BMW developing a rugged off-roader to take on the G-Wagon and Defender?

By undefined16 Aug 2025
Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Land Rover

Luxury off-road SUVs

The luxury off-road segment is divided into cult followings of the Mercedes G-Wagon, Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Defender, and a few more SUVs. News is that there might be another contender under the works.

Image Credits: Land Rover

BMW’s Defender and G-Class rival

Latest media reports suggest that BMW is developing a rugged off-roader to take on the likes of these luxury off-roaders, and a few details about the same are out.

Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz

To be based on the next-gen BMW X5?

The Defender rival is said to be based on the next-generation BMW X5 platform, and come with serious off-road hardware and capabilities. 

Image Credits: BMW — Current-gen X5 sketches used for representational purpose

BMW XM successor

The upcoming SUV is also being seen as a direct successor to the BMW XM, which did not do very well globally, and is on the cards to be replaced. 

Image Credits: BMW

BMW off-road SUV launch timeline

It is expected that the SUV will make its debut sometime in 2029, though we might start seeing concept versions in the next few years. 

Image Credits: BMW
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