BMW has built a solid reputation with SUVs since the early 2000s, earning success with models like the X5 and X3. But one segment it hasn’t fully tapped into is the luxury hardcore off-roader — the territory dominated by the Mercedes G-Wagen. That could soon change, as Automotive News reports that BMW is developing a G-Wagen rival based on the next-generation X5 platform, likely powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE).
According to the report, production will start sometime during the second half of 2029 at the BMW South Carolina factory. Carrying an internal codename of G74, the car will feature an adapted BMW X5 platform and will most likely be an indirect successor to the XM.
The BMW XM currently stands as the company’s flagship SUV offering, boasting big power and sportier handling. This new G74 off-roader will also likely sit at a similar halo position. Notably, the XM is currently assembled in the same South Carolina plant, and is scheduled to be discontinued in 2028 – most probably making way for the G74, we think.
About a year ago, BMW celebrated the Silver Anniversary of the X5 overseas with an adventurous X5 xOffroad edition, adding new off-road driving modes, upgraded suspension, and all-terrain tires. Nevertheless, it was still essentially a standard BMW X5 with a few rugged touches. The upcoming G74 off-roader is expected to be far more serious — taller, tougher, and perhaps squarer, like the G-Wagen it’s targeting.
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The next-generation BMW X5 is expected to debut in both electric vehicle (EV) and ICE forms. Noting that the electric G-Wagen hasn’t matched the sales of its ICE counterpart, the report suggests the G74 off-roader will likely be offered only with an ICE powertrain with some form of hybridisation.
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