BMW 4 Series vs BMW Z4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW 4 Series starts from $83,500 before on-road costs, while the BMW Z4 opens at $99,200. That makes the BMW 4 Series the more affordable entry point by $15,700.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $91,850 and $109,120 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 4 Series features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW Z4 gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The BMW 4 Series uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The BMW Z4 responds with a Petrol making 145kW and 300Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds.
The BMW Z4 has the clear power advantage at 145kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW Z4 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 4 Series measures 4,770mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 435mm longer than the BMW Z4 at 4,335mm (2,470mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 4 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BMW 4 Series and 210L in the BMW Z4, giving the BMW 4 Series a 230L advantage. The BMW 4 Series seats 4 vs 2.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the BMW 4 Series and $2,223/year for the BMW Z4. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the BMW 4 Series.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (BMW 4 Series) vs $2,223 (BMW Z4). The BMW 4 Series saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 4 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW Z4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 4 Series if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW Z4 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 4 Series takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW 4 Series will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 4 Series has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 4 Series and BMW Z4?
The BMW 4 Series is the cheapest at $83,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW Z4 by $15,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 4 Series uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 4 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 4 Series has the largest boot at 440L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 4 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW Z4 makes the most power at 145kW. The BMW Z4 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.4s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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