Automotive
BMW has long celebrated its X5 marking 25 years of redefining the luxury SUV, delivering sporty crossovers that excel on pavement and in rain. Yet, the brand has shied away from true off‑road competition—until now. According to insiders cited in Automotive News and echoed on Bimmerpost, BMW is quietly developing its first bona fide heavy‑duty off‑roader to go toe‑to‑toe with icons like the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class.
This rugged newcomer, codenamed G74, is slated to enter production in the second half of 2029 at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. Built on a heavily modified version of the next‑generation X5 platform, the G74 is expected to deliver bold, boxy styling and genuine all‑terrain performance that exceeds what BMW’s occasional off‑road packages have offered.
While the current X5 Silver Anniversary Edition includes an xOffroad package (with all‑terrain tires, a mechanical rear locking differential, four‑corner air suspension, and off‑road drive modes), the G74 is being engineered from the ground up for off‑road capability, not just occasional gravel roads.
BMW’s plan isn’t just about conquering sand and shale—it’s also about repositioning its flagship SUV offering. The G74 appears set to succeed the XM plug‑in hybrid performance SUV, which BMW insiders say will be phased out in 2028. Unlike the XM with its oversized power focus, the G74 emphasizes rugged utility and adventure.
On the powertrain front, the G74 will likely stick with internal combustion—possibly enhanced with hybrid tech—but will steer clear of full electrification, likely due to market demand trends.
While the G-Class and Land Rover Defender dominate the high-dollar off‑road luxury segment, BMW now appears ready to close the gap with something uniquely its own—melding the brand’s driving DNA with pure off‑road prowess.
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Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
