2024 has been one other wild yr for us! From masking world occasions to diving into the most recent BMW Group automobiles, 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 means of written evaluations or movies on our thriving YouTube channel. In complete, we reviewed 55 automobiles on the web site and much more by means of 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 incredible collection of automobiles from a number of completely 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 slightly bit too good for road driving – and I actually want I drove one with the guide – that’s hardly something to carry in opposition to 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 things else on the street. That final half cuts each methods, in fact, however it’s not possible 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 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, 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 day by 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-obligatory carbon fiber ones that you could get on M automobiles don’t really feel one of the best. Alpina has distinctive paddles which might be made out of steel 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 a whole lot of completely 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 guide transmission wasn’t simply one of the best BMW I drove this yr; it was certainly one of 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 great 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 additionally make the automotive like to rotate. It’s so playful by means of corners with the quick wheelbase. This, along side 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 mistaken, however think about a Miata with 400hp and a extra luxurious inside—that is what you’re getting. That’s one of the simplest 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 finished to the shift linkage has actually allowed it to really feel rather more stout and direct. Personally, I like the best way this guide feels.
The Z4 guide is a whole 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 a minimum of 50% dearer. 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 outfitted with a guide transmission, it’s going to be a future basic. Drive this automotive and watch it remedy your melancholy.
Horatiu Boeriu – BMW iX M60
This yr, I made a decision to go in opposition to the pattern. As a substitute of selecting a flashy efficiency automotive or a basic favourite, I selected an electrical automotive as my high choose for 2024. The BMW iX M60 wasn’t simply one other automotive I examined—it grew to become a part of my day by day life for a lot 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 opulent, 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 comfortable front room than a automotive.
For me, one of the best 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 street. It’s so quiet and comfy that even after lengthy journeys, I felt fully relaxed. In reality, I believe it’s probably the most luxurious driving expertise within the BMW lineup, even in comparison with automobiles just like the 7 Sequence or the i7.
The BMW iX M60 isn’t excellent. Its design may not attraction to everybody, and a few may miss having a 3rd row. However for me, it had all the things I needed. It’s additionally the primary automotive my youngsters have been genuinely unhappy to see depart, which says quite a bit 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 probably the most to me this yr. It’s sensible, luxurious, and forward-thinking. It may not be everybody’s first selection, however it ticked all the appropriate packing containers for me. Should you’re searching for an electrical SUV that gives consolation, energy, and an unimaginable driving expertise, the BMW iX is tough to beat.
