the fairly standard line that the company cannot “speculate either way on future product offerings right now.”

Read: Sources Say BMW Considering Offering Six-Speed Manual Z4

While that’s far from any kind of confirmation, it’s not an outright no, just yet. But with the car’s worldwide market debut set for November 2022, there may be more in store.

Meanwhile, we know that in the U.S., the 2023 BMW Z4 will start at $52,800 for the sDrive30i – which is a $1,300 hike over the 2022 model. Meanwhile, the M40i retains the same price at $65,300, not including a $995 destination fee for either trim.