Production of the BMW Z4 has ended, but the story of the iconic two-seat roadster isn’t over yet. The Bovensiepen family, who founded Alpina in its original form, has reintroduced the BMW Z4 as an exclusive performance roadster.
It’s called the Bovensiepen Spider, and it’s not a simple cosmetic upgrade to the regular Z4 M40i. It features a more powerful straight-six engine, revised suspension, bespoke bodywork, premium cabin upgrades, and exclusive wheels.
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The most interesting part? Only 99 examples will be hand-built, making it one of the rarest modern Z4-based cars.
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BMW Z4 Gets a New Lease of Life
The timing of the Bovensiepen Spider is quite interesting. BMW will end production of its Z4 roadster in 2026, further shrinking the modern two-seat luxury roadster segment.
In this gap, Bovensiepen has introduced the Z4-based Spider. The company’s name is also familiar to BMW enthusiasts, as Burkard Bovensiepen founded Alpina in 1965. BMW acquired the Alpina brand in 2022, after which the Bovensiepen family continued to develop BMW-based high-performance cars under its own name.
The Spider is the company’s third product, following the M4-based Zagato coupe and the M5 Touring-based 05 GT.
3.0-Liter Inline-Six Now Makes 429 HP
Under the hood of the Bovensiepen Spyder is BMW’s familiar 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, but the company has made several upgrades to the powertrain.
The engine now produces 429 hp, which is 47 hp more than the standard Z4 M40i. Torque has also increased to around 428 lb-ft.
Output in the European specification is quoted at 435 PS and 580 Nm, which converts to roughly 429 hp and 428 lb-ft.
For performance improvements, the intake system has been revised, an additional ram-air channel has been added, and the exhaust system has also been reworked.
A ZF eight-speed automatic transmission is standard with the engine. The Z4 M40i’s six-speed manual option is not available in the Spider.
0-62 MPH in 4.2 Seconds
The Bovensiepen Spider can complete the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds.
The company’s optional Performance Package makes this roadster a more serious performance machine. This package includes improved differential cooling, additional underbody reinforcement, and higher top-speed capability.
With the Performance Package, the top speed increases to 183 mph, significantly higher than the standard setup.
Design Changes Are Subtle But Expensive
Bovensiepen hasn’t completely altered the Z4’s original proportions. Instead, the roadster has been given a more exclusive look through carefully redesigned exterior elements.
The front gets a new gloss-black splitter, revised wheel-arch vents, and Bovensiepen branding. New side skirts have been added to the side profile, while the rear gets a revised diffuser and a more prominent integrated spoiler.
The Spider also gets unique 20-inch forged wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tires.
The result of this approach is a car that appears to be a Z4 at first glance, but its bespoke character becomes clearly visible upon closer inspection.
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Cabin Gets an Alpina-Like Luxury Treatment
In contrast to the performance-focused exterior, the cabin has been given a premium and luxurious treatment.
Standard upholstery includes Vernasca leather and Alcantara seat inserts, while the steering wheel is wrapped in premium Lavalina leather.
Buyers can also choose additional customization. The dashboard can be given a leather finish, while options to finish the A-pillars, wind deflector and roll-bar covers in Alcantara are available.
Bovensiepen’s in-house customization operation also gives customers the option to choose highly personalized cabin specifications.
Suspension and Brakes Also Upgraded
Along with extra engine power, the chassis has also been upgraded.
Retuned dampers and longer rear auxiliary springs have been used in the Spider, with the aim of making the roadster more responsive while maintaining its grand-touring character.
High-performance braking hardware is available through optional packages, including four-piston fixed front calipers and large perforated brake discs.
The car’s Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and forged wheels further underline its performance-focused character.
Only 99 Bovensiepen Spiders Will Be Built
Exclusivity is the biggest part of the Spider’s appeal.
Bovensiepen will build just 99 hand-built examples of the roadster. The company itself describes the limited production run as a key part of the Spider’s identity.
The car starts at €115,500 in Germany, including German VAT, while deliveries are expected to begin in early 2027.
At that price, the Spider is considerably more expensive than the regular BMW Z4 M40i, but buyers are essentially paying for a highly exclusive, hand-finished version of a roadster that BMW itself has now discontinued.
Bovensiepen Spider vs BMW Z4 M40i
| Specification | Bovensiepen Spider | BMW Z4 M40i |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Turbo Inline-Six | 3.0L Turbo Inline-Six |
| Power | 429 hp | 382 hp |
| Torque | 428 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| 0-62 mph | 4.2 sec | — |
| Top Speed | Up to 183 mph | 155 mph |
| Wheels | 20-inch forged | 19-inch/20-inch depending spec |
| Production | 99 units | Discontinued |
| Price | €115,500 | Production ended |
Standard Z4 M40i specifications vary by market.
A BMW Z4 That BMW Can’t Build Anymore
The Bovensiepen Spider is interesting because it isn’t trying to reinvent the Z4. Instead, it takes the basic formula of a discontinued BMW roadster and gives it more power, more exclusivity and a much more bespoke finish.
The 429-hp inline-six, rear-drive roadster layout, 20-inch forged wheels and upgraded chassis already make it desirable. But the fact that only 99 cars will ever be built is what turns the Spider into a collector-focused machine.
For enthusiasts who wanted an Alpina-style Z4, this might be about as close as they can get.
Auto India Daily Verdict
The Bovensiepen Spider is essentially the Z4 M40i that BMW never built.
It keeps the classic two-seat roadster formula intact but adds more power, sharper chassis tuning, premium materials and serious exclusivity. And because BMW has already ended Z4 production, this limited-run Spider could become even more interesting to collectors over time.
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Raj Prajapati is a Senior Automotive Content Writer at AutoIndiaDaily. A B.Tech graduate in Computer Science and Engineering, he leverages over four years of experience covering Indian car and bike launches, EV tech, and market dynamics to break down complex automotive regulations into simple consumer guides. Specialising in Indian motor vehicle laws, IRDAI updates, and ownership costs, Raj translates technical auto policies into actionable advice for everyday drivers.