Rumors G74 "Off Road" BMW SUV / G-Class Competitor?

[Sunny]

One thing BMW should have asked Toyota for in return for the engines was TNGA-F platform. Instead they asked for the stupid hydrogen vaporware!

 

[klier]

One thing BMW should have asked Toyota for in return for the engines was TNGA-F platform. Instead they asked for the stupid hydrogen vaporware!

Ahh yes, I can't wait for the next gen of those typical BMW pick-ups.
Also, I am fairly sure they didn't "ask" for anything. BMW has been developing hydrogen cars for like three decades, and now they work together with Toyota on it.

 

[Sunny]

Ahh yes, I can't wait for the next gen of those typical BMW pick-ups.

Or a BMWfied "LX600" which would have been a semi credible comp to G class.

 

[klier]

Or a BMWfied "LX600" which would have been a semi credible comp to G class.

Or they try to make a credible platform of their own, if they wanted to enter this (lucrative) market.

The G class is no rocket science. BMW can do that too.

 

[Sunny]

Or they try to make a credible platform of their own, if they wanted to enter this (lucrative) market.

The G class is no rocket science. BMW can do that too.

Not a question of can or cannot, but one of cost and reward.

 

[klier]

Not a question of can or cannot, but one of cost and reward.

I get that, but we're talking about a gigantic market, not to mention one that's becoming increasingly more popular. If you're going to enter, you may as well do it properly. Going in half assed might get your ass kicked in the long run.

Just developed an independent (from CLAR) new platform that's able to properly handle off road/heavy duty

 

[Matski]

The G class is no rocket science. BMW can do that too.

The G is "iconic" because it's been the same for generations, any new contender can't bring that. The G is a tin shit shed, but it's the tin shit shed to buy if you want to be noticed. If BMW made a G equivalent today, they'd need to keep it running for 4 generations before it was considered on the same footing, and that won't happen because the first gen would fail and BMW wouldn't renew it because they're way too risk averse.

 

[Sunny]

I get that, but we're talking about a gigantic market,

Is it really? In 2024, in US, Mercedes sold ~10k G class, Lexus sold ~7k LX. Meanwhile BMW sold 30k X7! So the market for off road capable, luxo SUV is still a niche one.

 

[klier]

The G is "iconic" because it's been the same for generations, any new contender can't bring that.

The same look.
The current W463 is from 2018 and I see zero reason for BMW not to be able to make something similar or better tech wise.

For the rest, I disagree with your whole premise. People can easily flock to something entirely new if it's really outstanding.

Is it really? In 2024, in US, Mercedes sold ~10k G class, Lexus sold ~7k LX. Meanwhile BMW sold 30k X7! So the market for off road capable, luxo SUV is still a niche one.

Yeah but if this platform is capable of proper U.S style pick-up stuff it changes the equation.

 

[Matski]

The same look.
The current W463 is from 2018 and I see zero reason for BMW not to be able to make something similar or better tech wise.

For the rest, I disagree with your whole premise. People can easily flock to something entirely new if it's really outstanding.

Come to the UK, hardly anyone is buying the G for anything other than it's image.... None of the G's cruising around Central London are doing so because people think it's got a great off road chassis, and you're incredibly unlikely to see a G that doesn't exist in a totally urban environment.

It sells because of it's established imaged, the Range Rover is exactly the same. It doesn't really matter what a new competitor brings... nobody that worships at the alter of the G-Class or the Range Rover will defect to another brand because there's no bragging rights outside of those cars.

It's a waste of money for BMW to look at. They don't sustain anything above the 7-er level for more than one generation.. and to meet the G in sales figures it needs to exist for 20-30 years, simple as that. I welcome all new BMW's but a G competitor will get the same sales figures and headlines as the XM.

 

[klier]

Come to the UK, hardly anyone is buying the G for anything other than it's image....

No need, it's the same here.

It sells because of it's established imaged, the Range Rover is exactly the same.

BMW itself is established enough. A good product from them will sell, and the XM was not that.

It's a waste of money for BMW to look at. They don't sustain anything above the 7-er level for more than one generation.

That's true.
I was btw responding to the TNGA-F platform, which can hold a whole range of cars, not just a G class competitor. A G class competitor would be one of a whole range of body-on-frame, tough use trucks and SUVs.

Worth investing in for sure. Don't know if it's interesting for BMW, but if you enter do it properly.

 

[GTA45E]

Agreed, if BMW decided to create a G-Class contender, if done properly as a high-performance 4x4 off-road M vehicle, it would probably outsell a host of contenders, depending on where these types of vehicles are popular. Packaging, originality and capability are key selling points for this type of vehicle. They could have invested in something like this instead of the XM. It would have been miles and miles ahead in the sales department.

