--- title: "The 2023 BMW Z4 Deserves a Better Facelift Than This" description: "Rumors say the BMW Z4 is going to be killed off after this generation but, before that happens, it gets a subtle update." date: "2022-09-27" modified: "2022-09-27" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-2023-bmw-z4-deserves-a-better-facelift-than-this" categories: - "BMW News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "BMW" - "Convertible" - "luxury" - "z4" --- # The 2023 BMW Z4 Deserves a Better Facelift Than This ![]() [BMW]() just gave its smallest, least popular sports car a mid-cycle facelift. However, the 2023 BMW Z4 only features a subtle update as Bavarian roadster very likely enters its twilight years. Up front, BMW refreshed the Z4's front fascia, giving it some ever-so-slightly updated front air intakes, optional "Shadowline" dark trim headlights, and new grille inserts featuring a new hexagonal pattern that looks better than the odd silver dots that filled the pre-facelift version's grille. That's really it for the exterior, though. ![]() ![]() ![]() The entry-level BMW Z4 sDrive30i model now gets the M Sport package as standard, encompassing an M Sport steering wheel, M Sport pedals, M Sport seats, and a dashboard made of SensaTec—that's BMW-speak for fake leather. Otherwise, the cockpit of the Z4 is unchanged. It doesn't even get the new [iDrive 8 infotainment system]() that every other new Bimmer has. There are some new colors and options, though. Portimao Blue, Skyscraper Gray, and the excellent Thundernight purple from the [2 Series]() are now available. Also new is an optional 19-inch, V-spoke wheel design finished in jet black with a diamond polished edge, wrapped in 255-section tires up front and 275-section tires out back. ![]() ![]() ![]() Powertrains, however, remain the same. This means a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque for the Z4 sDrive30i whereas the more expensive Z4 M40i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power the rear wheels only. The facelifted 2023 BMW Z4 launches in November with starting prices of $53,795 for the sDrive30i and $66,295 for the M40i. ![]() ![]() ![]() The little sports car experiment between BMW and Toyota—which gave us the Z4 and [Supra](), respectively—has been an interesting one. But, [according to a rumor that surfaced earlier this year](), the BMW part of that equation will be discontinued in 2025. While the Z4 sold well enough for the premium roadster segment, it's a dying breed that automakers are shifting away from. It's a shame the BMW Z4 is getting so little love for its last rodeo. While never as good of a driver's car as the Porsche Boxster, the Z4 remains one of BMW's best-driving products and a surprisingly fun little roadster. That's especially true in the case of the M40i version, which has more than enough power to easily light up its rear tires. But living in a shrinking segment means the Z4 only gets a small update for its final few years. *Have a tip? Send it over to nico.demattia@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()