Jump LinksWhat To Expect From The Last BMW Z4BMW 507BMW M1BMW Z RoadstersBMW I8BMW is a Bavarian automotive manufacturer that has a reputation for building some of the best-driving vehicles to ever exist. When thinking about driving machines, people would mostly associate the brand with sports cars, vehicles that are focused purely on performance and driving pleasure. While all models produced by this German manufacturer have a distinctive characteristic of being fun to drive, when it comes to pure BMW sports cars within its lineup, the open-top BMW Z4 Roadster is the only model that falls under the definition of a pure sports car.The widely popular BMW M2 and M4 fall under the sports sedan category by definition, making this roadster the only BMW sports car model you can buy now in 2026. However, time is running out for those who fancy a BMW sports car. The automaker has announced that production of the Z4 has officially ended in March 2026, meaning the Z4s you see on the dealer lot are some of the last new BMW sports cars currently available. If you're still on the fence about owning one, though, join us as we walk you through what makes the Z4 special and some of the iconic BMW sports car models throughout its history.This article looks at the BMW Z4 and other BMW sports car models from the past. The 2 Series and 4 Series Coupe are not considered a sports car model according to CarBuzz's definition. All information has been sourced from the manufacturer, and all prices listed exclude destination fees and any offers; pricing and specs are correct at the time of writing. Automakers reserve the right to update pricing at their own discretion and without notice. The Last BMW Sports Car: 2026 BMW Z4 2026 BMW Z4 M40iThe BMW Z4 first debuted back in 2003 to replace the outgoing Z3 Roadster. Entering its third generation, the current model, codenamed the G29, was introduced back in 2019, after four years since the departure of the previous E89 Z4. Unlike its predecessor, the G29 only comes as a soft-top, giving the new Z4 a lighter weight and a lower center of gravity. It also shares its roots heavily with the A90 Toyota Supra, both receiving the same straight-six powertrain, transmission, and all the underpinnings.While it may sound like the G29 Z4 is a rebadged Toyota, that's not exactly the truth. Being the only pure sports car model within the BMW product lineup, the open-top nature of the Z4 makes its appeal to a completely different audience in the first place. Moreover, considering the majority of its open-top rivals have been discontinued for various reasons, this Bavarian roadster marks the final chance for those who are seeking the real open-top experience in 2026. What To Expect From The Last BMW Z4 BMWThe 2026 is not only the last model year for the BMW Z4, but also arguably the most special one since the model's introduction in 2019. This BMW Z4 is powered by two distinctive powertrains. The base sDrive 30i is equipped with a 2.0L inline-four capable of 255 horsepower and a 0 to 60 time of 5.2 seconds. While that may be a solid starting point for a BMW sports car, the model that you would want to get is the top-spec Z4 M40i. The M40i model is powered by the legendary B58 inline-six engine, an iconic BMW engine that delivers smooth power and amazing sounds.What's even better for the 2026 model is the fact that it comes with a six-speed manual option. The base transmission on both the 30i and 40i is a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. While the eight-speed auto has smooth power delivery and rapid shifting, the six-speed manual is the one you want to get if you are looking for the ultimate driving pleasure. The manual gearbox is available only on the M40i model as part of the Handschalter package ($3,500). The word "Handscalter" literally means "hand shift" in German, which illustrates BMW's response to customer feedback. While the manual model is a couple tenths of seconds slower to 60 mph when compared to the eight-speed auto, we still recommend the manual option for that connection between driver and vehicle."This is now our favorite BMW to drive; it's more comfortable than an M2 but just as fun."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz BMW Sports Car Models You Can Still Buy Today (Just Not New) BMW 507 Broad Arrow AuctionIf the BMW Z4 in 2026 is not exactly your type, we have also compiled a list of the best used BMW sports car models you can get your hands on in 2026. We are kicking things off with one of the first BMW roadsters ever. The BMW 507 is a fabulous-looking convertible from the 1950s. Its gorgeous look was designed by German-American Albrecht Graf Goertz. While the model wasn't an economic success at the time, with just 251 units sold, the 507 was one of the most expensive classic BMWs you can buy till this day. According to classic.com, this groundbreaking roadster has an average sale price of $1.6 million, making it an iconic BMW classic model. BMW M1 BMWBeing one of the most iconic sports cars of the 70s and a model that reshaped the BMW M Division, the BMW M1 is more than just a sports car model for BMW. It's an icon that defined what the letter M would represent for decades to come. The M1 is more than just a road-going BMW sports car; it's also a special homologated model for the 1979 and 1980 BMW Procar Series. Designed by one of the most famous designers in the automotive world, Giorgio Giugiaro, the M1 can be instantly recognized as an icon. Powered by a six-cylinder engine mounted in the middle of the body, it's also the only ever mid-engine model to be produced by BMW. With a limited production number of just 460 units, the M1 is certainly not cheap, costing on average $611,757, according to classic.com. BMW Z Roadsters 1990 BMW Z1 Green Roof Down Front Angled ViewThe BMW Z series created a lineup of roadsters that would come to define BMW's sports car segment for years to come. The letter Z stands for "zukunft," which means "future" in German. The future concept can evidently be seen on the first-ever Z model, the BMW Z1. The Z1 is a funky little sports car with a unique door design. Instead of opening outward, the doors drop down into the door sills. The Z3 followed after the Z1, being the first modern roadster designed for the mass market. The Z3 achieved huge success during its production years between 1995 and 2003. The Z4 is what followed after - the first two generations, E85 and E87, were known for their powerful straight-six engines and gorgeous proportions. The Z8 is a limited production Z roadster, which pays tribute to the original 507 Roadster, known for its distinctive exterior design and V8 powertrain.If you are looking to buy any of these BMW Z roadsters, the Z3 and Z4 are a good starting point. Considering they are mass-market models and have large production numbers, their current market value is somewhere between $10,000 to $20,000, depending on engine and mileage. The Z1 retains a better resale value due to its limited production number of just 8,000 units, having an average sale price of $69,254 according to classic.com. The Z8 is the most expensive out of the entire Z family, with a production of just 5700 units, the Z8 has an average sale value of $199,504 in 2026. BMW I8 BMWArguably one of the best-looking modern BMWs, the BMW i8 is attractive from first sight. But what sits underneath that gorgeous looking body is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that marks BMW's new approach to the electric future. Despite the fact that it is powered by a 1.5L three-cylinder engine and a hybrid system, the i8 proves that driving pleasure and efficiency can work together in a beautiful package. While there are no successors to this iconic hybrid BMW sports car, the i8 left a legacy that will be remembered by the automotive world for decades. Moreover, thanks to the depreciation of modern hybrid models, this BMW sports model can now be purchased for just around $55,000.
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