An Exciting New Off-Roader Is Coming from an Outrageously Unexpected Source

It looks like the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen isn’t just getting a rival from its neighbors in Ingolstadt, but Munich as well. BMW is reportedly brewing up its own off-roader to take on the G-Wagen, Land Rover’s Defender and even the new Scout Traveler.

According to AutomotiveNews, new marketing surveys, demand and even current product lines all revealed that the industry found a new trend to capitalize on: the overlanding world. And to keep up with the Joneses, some of the most unconventional carmakers are looking to jump on the bandwagon.

One of them includes BMW.

The Ultimate Off-Roading Machine?

BMW USA

It wasn’t too long ago that Audi confirmed its efforts to develop a new dedicated off-roader. The opportunity arose from Volkswagen’s investment into the revival of Scout Motors.

Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover have been dominating the premium and luxury four-wheeling market. Thus, it’s been a wonder as to why others haven’t come up with their own G-Wagen and new Defender rivals.

BMW USA

But since Land Rover revived the Defender, along with a few obscure newbies, like the Ineos Grenadier, other big players, like BMW, finally received the cues they needed to join the game. Even Genesis is also reportedly working on the prospect.

Details are sparse. But according to AN, BMW is moving forward with its plan to build a dedicated all-terrain vehicle.

BMW USA

The Munich-based automaker hinted at the idea while detailing its new product strategy earlier this summer. From said details, the new off-roader could be ready by 2029.

Other suggestive hints include assembly in South Carolina, which totally makes sense since that’s where BMW currently builds all of its SUVs. The automaker even assigned an internal chassis number: G74.

Rumor has it the new off-roader will be based on the next-gen X5. Which, again, also sounds sensible as the X5 was BMW’s first-ever foray into the SUV world.

And if anyone’s familiar with the story of how the X5 came to be, its origins stem from the period when the German automaker owned Land Rover in the 1990s.

Although the BMW X5 and even its smaller sibling, the X3, were both more intended for the road, they’ve increasingly incorporated more off-road tech.

Overlanding is the new thing

BMW USA

Off-roading and in a sense, overlanding, has been a recreational activity for about as long as the automobile’s existence. It is about as common of a pastime for enthusiasts as club racing, auto-crossing and track days.

But because of the relatively low impact and cost of four-wheeling — at least in relative to track days or on-road racing, which could nuke an expensive set of tires and brakes among many other things in no time — it’s more prevalent.

Land Rover

And because four-wheeling doesn’t need a specific and hard-to-come-by venue, unlike paved surface events, it’s far more accessible. And car lovers are beginning to discover these upsides, especially in the world of premium automobiles.

Hence, that’s why automakers like Audi and now, BMW, are breaking with their tradition of making fastidiously fun and exquisite on-road machines to explore building rugged off-roaders.

BMW USA

Previously, one didn’t need to buy a pricey vehicle or spend big money to have fun on the trails. Additionally, the recreational off-roading came to be as a byproduct from the invention of purpose-built, utilitarian vehicles. Particularly, those designed to transport people and things around more rural parts of the planet.

Ineos

It’s the same reason why mainstream automakers like Toyota, Jeep, Ford, Nissan and many others, who make affordable and rugged four-by-fours, proliferated in the niche.

Because initially, many thought, who in their right mind would spend a boatload of money on an expensive luxury car, only to beat it up on the trails?

Mercedes-Benz

But thanks to brands like Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz, that perspective is rapidly changing. Especially for those who can afford to venture off the beaten path in higher-end vehicles.

Because the activity is growing in popularity, even among wealthier demographics, automakers are simply looking to feast on the movement. Times are certainly about to get even more interesting, if they haven’t already.

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