New Delhi: BMW SUVs have always been driver-centric, though there are very few with an off-road pedigree. The company is now looking to enter the segment and are currently working on an off-road SUV to compete with the likes of Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The upcoming SUV will come as the successor to the BMW XM hybrid, which hasn’t got a good response.
Reports have suggested that the upcoming BMW off-roader have been codenamed as G74 internally for now. It is likely to be produced at BMW’s Spartanburg factory in the USA, which produces X5 and X7 SUVs and is expected to come to the market in 2029.
The new BMW offering is likely to come with a heavily modified version of the CLAR platform. The brand is going for a new flagship off-roader with an internal combustion engine, while a hybrid or electric powertrain might also be in the scheme. The model is likely to come with BMW’s Neue Klasse design language along with traditional body lines. It will also be a step-up in terms of luxury while being rugged.
The off-road credential is expected to be the brand’s best effort in terms of approach, departure angles and rampover. While there is no name yet, reports do suggest that they could be reviving the C8 moniker, which have previously been deemed to be the coupe-style of X7.
The G-Class is one of the most popular off-road icons globally, with around six lakh units sold since its introduction in 1979. The Land Rover too has a heavy following and has been a big hit from the British carmaker, and is the best seller from JLR in India. It is a market where BMW haven’t historically shown great results, falling short by just a little. The forthcoming BMW off-roader is likely to come to India.