2024 has been one other wild 12 months for us! From masking international occasions to diving into the newest BMW Group automobiles, our group has been busier than ever. With journey spanning 4 continents and numerous international locations, our experiences this 12 months had been extra numerous than ever earlier than. Every member of our group introduced their very own distinctive perspective, and our protection mirrored this broad scope, whether or not by written critiques or movies on our thriving YouTube channel. In complete, we reviewed 55 automobiles on the web site and much more by our video content material. Naturally, each group member had their private favorites, however right here’s a rundown of essentially the most memorable BMWs we had the privilege to drive in 2024.
Steven Paul – 2025 BMW M4
I drove an awesome number of automobiles from a number of totally different automakers in 2024, however the 2025 BMW M4 is hands-down my favourite – BMW or in any other case. Whereas I believe it might be somewhat bit too good for avenue driving – and I actually want I drove one with the handbook – that’s hardly something to carry in opposition to it. In a world of recycled nameplates and off design (look no additional than the Dodge Hornet or Mitsubishi Eclipse), the BMW M4 breaks the mould.
It not solely faithfully carries the M3 torch even forty years later however seems distinct from every thing else on the street. That final half cuts each methods, in fact, however it’s not possible to disregard the M4’s virtues: gobs of energy, exact dealing with, assured braking, and an honest sufficient soundtrack. True magnificence is greater than pores and skin deep; nowhere is it extra evident than from the driving force’s seat of the M4.
Andrei Nedelea – ALPINA B4 GT
Not having beforehand pushed an ALPINA, the spotlight of the 12 months for me was driving the B4 GT in Mallorca, each on roads and round a observe. It immediately grew to become my favourite automobile of the 12 months with its mixture of M car-like tempo however extra of a grand tourer character with further consolation.
The 2024 B4 GT has the identical S58 engine that you simply get in an M3 or M4, however it options ALPINA-specific turbochargers, mapping and exhausts. The result’s an engine that makes about as a lot energy as a brand new xDrive-equipped M3 or M4 Competitors, however it feels much more muscular from even decrease down within the revs. It turns the B4 GT right into a ridiculously quick day by day that’s additionally very particular to be aboard.
Inside, the B4 GT will get ALPINA-specific leather-based, which feels nicer than in a comparable BMW, however my favourite factor about it was the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. BMW doesn’t appear to pay a lot consideration to them, and even the optionally available carbon fiber ones which you could get on M automobiles don’t really feel the very best. Alpina has distinctive paddles which are made out of steel and really feel significantly extra particular, bettering each the driving expertise and the inside ambiance.
Sean Kealey Z4 “Handschalter” Package deal
I used to be very fortunate to drive a number of totally different BMWs this 12 months. Some had been electrical, some had inline sixes, and a few had 735hp (due to Carbahn), however just one had three pedals. The Z4 with a handbook transmission wasn’t simply the very best BMW I drove this 12 months; it was considered one of my favourite automobiles I’ve pushed within the final 5 years.
There’s extra to it than simply having a handbook. This technology of Z4, co-developed with Toyota for the Supra, goes past simply being a superb freeway cruising roadster. This automobile can deal with. The stiff chassis, wonderful suspension, agency sway bars, and splendidly tuned limited-slip differential within the rear not solely assist put the facility down but in addition make the automobile like to rotate. It’s so playful by corners with the quick wheelbase. This, together with the open-top driving expertise, an expensive inside, the splendidly helpful iDrive 7 (I just like the bodily buttons greater than the screen-based HVAC controls on iDrive 8-9), and rowing your personal gears, makes this a very particular driving expertise.
Folks say Miata is at all times the reply. They’re not incorrect, however think about a Miata with 400hp and a extra luxurious inside—that is what you might be getting. That’s one of the best ways I can describe the Z4. BMW handbook transmissions have been infamous for his or her rubbery really feel. That is nonetheless partially true, however the tuning achieved to the shift linkage has actually allowed it to really feel rather more stout and direct. Personally, I like the best way this handbook feels.
The Z4 handbook is a number of automobile for the $75,000+ price ticket. Any open-top Porsche which may compete with this automobile and has greater than 4 cylinders is at the least 50% dearer. Something at this worth or cheaper is considerably much less succesful, direct, and thrilling. This automobile is in a category of its personal, and because the final non-M BMW to be geared up with a handbook transmission, it’s going to be a future traditional. Drive this automobile and watch it treatment your despair.
Horatiu Boeriu – BMW iX M60
This 12 months, I made a decision to go in opposition to the pattern. As a substitute of selecting a flashy efficiency automobile or a traditional favourite, I selected an electrical automobile as my prime choose for 2024. The BMW iX M60 wasn’t simply one other automobile I examined—it grew to become a part of my day by day life for a lot of the 12 months. And it rapidly gained me and my household over.
One of many first issues that stood out in regards to the iX was its intelligent design. Constructed on a devoted EV platform, it’s extremely spacious inside. The cabin feels open and opulent, with considerate particulars like a panoramic Sky Lounge roof and crystal controls. The seats are a number of the most comfy I’ve ever utilized in an SUV, and the inside feels extra like a comfy front room than a automobile.
For me, the very best a part of the iX is the way it drives. It’s fast—sooner than I’d ever want—however what I liked most was the trip high quality. With the air suspension choice, the iX feels prefer it’s floating over the street. It’s so quiet and cozy that even after lengthy journeys, I felt fully relaxed. Actually, I believe it’s essentially the most luxurious driving expertise within the BMW lineup, even in comparison with automobiles just like the 7 Sequence or the i7.
The BMW iX M60 isn’t excellent. Its design may not attraction to everybody, and a few would possibly miss having a 3rd row. However for me, it had every thing I wished. It’s additionally the primary automobile my children had been genuinely unhappy to see go away, which says so much about how a lot it grew to become a part of our lives.
In the long run, the iX M60 was the automobile that stood out essentially the most to me this 12 months. It’s sensible, luxurious, and forward-thinking. It may not be everybody’s first alternative, however it ticked all the proper containers for me. Should you’re in search of an electrical SUV that provides consolation, energy, and an unbelievable driving expertise, the BMW iX is difficult to beat.
