2024 has been one other wild yr for us! From protecting international occasions to diving into the most recent BMW Group automobiles, our group has been busier than ever. With journey spanning 4 continents and numerous international locations, our experiences this yr had been extra various 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 means of written critiques or movies on our thriving YouTube channel. In whole, we reviewed 55 automobiles on the web site and much more by means of 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 collection 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 a little bit bit too good for avenue driving – and I actually want I drove one with the handbook – that’s hardly something to carry towards it. In a world of recycled nameplates and rancid 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 highway. That final half cuts each methods, in fact, nevertheless it’s unimaginable to disregard the M4’s virtues: gobs of energy, exact dealing with, assured braking, and a good sufficient soundtrack. True magnificence is greater than pores and skin deep; nowhere is it extra evident than from the motive force’s seat of the M4.
Andrei Nedelea – ALPINA B4 GT
Not having beforehand pushed an ALPINA, the spotlight of the yr for me was driving the B4 GT in Mallorca, each on roads and round a observe. It immediately grew to become my favourite automotive of the yr with its mixture of M car-like tempo however extra of a grand tourer character with additional consolation.
The 2024 B4 GT has the identical S58 engine that you just get in an M3 or M4, nevertheless 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, nevertheless it feels much more muscular from even decrease down within the revs. It turns the B4 GT right into a ridiculously quick every 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 you could get on M automobiles don’t really feel the most effective. Alpina has distinctive paddles which can be made out of metallic and really feel significantly extra particular, enhancing each the driving expertise and the inside ambiance.
Sean Kealey Z4 “Handschalter” Package deal
I used to be very fortunate to drive quite a lot of totally different BMWs this yr. 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 most effective BMW I drove this yr; it was one in every 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 freeway cruising roadster. This automotive can deal with. The stiff chassis, glorious 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 automotive like to rotate. It’s so playful by means of corners with the brief wheelbase. This, together with the open-top driving expertise, an opulent 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 really particular driving expertise.
Folks say Miata is at all times the reply. They’re not unsuitable, however think about a Miata with 400hp and a extra luxurious inside—that is what you’re 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 carried out to the shift linkage has actually allowed it to really feel far more stout and direct. Personally, I like the way in which this handbook feels.
The Z4 handbook is quite a lot of automotive for the $75,000+ price ticket. Any open-top Porsche which may compete with this automotive and has greater than 4 cylinders is no less than 50% costlier. Something at this worth or cheaper is considerably much less succesful, direct, and thrilling. This automotive 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 basic. Drive this automotive and watch it treatment your melancholy.
Horatiu Boeriu – BMW iX M60
This yr, I made a decision to go towards the development. As an alternative of choosing a flashy efficiency automotive or a basic favourite, I selected an electrical automotive as my prime choose for 2024. The BMW iX M60 wasn’t simply one other automotive I examined—it grew to become a part of my every day life for many of the yr. And it rapidly gained me and my household over.
One of many first issues that stood out concerning 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 few of the most comfy I’ve ever utilized in an SUV, and the inside feels extra like a comfortable front room than a automotive.
For me, the most effective a part of the iX is the way it drives. It’s fast—sooner than I’d ever want—however what I cherished most was the journey high quality. With the air suspension choice, the iX feels prefer it’s floating over the highway. It’s so quiet and comfy that even after lengthy journeys, I felt fully relaxed. The truth is, I believe it’s essentially the most luxurious driving expertise within the BMW lineup, even in comparison with automobiles just like the 7 Collection or the i7.
The BMW iX M60 isn’t good. Its design won’t attraction to everybody, and a few would possibly miss having a 3rd row. However for me, it had every thing I needed. It’s additionally the primary automotive my youngsters had been genuinely unhappy to see depart, which says lots about how a lot it grew to become a part of our lives.
In the long run, the iX M60 was the automotive that stood out essentially the most to me this yr. It’s sensible, luxurious, and forward-thinking. It won’t be everybody’s first alternative, nevertheless it ticked all the precise packing containers for me. If you happen to’re searching for an electrical SUV that gives consolation, energy, and an unbelievable driving expertise, the BMW iX is tough to beat.
