BMW is reportedly readying a true Mercedes-Benz G-Class rival, with the internal designation of G74. It would come in as the most hardcore off-road ever officially offered by BMW.
According to an Automotive News report, the new model will utilise an extensively reworked version of the X5’s CLAR-based platform, with a strong off-road emphasis. This means it would retain a monocoque construction rather than the separate chassis layout preferred by hardcore off-roaders.
There’s also speak of it potentially replacing the XM high-performance SUV. This would mean being a BMW M model rather than a regular BMW model. The XM was the first bespoke M model since the M1 from the 1990s. Since then, all other M cars have been based on regular BMW model lines except for the XM.
Strangely enough, a BMW-powered separate chassis off-roader exists in the form of the Ineos Grenadier and Quartermaster. The G74 will have its work cut out for it in terms of matching that vehicles approach, departure and break-over angles.
Furthermore, BMW’s trend towards electrification indicates plug-in hybrid availability as well as a dedicated electric model, in the same vain as the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology. To match that model’s level of street cred, it will need crab walk and tank turn capability. Nevertheless, there is a preference for internal combustion in this segment – particularly in the Australian market with our expansive, barren outback.
BMW has recently unveiled an xOffroad package for the current X5 in Silver Anniversary Edition trim, with underbody reinforcement, rear diff lock and a roof box. Many automakers are shifting in this direction too, with Subaru fielding Wilderness versions of its Forester, XV and Outback in other markets, and even the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT.
Details about aesthetics are thin on the ground, but it wouldn’t be farfetched to expect a boxy, traditional off-roader appearance relative to the crossover-esque styling of BMW’s SUV range. We have included some AI-generated renderings to show how it might look.
The report says the new BMW will show its face in the second half of 2029, squeaking in before the dawn of the new decade.
