- Why is BMW considering a rival to the G-Class?
- What do we know about the G74 project?
- Expected Pricing and Competition
- Current Off Road Options from BMW
The world of luxury off road vehicles is witnessing a major shift as BMWUAE BMWBahrain BMWKSA BMWOman BMWQatar BMWEgypt BMWKuwait BMW prepares for an unexpected move that will place it in direct competition with the iconic Mercedes G Class. According to reliable reports, the Bavarian automaker is developing a purpose built SUV designed specifically for tough off road adventures, with an expected debut in 2029. This marks a significant change in BMW’s philosophy, as the brand has long been associated with sporty performance and luxury rather than desert expeditions or rock crawling.
Why is BMW considering a rival to the G-Class?
The Mercedes G-Class has long been associated with prestige, luxury, and power, with global production surpassing 600,000 units. This success has cemented its status as an icon among premium off road SUVs. Such strong demand has pushed BMW to rethink its strategy in order to meet the growing appetite for vehicles that combine refinement with rugged durability.
Reports indicate that BMW plans to manufacture its new SUV at its Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, with production slated to begin in the second half of 2029. This move positions the vehicle as a direct competitor to the G-Class, not only in design but also in performance and pricing.
What do we know about the G74 project?
Internally codenamed G74, the upcoming SUV is expected to ride on an upgraded version of the BMW X5Bahrain BMW X5Egypt BMW X5KSA BMW X5Kuwait BMW X5Oman BMW X5Qatar BMW X5UAE BMW X5 platform, providing a solid technical foundation that balances performance both on paved roads and off the beaten track. Industry reports suggest that this model will act as an indirect successor to the XM, which BMW plans to discontinue by 2028 after its underwhelming market reception.
What stands out is that BMW is not treating this project as a simple revision of its existing lineup. Instead, the G74 will be the brand’s first purpose built off roader aimed squarely at taking on the Mercedes G Class, highlighting just how serious the Bavarian automaker is about entering this competitive segment.
Expected Pricing and Competition
This upcoming BMW will not be an economical choice. Its direct predecessor, the XM, currently starts at 160,775 USD in the United States, with only the high performance Label trim remaining after the discontinuation of the base version. Considering that the entry level Mercedes G550 is priced from 149,400 USD, the new BMW off roader is expected to exceed that figure, positioning it firmly in the elite segment. It will target a select group of buyers who value ultimate luxury combined with serious off road strength.
Such a price point underscores BMW’s intention to establish this model as an iconic addition to its lineup, much like the Mercedes G Class has successfully done over several decades.
Current Off Road Options from BMW
Although the new SUV is still under development, BMW does offer limited solutions today for those eager to take its vehicles off the beaten path. The X5 with the xOffroad package provides a handful of upgrades designed for light adventures, including:
All terrain tires
A modest increase in ride height
Specialized driving modes for rough surfaces
While these features give the X5 a tougher character, they are not enough to place it in the same category as true off road legends like the G Class. This gap in BMW’s portfolio highlights the importance of the upcoming G74 project, which is set to redefine the brand’s approach and directly challenge its long standing rival from Stuttgart.
