The first off-road vehicle from BMW’s M division could soon become a reality, as hinted by Frank van Meel, the head of the performance arm. Known for its high-performance racing and road models, BMW’s M division has traditionally focused on track-centric coupes, sedans, and wagons, alongside powerful SUVs designed for on-road prowess and speed.
However, the German automaker is reportedly developing a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and the Land Rover Defender, marking its first foray into serious off-road capability. When asked by CarExpert about the possibility of an M-badged off-roader, van Meel suggested the concept is not beyond reach.
Exploring New Terrain
The potential move into the off-road segment represents a significant shift for BMW M, traditionally associated with on-road performance. Van Meel explained, “I could imagine M on off-road products, because if you come from racing, there’s not only the WEC [World Endurance Championship] and IMSA [International Motor Sports Association] [sports car categories], but the Paris-Dakar [off-road rally].”
The Paris-Dakar, now simply known as ‘Dakar,’ is a grueling off-road rally that challenges vehicles across harsh desert terrains. This event has seen extreme off-road buggies, cars, motorbikes, and even trucks compete in its demanding courses. In 2026, the car class was claimed by Dacia, overcoming efforts from automotive giants like Toyota and Ford.
BMW’s Off-Road Legacy
BMW has a storied history in the Dakar rally, having secured multiple victories in the motorcycle division. More recently, BMW-owned Mini clinched the car category win in 2021. Meanwhile, rival Audi has participated with an extended-range electric off-roader from 2022 to 2024.
Despite these successes, BMW has yet to field an off-road vehicle in the Dakar rally. Van Meel noted, “We don’t have any off-road vehicles at BMW for Paris-Dakar, even though you can take an X5 – we offer driving experiences with the X5, by the way, in Namibia – so you can use our cars off-road.”
“I don’t think it’s [an off-road M model] a contradiction because, in Paris-Dakar, if you look at the race cars, they’re quite performance-driven cars as well. So, if there would be a segment like that, I wouldn’t say no.” – Frank van Meel
Future Prospects and Market Impact
While not officially confirmed, the rugged BMW model, codenamed G74, is anticipated to be produced in the United States, with production slated to begin in 2029. The G74 is expected to replace the V8 plug-in hybrid XM, which will remain in production until November 2028.
This development follows another record year for BMW M car sales, both in Australia and globally. The growth is partly attributed to the expansion of the M badge across more models, including those with M packages and upgrades, such as the M240i, distinct from the full-fledged M2 in the same lineup.
Implications for the Automotive Industry
The introduction of an off-road model by BMW M could significantly alter the landscape of luxury off-road vehicles, challenging established players like Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover. The move could also pave the way for further innovations in off-road performance, leveraging BMW’s expertise in high-performance engineering.
As BMW continues to explore this new direction, industry observers will be keenly watching for further announcements and developments. The potential success of the G74 could not only redefine BMW’s brand identity but also set new standards in the off-road vehicle segment.
With production still years away, enthusiasts and analysts alike will be eager to see how BMW M’s off-road ambitions unfold and what this means for the future of high-performance off-road vehicles.
