BMW Set to Launch Flagship Off-Roader to Rival Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender
BMW is gearing up to introduce a new hardcore off-roader that will compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Land Rover Defender.
The new seven-seater model, codenamed G74, will be produced alongside the X5, X6, and X7 at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the US starting in 2029. This marks BMW’s first foray into serious off-roading since 1937.
Unlike the current off-road-package X5 available in the UK, the G74 is specifically designed to target the luxury off-road market dominated by the Defender and G-Class.
A senior BMW executive revealed that development work on the G74 is well underway, emphasizing the need for an internal combustion engine. The new model is expected to blend elements of BMW’s Neue Klasse lineage with rugged design cues, offering superior ground clearance, longer-travel suspension, and improved approach and departure angles.
The G74 will feature seating for up to seven passengers in a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials and advanced equipment. It is slated for global release under the potential X9 moniker.
While details of the mechanical package remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that the G74 will utilize a modified version of BMW’s CLAR platform to accommodate the necessary chassis enhancements for off-road capabilities. The vehicle is likely to incorporate elements from the X5 and X7, including long-travel air suspension, locking differentials, advanced four-wheel drive, and four-wheel steering for enhanced agility and stability.
Although BMW initially plans to power the G74 with an internal combustion engine, the possibility of an electric variant is not ruled out. This would position the G74 against emerging electrified off-roaders from China and the US.
With its upcoming flagship off-roader, BMW aims to make a bold statement in the luxury off-road segment, challenging established rivals with a blend of performance, comfort, and off-road prowess.
