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BMW Is Saying Goodbye to an Iconic Enthusiast Car After More than Two Decades on the Road

The German automaker has announced the end for its Z-series roadster with a limited-run Final Edition model.

Close-up of a black BMW car front wheel with a red brake caliper and M badge on the fender.BMW
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By Gray Van Dyke

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BMW announced on Tuesday that it will be ending Z4 production next year, both for the current third-generation platform as a whole.

It’s a momentous occasion. For starters, the brand has a long history of fielding droptop Z cars that includes iconic performance vehicles such as the Z1 and the Z8. 

What’s more, the Z4 in particular has managed to stay on the market for over two decades now — the first-generation model debuted in 2002 as an overhaul of the aging Z3.

Matte black BMW convertible sports car viewed from the front with visible interior seats and steering wheel.
The Z4 Final Edition will celebrate the end of the roadster’s 20-plus-year production run.
BMW

Accordingly, with no replacement in sight, BMW has decided to celebrate the roadster with a goodbye in the form of the 2026 Z4 Final Edition.

An understated farewell tribute

As part of the treatment, BMW is only giving buyers one option: the choice between an automatic or a manual transmission to pair with the convertible’s 382-horsepower six-cylinder engine.

Assuming you go for the latter, the Final Edition notably also includes special chassis tuning developed for the Edition Handschalter Package.

In any case, BMW’s treatment makes for a visual overhaul of the M40i that includes an exhaustive list of standard features. 

Close-up of a matte black BMW car front with detailed headlight and black alloy wheel with red brake caliper.
BMW’s two-tone wheels and red M sport calipers add some visual interest to the understated Individual Frozen Black Metallic paint.
BMW

Around the outside, it will come painted in Individual Frozen Black Metallic, and BMW will be equipping each example with its Shadowline Package, a set of staggered 19 and 20-inch M wheels and some red M Sport brake calipers. 

Though it’s an understated look, it makes for a sharp combo when paired with the high-gloss trim, Vernasca/Alcantara leather upholstery and red stitched accents throughout the interior.

And besides, this special model is not just an appearance upgrade. Through the Final Edition treatment, BMW is also including its Driving Assistance and Premium packages.

Matte black BMW convertible sports car with black and silver alloy wheels on a gray and red gradient background.
The Z4 Final Edition also includes creature comforts and advanced driver aids.
BMW

In practice, this means that the Z4 Final Edition brings everything from creature comforts, like a Harmon-Kardon speaker system, adaptive full LEDs and ambient lighting, to advanced driver aids, such as forward collision mitigation, park distance control, and lane keeping assistant.

No successor in sight

If the Z4 Final Edition seems to be dressed in mourning, well, that’s because it is, in a way. For the time being, BMW has not announced a successor.

Black leather and Alcantara car seats with red stitching in a convertible sports car interior.
The stitching and M seatbelts add small touches of color for a look that’s smart but sporty.
BMW

While it’s unfortunate, it’s not really a surprise. As much as enthusiasts enjoy impractical niche vehicles like driver-focused two-door convertibles, they’re far from volume sellers, and it’s difficult to justify their place in the lineup.

After all, BMW managed to keep the droptop on the market largely because it collaborated with Toyota. By sharing costs of development, the two brands were able to field a pair of compelling (though niche) sports cars in the third-gen Z4 and the fourth-gen Supra.

However, with Toyota taking production of its icon in-house for the fifth generation, BMW won’t be able to tap into those same economies of scale.

Matte black BMW Z4 M40i convertible with black and silver wheels on a gradient red and gray background.
BMW has yet to announce an intended replacement, so this will be the brand’s last Z-car for the time being.
BMW

And, while some roadsters like the Mazda Miata manage to command enough sales to survive, that’s because they’re in a completely different tax bracket. With a starting MSRP of $29,830, an MX-5 will run you nearly half that of a Z4.

Pricing and availability

Which brings us to the matter of price for the Final Edition. BMW will build the Z4 Final Edition from February to April of 2026 in “very small numbers.” 

As you’d expect, then, it won’t come cheap. MSRP is stated to start at $77,500, and destination and delivery will add a further $1,175.

However, when you consider the importance of the Final Edition, both to the model and the brand, it’s a small premium to pay over the standard M40i — especially if you’re a collector with a penchant for special BMWs.

Matte black BMW convertible sports car with red brake calipers on gray floor and red background.BMW

2026 BMW Z4 Final Edition

BMW is marking the end of Z4 production with a Final Edition model that brings special appearance and equipment to the M40i. Built in a limited number and accented with exclusive touches, it’s set to bring a nearly $8,000 premium over the standard M40i.
About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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