2024 has been one other wild yr for us! From masking international occasions to diving into the most recent BMW Group vehicles, our staff has been busier than ever. With journey spanning 4 continents and numerous nations, our experiences this yr have been extra various 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 by written evaluations or movies on our thriving YouTube channel. In whole, we reviewed 55 vehicles on the web site and much more by our video content material. Naturally, each staff 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 a fantastic collection of vehicles from a couple 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 could 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 off design (look no additional than the Dodge Hornet or Mitsubishi Eclipse), the BMW M4 breaks the mildew.
It not solely faithfully carries the M3 torch even forty years later however seems to be distinct from all the pieces else on the highway. That final half cuts each methods, in fact, but it surely’s unimaginable 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 yr for me was driving the B4 GT in Mallorca, each on roads and round a monitor. It immediately turned my favourite automobile of the yr 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, but it surely 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, but it surely 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 elective carbon fiber ones you could get on M vehicles 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 a variety of totally different BMWs this yr. 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 yr; it was one in all my favourite vehicles I’ve pushed within the final 5 years.
There’s extra to it than simply having a guide. This technology of Z4, co-developed with Toyota for the Supra, goes past simply being an excellent freeway cruising roadster. This automobile 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 ability down but additionally 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 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 very particular driving expertise.
Individuals say Miata is all the time the reply. They’re not improper, 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 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 guide feels.
The Z4 guide is a variety of automobile for the $75,000+ price ticket. Any open-top Porsche that may compete with this automobile 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 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 basic. Drive this automobile and watch it remedy your despair.
Horatiu Boeriu – BMW iX M60
This yr, I made a decision to go towards the development. As an alternative of selecting a flashy efficiency automobile or a basic favourite, I selected an electrical automobile as my prime decide for 2024. The BMW iX M60 wasn’t simply one other automobile I examined—it turned 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 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 liked most was the journey 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 utterly relaxed. The truth is, I believe it’s essentially the most luxurious driving expertise within the BMW lineup, even in comparison with vehicles just like the 7 Sequence or the i7.
The BMW iX M60 isn’t excellent. Its design won’t attraction to everybody, and a few may miss having a 3rd row. However for me, it had all the pieces I wished. It’s additionally the primary automobile my youngsters have been genuinely unhappy to see go away, which says loads about how a lot it turned a part of our lives.
Ultimately, the iX M60 was the automobile that stood out essentially the most to me this yr. It’s sensible, luxurious, and forward-thinking. It won’t be everybody’s first selection, but it surely ticked all the fitting bins for me. In case you’re on the lookout for an electrical SUV that gives consolation, energy, and an unbelievable driving expertise, the BMW iX is difficult to beat.
