BMW’s Mercedes G-Wagen rival called off - report
After it looked like BMW – and a number of other brands – would take on Mercedes-Benz’s rugged G-Class, the Bavarian carmaker has reportedly aborted its plans.
For the past two years, BMW has been rumoured to have been plotting a rugged, off-road ready rival to the popular Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, but now it appears to have been axed.
As reported by BMW Blog, the BMW ‘G74’ – as it was reportedly called internally – did not pass through the required internal approval process to make production, effectively putting it on ice or even off the table entirely.
While BMW Blog first reported on it being an internal project in 2024, this was amplified in August last year when respected outlet Automotive News provided additional details of the G74, claiming it would launch in 2029.
Set to allegedly be called the BMW Rugged, the off-roader was meant to look tougher than the X5 both in appearance and off-road capability, though like the Mercedes 4x4 it was expected to retain some luxury trimmings.
Initially it was expected to be based on the electric Neue Klasse architecture of the new iX3, before later reports linked it to the recently launched X5, which would have meant the option of petrol and diesel engines alongside plug-in hybrids.
Strangely, despite its alleged off-road credentials, it was expected to be a three-row SUV, similar to the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser.
While the project could still come to fruition, recent reports of BMW looking to cut 8000 jobs as it aims to slash costs means niche products are unlikely to go ahead.
Despite this, other brands may look to take on the G-Wagen – and Land Rover Defender – with their own offerings.
Jordan Mulach
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has said the carmaker is “evaluating” whether an off-road oriented SUV could fit into its model lineup, representing the second time he’s hinted at such a product this year.
“The perfect thing is that I can imagine an Audi from the A2, [a] very efficient city car, to a super sports car, from a small SUV to a rugged SUV in the US, that would also fit the Audi brand,” the CEO told US publication Car and Driver in March.
Döllner has spoken on the record multiple times in the recent past about a rugged SUV being in Audi’s plans, after Automobilwoche reported on the potential off-roader late last year.
Likewise Genesis unveiled the X Gran Equator concept in April last year, and its executives have been vocal about the prospect of it reaching production.
Jordan Mulach
Speaking at the Hyundai Group’s Investor Day in September, CEO José Muñoz provided the clearest hint yet that the X Gran Equator will influence a production model, even if it’s not identical to the concept.
“We will go beyond the brand’s existing model lineup to create new flagship vehicles,” Muñoz said.
“For example, an off-roader infused with the spirit of adventure, just like the X Gran Equator concept. These vehicles, which are currently concepts, exemplify our ambition to offer leading products that deliver exceptional experiences.”
Genesis hasn’t detailed what platform the production X Gran Equator could run on, though given Hyundai is developing a body-on-frame underpinning for its upcoming mid-sized pickup (or ute), this is a likely candidate.
