The Supra simply offers more performance for less cash, but if there wasn’t a connection here, the Z4 might be compared to more appropriate cars like the Porsche 718 Boxster, Jaguar F-Type and Lexus LC. 2023 sees subtly redesigned grille inserts, new colors including Thundernight (seen here) and more performance equipment for the base sDrive30i model. New in 2019, the BMW Z4 has seen very few changes since. While Toyota has added a much-requested manual transmission this year, underscoring its enthusiast appeal, the automatic-only Z4 gets only modest equipment changes and a new grille. The Supra’s lower price, tighter performance focus and slightly faster speeds have largely overshadowed the Z4, and that continues in 2023. The Supra comes only as a coupe with a workmanlike and somewhat confining cabin, while the Z4 is a plush, roomy roadster. Under the skin, the Z4 is quite similar to the Toyota GR-Supra, though the two look nothing alike and feel different behind the wheel. Sports cars sell in such small numbers that the only way BMW was able to revive the Z4 in 2019 (after a two-year hiatus) was to share costs with Toyota. But these days, the type of affluent enthusiasts who bought BMW Z3s and Mercedes-Benz SLKs in the DotCom era are smitten with off-roading, electric sports sedans and high-performance SUVs, all of which can double as family vehicles. By sports car standards, it’s practical, comfy and easy to live with. That’s no bad thing, because the Z4’s strengths are both performance and usability. Its mission is the joy of driving for driving’s sake, and it’s very talented at that, but behind the wheel, one gets the impression that it’s better suited to enjoying weekends driving the Grand Corniche or Pacific Coast Highway than local track days. It isn’t “affordable,” but it’s also cheaper than nearly all of its luxury-brand droptop competitors. Yes, it’s a classic two-seat, rear-wheel drive, open-topped sports car but it also sells on luxury and comfort. Open air roadsters are a rare breed these days, but the 2023 BMW Z4 almost occupies a niche of its own.
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