2024 has been one other wild 12 months for us! From overlaying international occasions to diving into the newest BMW Group automobiles, our staff has been busier than ever. With journey spanning 4 continents and numerous international locations, our experiences this 12 months have been extra numerous than ever earlier than. Every member of our staff introduced their very own distinctive perspective, and our protection mirrored this broad scope, whether or not via written evaluations or movies on our thriving YouTube channel. In complete, we reviewed 55 automobiles on the web site and much more via our video content material. Naturally, each staff member had their private favorites, however right here’s a rundown of probably the most memorable BMWs we had the privilege to drive in 2024.
Steven Paul – 2025 BMW M4
I drove an amazing collection of automobiles from just a few 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 bit bit too good for road driving – and I actually want I drove one with the guide – 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 appears distinct from the whole lot else on the highway. That final half cuts each methods, after all, however it’s unattainable 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 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 monitor. It immediately turned my favourite automobile of the 12 months 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 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 each 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 non-compulsory carbon fiber ones which you could get on M automobiles don’t really feel the most effective. Alpina has distinctive paddles which might be 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 lots of totally different BMWs this 12 months. Some have been electrical, some had inline sixes, and a few had 735hp (due to Carbahn), however just one had three pedals. The Z4 with a guide transmission wasn’t simply the most effective BMW I drove this 12 months; it was one among my favourite automobiles I’ve pushed within the final 5 years.
There’s extra to it than simply having a guide. This era 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 additionally make the automobile like to rotate. It’s so playful via corners with the brief wheelbase. This, at the side of 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 individual gears, makes this a really particular driving expertise.
Individuals say Miata is all the time the reply. They’re not flawed, 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 guide transmissions have been infamous for his or her rubbery really feel. That is nonetheless partially true, however the tuning completed to the shift linkage has actually allowed it to really feel far more stout and direct. Personally, I like the best way this guide feels.
The Z4 guide is lots 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 no less than 50% costlier. Something at this value 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 outfitted with a guide transmission, it’s going to be a future traditional. Drive this automobile and watch it remedy your melancholy.
Horatiu Boeriu – BMW iX M60
This 12 months, I made a decision to go towards the pattern. As an alternative of selecting a flashy efficiency automobile or a traditional favourite, I selected an electrical automobile as my high choose for 2024. The BMW iX M60 wasn’t simply one other automobile I examined—it turned a part of my each day life for a lot of the 12 months. And it shortly received 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 snug I’ve ever utilized in an SUV, and the inside feels extra like a comfy lounge than a automobile.
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 beloved most was the trip high quality. With the air suspension possibility, the iX feels prefer it’s floating over the highway. It’s so quiet and cozy that even after lengthy journeys, I felt fully relaxed. Actually, I believe it’s probably 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 excellent. Its design won’t attraction to everybody, and a few would possibly miss having a 3rd row. However for me, it had the whole lot I wished. It’s additionally the primary automobile my youngsters have been genuinely unhappy to see depart, which says rather a lot about how a lot it turned a part of our lives.
In the long run, the iX M60 was the automobile that stood out probably the most to me this 12 months. It’s sensible, luxurious, and forward-thinking. It won’t be everybody’s first selection, however it ticked all the precise packing containers for me. For those who’re in search of an electrical SUV that gives consolation, energy, and an unbelievable driving expertise, the BMW iX is tough to beat.
