2024 has been one other wild yr for us! From overlaying international occasions to diving into the most recent BMW Group vehicles, our workforce 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 workforce 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 vehicles on the web site and much more via our video content material. Naturally, each workforce 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 incredible number of vehicles 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 just a little bit too good for avenue 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 distinct from all the things else on the street. That final half cuts each methods, after all, however 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 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 observe. It immediately grew to become 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 just 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 you can get on M vehicles don’t really feel the perfect. Alpina has distinctive paddles which are made out of steel and really feel significantly extra particular, enhancing each the driving expertise and the inside ambiance.
Sean Kealey Z4 “Handschalter” Bundle
I used to be very fortunate to drive numerous totally different BMWs this yr. Some had been electrical, some had inline sixes, and a few had 735hp (because of Carbahn), however just one had three pedals. The Z4 with a guide transmission wasn’t simply the perfect 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 era of Z4, co-developed with Toyota for the Supra, goes past simply being a very good 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 ability down but additionally make the automobile like to rotate. It’s so playful via 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 individual gears, makes this a really particular driving expertise.
Folks say Miata is at all times the reply. They’re not mistaken, 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 guide transmissions have been infamous for his or her rubbery really feel. That is nonetheless partially true, however the tuning executed to the shift linkage has actually allowed it to really feel way more stout and direct. Personally, I like the best way this guide feels.
The Z4 guide is numerous 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 very 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 guide transmission, it’s going to be a future traditional. Drive this automobile and watch it treatment your despair.
Horatiu Boeriu – BMW iX M60
This yr, I made a decision to go towards the development. As an alternative of choosing a flashy efficiency automobile or a traditional favourite, I selected an electrical automobile as my high decide for 2024. The BMW iX M60 wasn’t simply one other automobile I examined—it grew to become a part of my each day life for many of the yr. And it shortly 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 among the most comfy I’ve ever utilized in an SUV, and the inside feels extra like a comfy lounge than a automobile.
For me, the perfect 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 trip high quality. With the air suspension possibility, the iX feels prefer it’s floating over the street. It’s so quiet and comfy that even after lengthy journeys, I felt utterly relaxed. In actual fact, 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 good. Its design won’t enchantment to everybody, and a few may miss having a 3rd row. However for me, it had all the things I wished. It’s additionally the primary automobile my youngsters 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 yr. It’s sensible, luxurious, and forward-thinking. It won’t be everybody’s first selection, however it ticked all the appropriate packing containers for me. In case you’re in search of an electrical SUV that gives consolation, energy, and an unbelievable driving expertise, the BMW iX is difficult to beat.
