It took BMW practically 5 years to deliver the handbook Z4 to the US following its launch in Europe. American consumers have been lastly in a position to get their arms on the six-speed starting early final 12 months. However for BMW, that holdout could have been value it; the handbook Z4 outsold the automated within the US in 2024 by a reasonably important margin.
In keeping with BMW, the handbook Z4 accounted for 65 p.c of the convertible’s complete gross sales within the US final 12 months. Granted, the model solely offered 2,129 examples of the Z4 complete in 2024, however American consumers clearly most popular the six-speed. Practically 1,400 Z4s had the “Handschalter” possibility.
Though the Z4 nonetheless sells in restricted portions, gross sales of the sports activities automobile truly improved in 2024 in comparison with the earlier 12 months. The Z4 was up by 13.1 p.c over 2023, wherein BMW solely offered 1,883 examples by comparability.
BMW says the introduction of the handbook transmission “completely” contributed to the Z4’s gross sales bump. “The response has been splendidly enthusiastic,” a spokesperson advised Motor1.
Apparently, the handbook take charge for the Z4 was practically equivalent to its cousin, the Toyota Supra. Toyota stated that 65 p.c of all Supras offered within the US in 2024 have been handbook fashions—up from 43 p.c within the earlier 12 months—with round 1,700 vehicles outfitted with the six-speed shifter.
Sadly—or, thankfully, relying on who you ask—the one method to get the six-speed BMW Z4 within the US is by choosing the M40i mannequin. That model packs a extra highly effective turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine making 382 horsepower. The bottom Z4’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes simply 255 horsepower.
The Z4 M40i begins at $68,175 for 2025 earlier than including the Version Handschalter Package deal, which tacks on the handbook and some options for an additional $3,500. So should you actually need a handbook Z4 for 2025, you will must dish out at the very least $71,675. Effectively value it, we might say.
BMW has had success with the handbook elsewhere in its lineup, with practically 50 p.c of all M2 prospects choosing the six-speed since 2022. The M3 and M4 weren’t as profitable in 2024, although, with simply 20 p.c of customers choosing the handbook on the M3, and solely 15 p.c of customers deciding on the six-speed on the M4.
Chris Perkins contributed to this report.
