BMW G74: Munich’s Rugged SUV to Take on the Mercedes G-Class and Defender
BMW is gearing up to make a bold entry into the hardcore off-road luxury SUV segment with the upcoming G74. Positioned as a direct rival to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender, the G74 promises a blend of rugged performance, luxury, and cutting-edge tech — all wrapped in BMW’s latest design philosophy.
Launch Timeline & Production
The BMW G74 is set for a global debut in late 2029, with series production to begin in the second half of 2029. Manufacturing will take place at BMW’s Spartanburg facility in South Carolina, USA — the hub that currently produces the X5, X6, and X7.
Platform & Design
- Underpinned by a heavily modified version of BMW’s next-gen X5 (CLAR) platform.
- Neue Klasse design DNA fused with rugged proportions.
- Boxy silhouette, raised ground clearance, and bold off-road styling signal its all-terrain intent.
Hardcore Off-Road Capabilities
The G74 isn’t just a luxury cruiser — it’s built to tackle extreme terrains with features like:
- Long-travel air suspension
- Advanced all-wheel drive system
- Up to three locking differentials
- Four-wheel steering for improved agility and control
Interior & Space
- A large three-row SUV, offering seating for up to seven passengers.
- Luxurious yet practical cabin, inspired by BMW’s Neue Klasse interiors.
- Highlights include:
- Panoramic glass roof
- Tailgate seating for outdoor adventures
Powertrain Options
BMW plans to launch the G74 with traditional internal combustion engines to suit global demand. However, future-proofing is baked in:
- Plug-in hybrid and full-electric variants are in the pipeline.
- EV versions could offer 610+ hp, borrowing tech from the iX5 M70.
- Powered by BMW’s next-gen Gen6 batteries, with a WLTP range of ~700 km expected.
Positioning & Market Role
- Acts as the spiritual successor to the BMW XM, which bows out in 2028.
- Designed as BMW’s halo off-road model, sitting above the X7.
- Pricing is expected to exceed $150,000 USD, placing it firmly in the ultra-luxury SUV segment.
- Direct competition: Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender V8.
With the G74, BMW is stepping into new territory — rugged luxury off-roaders. Combining boxy retro-inspired design, serious 4×4 hardware, and high-tech hybrid/EV powertrains, the G74 has all the makings of a future icon. It’s BMW’s strongest challenge yet to the G-Class and Defender, and could very well redefine the luxury off-road game by the end of the decade.