The BMW Z4 experienced a surge in popularity in the US market during 2024, with a significant portion of buyers opting for the manual transmission. This marked a remarkable turnaround for the roadster, which had previously been unavailable with a manual gearbox in the US market.
The introduction of the six-speed manual transmission proved to be a decisive factor in the Z4's sales success. A staggering 65% of all Z4s sold in the US in 2024 were equipped with the manual transmission, demonstrating a strong preference for the engaging driving experience it offers. While the overall sales volume of the Z4 remains relatively modest at 2,129 units in 2024, this represents a substantial 13.1% increase compared to the 1,883 units sold in 2023.
BMW officials attribute this sales surge directly to the availability of the manual transmission, emphasizing the enthusiastic response from American buyers. This preference for the manual echoes the trend seen in the Toyota Supra, a platform-sharing vehicle, where 65% of US sales in 2024 also featured the six-speed manual transmission.
However, securing a manual Z4 in the US requires opting for the higher-performance M40i model. This model boasts a powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine delivering 382 horsepower, while the base Z4 is equipped with a less potent 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower. The M40i with the manual transmission, including the optional Edition Handschalter Package, carries a starting price of $71,675, representing a premium over the base model.
While the Z4's manual transmission success is undeniable, the reception has been more mixed for other BMW models. While nearly 50% of M2 customers have opted for the manual transmission since its 2022 launch, the demand for manual transmissions in the M3 and M4 has been less pronounced. Only 20% of M3 buyers and 15% of M4 buyers chose the six-speed manual in 2024.
The success of the manual Z4 highlights a growing appreciation for the engaging driving experience offered by a traditional manual transmission, even in the era of advanced automatic transmissions. It also underscores the importance of offering enthusiast-focused options to cater to the desires of discerning drivers.