BMW has given its Z4 roadster a special edition with three pedals, but it won’t be coming here.
The 2024 BMW Z4 M40i Pure Impulse is exclusive to the US and some European markets including Germany, and has been ruled out for Australia.
It’s differentiated from the regular M40i not only by its six-speed manual transmission, but also through its retuned chassis, lightweight wheels and unique exterior colours and interior trims.
The Pure Impulse edition makes use of the same 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder that the regular M40i has, albeit detuned to make 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque – rather than the 285kW in the Australian-spec Z4 M40i.
BMW claims the Pure Impulse edition takes 4.6 seconds to reach 100km/h from a standing start, whereas automatic M40i models take 4.1 seconds.
A six-speed manual is also found in the related Toyota GR Supra, but BMW says the Z4’s transmission has “M-specific components for the gear seat and shafts”.
Over the M40i, the Pure Impulse edition receives a unique tune for its adaptive dampers, bespoke auxiliary springs for both the front and rear suspension, a reinforced front anti-roll bar clamp, retuned steering and model-specific logic for the traction control system and M Sport differential.
Additionally, the model receives black high-gloss M light-alloy wheels that measure 19 inches in diameter at the front and 20 inches at the rear – the first time a Z4 M40i has had staggered wheel sizes.
To differentiate the Pure Impulse edition visually, new colours are available: Frozen Deep Green in Europe and Sanremo Green in the US.
There’s also standard M High-gloss Shadowline trim, plus unique badging, red brake calipers, and aero flaps around the rear wheel arches.
Inside, Vernasca leather trim in Cognac with black piping is an exclusive option to the new model, as is the unique trim on and around the shifter itself.
The current-generation BMW Z4 was revealed in 2018 and launched locally during 2019.
The Australian lineup now only consists of the four-cylinder sDrive20i and the inline-six M40i variants. All are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with drive sent to the rear wheels only.
Pricing currently starts $99,200 before on-roads for the Z4 sDrive20i, and extends to $139,800 before on-roads for the Z4 M40i.
While BMW Australia has ruled out a manual Z4, Toyota Australia introduced a six-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option on the related GR Supra sports car in 2023.
MORE: Everything BMW Z4
