BMW Wants To Make A Hardcore Off-Roader

Desmond Milligan · August 13

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After decades of intentionally avoiding the market niche, BMW wants to make a hardcore off-roader to compete against Mercedes. It would specifically line up against the venerable G-Wagon, a boxy luxury SUV with a cult following and a proud heritage.

Man creates a slick Ford Mustang pickup truck.

This is quite the departure for the Bavarians, who have not always said nice things about off-roaders. The brand has even insisted it doesn’t sell SUVs but rather SAVs (sport activity vehicles) as if the word “utility” is beneath it.

That’s why the revelation from an Automotive News report that BMW wants to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, or at least those who like the aesthetic, is so shocking to so many.

Perhaps the automaker has been looking at its rival’s success with the G-Wagon and thought it could make something better? It sounds like whatever is being cooked up is still in the conceptual phase, because the report says production won’t start until 2029.

A report from BMW Blog claims the future Bimmer will be boxy, large, and contain three rows of seating. It could be offered as a gas-only model, hybrid, or EV.

What makes us wonder if this new BMW off-roader will be the real deal is the claim it will use a modified version of the X5’s platform. One of the things that’s made the G-Wagon so beloved is the fact it’s unabashedly a truck.

That’s right, with a body-on-frame construction, plus a ladder frame, high ground clearance, and three locking differentials, it’s no pushover on the trail. Sure, most reside at luxury malls and the Starbucks drive-through, but the SUV is still wondrously capable.

Will BMW’s rival, which reportedly has the internal code G74, be similarly capable? If it truly will use the same platform as the X5, we fear the answer will be a resounding no. But will people care? Enthusiasts will, but many who just love the look of a supposedly rugged vehicle likely will not.

Image via Mercedes-Benz

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