My best drives of 2024
Despite battling health issues, 2024 was still an exciting year for me. As I was slowly easing my way back into normal life, I thought drives would be far and few in between. But it turned out, my dear friends from the industry had other plans.
While I had to trim my list down to five truly unforgettable drives, many more deserved to be on that list, such as the Mazda CX-60, the Porsche Boxster, Taycan Cross Turismo and Panamera V6, the Mercedes-Benz EQE350 AMG and the Hyundai Sta Fe.
Four of these cars were crossovers / SUVs which only shows the general trend in the Philippine car market. And only one of them is a proper sedan, too!
It’s also interesting to note that all six cars are electrified, and one of them is a full EV. I use driving enjoyment as my primary means of picking a car to drive: if it isn’t fun, I usually won’t bother trying them. But two cars were the exceptions: the Honda CR-V and the BAIC B30 Dune. These cars made the list because both offer stupendous range with a generous blend of driving enjoyment, comfort and versatility. Despite all the fun cars in the world, everyone needs a capable daily-driver for when you’re just not in the mood and simply need to get stuff done.
So allow me to share with you my favorite drives of 2024.
BAIC B30 Dune 4×4
The BAIC B30 Dune represents a segment of Chinese crossovers that will gain more significance in the near future. And if Dune’s engine power of 403hp and 685Nm of torque is already enough to grab my attention, the claim of 15.1km/liter fuel consumption with a very possible 1,000km range adds to amazing features. It really feels solid, and it’s also well-appointed inside, with nautical and aviation inspired switch gear. The drive? Very decent, but also very refined and comfortable. It’s a pleasant place to spend the day if slogging through traffic is inevitable, or you want to cover record distances in a single day of driving without filling up. Proof that Chinese cars are getting better.
Honda CR-V RS HEV
Pretty much similar to the BAIC, albeit with less range (sub 800km). Crucially, it does everything the B30 does but with all the usual Honda smoothness and polish: better NVH, better torsional rigidity and better driving dynamics. But better does come with a higher price. And this is what divides many. If you’re after mobility with the greatest efficiency and the purchase price, maybe the CR-V is not for you. But if you’re a long-time driver seeking to transition to the future of electrified mobility, you will appreciate the CR-V and its refinement.
Lexus LBX
The LBX is perhaps the biggest surprise of 2024: small, sprightly, fun and surprisingly efficient. It shows Lexus has a cheeky sense of humor. It feels more “hot-hatch” than compact crossover with its stellar driving dynamics and almost cat-like agility, and the modest 134 combined horsepower is more than enough to get you into trouble. Credit to its 120Nm of gasoline provided torque and its 185Nm of electric motor supplied twist action which is readily available low-down, where you need it. Shame I am too old (and too big) for the LBX.
BMW i7 xDrive60
544hp and 745Nm of torque is very considerable, even if the vehicle it propels tips the scales at a colossal 2,715kg. But weight is also important if you want the car to ride a certain way, according to Rolls-Royce. And BMW’s i7 xDrive60 is practically that: an “attainable” Rolls-Royce limousine. It glides and wafts like a proper luxo land-yacht, but pin the pedal to the metal and the i7 accelerates with such alacrity, it can even be terrifying because of its immediacy thanks to the electric motors. Of special mention is the Merino leather interior coupled with the Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system: they transformed my Vivaldi playlist from Spotify to a literal concert in a beautiful lounge chair that has heated/ventilated and massage functions. If you think Chinese cars are loaded with tech, wait until you try the i7!
Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid
This one offers 461hp and 650 Newton-Meters of torque. If it sounds like a V8, it’s definitely not. It’s a turbocharged V6, and another plug-in hybrid one at that. With an almost 100km of all electric range in the city, coding exempt, loaded with tech, stellar ride comfort, excellent chassis control, impressive agility and steering full of feel, (sports cars should take notes from this sport utility crossover), you literally run out of superlatives thinking of and describing the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid. It is the perfect everyday vehicle. And if I may add, it’s number coding exempt.
Ferrari 296 GTS
Ever heard of a modern Le Mans race car exiting the pit lane even on TV? The electric motor whirrs loudly, pushing the car forward when the internal combustion engine catches, fires up and roars into life? That’s exactly how the 296 transitions from pure EV to ICE on the move. But aside from the melodic V6 (one of the best, and that’s not lip service just because it’s a Ferrari), the 819hp and 745Nm of torque, the 25 kilometer all-electric range, the 296 feels first and foremost, solid and planted. It doesn’t feel nervous, fragile and tempestuous. It feels like it’s on your side, with a heft reminiscent of the Germans. In the few hours I had it, I drove it as hard and as fast as I dared. It soaked up all the bumps, steered true and sharp, and made short work of the straights. I’ve always preferred German metal, but the 296 is as solid and robust as the Germans, with far more flair, style, attitude and humor.
The Ferrari 296 GTS is my 2024’s absolute best.
