2024 has been one other wild yr for us! From overlaying world occasions to diving into the most recent BMW Group vehicles, our crew has been busier than ever. With journey spanning 4 continents and numerous international locations, our experiences this yr have been extra various than ever earlier than. Every member of our crew introduced their very own distinctive perspective, and our protection mirrored this broad scope, whether or not by way of written critiques or movies on our thriving YouTube channel. In complete, we reviewed 55 vehicles on the web site and much more by way of our video content material. Naturally, each crew 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 incredible 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 little bit 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 rancid 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 appears distinct from every part else on the street. That final half cuts each methods, after all, but it surely’s inconceivable 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 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 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 that you could get on M vehicles don’t really feel the very best. Alpina has distinctive paddles which are made out of metallic 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 quite a lot of totally different BMWs this yr. Some have been electrical, some had inline sixes, and a few had 735hp (because of Carbahn), however just one had three pedals. The Z4 with a handbook transmission wasn’t simply the very best BMW I drove this yr; it was certainly one of my favourite vehicles 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, wonderful suspension, agency sway bars, and splendidly tuned limited-slip differential within the rear not solely assist put the ability down but in addition make the automotive like to rotate. It’s so playful by way of corners with the brief wheelbase. This, along 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 incorrect, however think about a Miata with 400hp and a extra luxurious inside—that is what you might be getting. That’s the easiest way 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 performed 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 that may compete with this automotive and has greater than 4 cylinders is not less than 50% costlier. Something at this value 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 traditional. Drive this automotive and watch it treatment your melancholy.
Horatiu Boeriu – BMW iX M60
This yr, I made a decision to go in opposition to the development. As a substitute of choosing a flashy efficiency automotive or a traditional favourite, I selected an electrical automotive as my prime decide 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 shortly 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 splendid, with considerate particulars like a panoramic Sky Lounge roof and crystal controls. The seats are a few of the most snug I’ve ever utilized in an SUV, and the inside feels extra like a comfy lounge than a automotive.
For me, the very best a part of the iX is the way it drives. It’s fast—quicker 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 street. It’s so quiet and comfy that even after lengthy journeys, I felt utterly relaxed. In actual fact, I believe it’s probably the most luxurious driving expertise within the BMW lineup, even in comparison with vehicles just like the 7 Collection or the i7.
The BMW iX M60 isn’t good. Its design may not enchantment to everybody, and a few would possibly miss having a 3rd row. However for me, it had every part I wished. It’s additionally the primary automotive my youngsters have been genuinely unhappy to see go away, which says lots about how a lot it grew to become a part of our lives.
Ultimately, the iX M60 was the automotive that stood out probably the most to me this yr. It’s sensible, luxurious, and forward-thinking. It may not be everybody’s first alternative, but it surely ticked all the correct packing containers for me. When you’re searching for an electrical SUV that gives consolation, energy, and an unimaginable driving expertise, the BMW iX is tough to beat.