 

[Swissbob]

There are 2 types of G owners, those who buy it because of the image, and those who buy it because they like how unorthodox it drives, I am the latter type of owner.

Same goes for the FFRR how it’s called (full fat Range Rover), L322 and L405 drove like a ship, which is part of the appeal.
The new L460 reminds me on the X7.
Regarding the XM, I haven’t driven it yet, but I heard it’s very stiff, like an M3.
But who wants a 2.7t SUV with a M3 suspension?

 

[GTA45E]

We were just talking about this in the X7 thread. It sounds like BMW has plans to make real off-road 4X4 to contend with the G-Class.

[BMW XM / BMW] According to Automotive News and other reliable sources, BMW is developing a new SUV under the codename G74. This vehicle will mark BMW’s first purpose-built off-road SUV, designed to go head-to-head with the Mercedes G-Class, Land Rover Defender, and Lexus LX. The G74 is expected to utilize a strengthened version of the current X5 platform and will eventually become BMW’s flagship SUV, especially after the XM ends production in November 2028.

-->> https://autopostglobal.com/latest-s...ce=msn&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=slidelink
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General AI search.
Rumors and reports from automotive news outlets indicate that BMW is developing a rugged, off-road 4x4 SUV under the internal codename G74. It is expected to enter production in 2029. [1, 2]


G74 development and positioning

• A competitor to the G-Class: The G74 is seen as BMW's direct rival to the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, aiming for a share of the high-end luxury off-road market.
• Flagship replacement: The G74 will reportedly replace the current XM as BMW's halo SUV model. The XM is expected to be discontinued around 2028, and the new G74 will occupy its production slot at BMW's factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
• Enhanced off-road capability: Unlike the performance-oriented XM, the G74 will be engineered for all-terrain capability over high-speed tarmac performance. It is expected to build on and significantly improve upon the xOffroad package recently offered on the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Design and powertrain

• Modified CLAR platform: The G74 is expected to be based on a modified version of the next-generation X5's CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform.
• Boxy, rugged design: Sources suggest a more rugged, upright, and boxy design than BMW's current SUVs. The styling is likely to follow BMW's new Neue Klasse design language.
• Multiple powertrain options: While early reports suggested a primary focus on internal combustion or hybrid power, later information indicates BMW is planning for multiple drivetrains, including plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions. This change in direction is likely influenced by shifts in the market and a move away from an earlier, purely electric concept. [2, 5, 7]

Market and production timeline

• Production in South Carolina: Like many of BMW's larger SUVs, the G74 is set to be manufactured at the company's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.
• Launch in 2029: Production is currently slated to begin in the second half of 2029, with a market launch soon after. [1, 7]

 

[Matski]

Thought I'd collate the recent discussion on a G-Class competitor given the recent rumours of it actually happening.

 

[SCOTT27]

We were just talking about this in the X7 thread. It sounds like BMW has plans to make real off-road 4X4 to contend with the G-Class.

[BMW XM / BMW] According to Automotive News and other reliable sources, BMW is developing a new SUV under the codename G74. This vehicle will mark BMW’s first purpose-built off-road SUV, designed to go head-to-head with the Mercedes G-Class, Land Rover Defender, and Lexus LX. The G74 is expected to utilize a strengthened version of the current X5 platform and will eventually become BMW’s flagship SUV, especially after the XM ends production in November 2028.

-->> https://autopostglobal.com/latest-s...ce=msn&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=slidelink
-----
General AI search.
Rumors and reports from automotive news outlets indicate that BMW is developing a rugged, off-road 4x4 SUV under the internal codename G74. It is expected to enter production in 2029. [1, 2]


G74 development and positioning

• A competitor to the G-Class: The G74 is seen as BMW's direct rival to the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, aiming for a share of the high-end luxury off-road market.
• Flagship replacement: The G74 will reportedly replace the current XM as BMW's halo SUV model. The XM is expected to be discontinued around 2028, and the new G74 will occupy its production slot at BMW's factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
• Enhanced off-road capability: Unlike the performance-oriented XM, the G74 will be engineered for all-terrain capability over high-speed tarmac performance. It is expected to build on and significantly improve upon the xOffroad package recently offered on the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Design and powertrain

• Modified CLAR platform: The G74 is expected to be based on a modified version of the next-generation X5's CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform.
• Boxy, rugged design: Sources suggest a more rugged, upright, and boxy design than BMW's current SUVs. The styling is likely to follow BMW's new Neue Klasse design language.
• Multiple powertrain options: While early reports suggested a primary focus on internal combustion or hybrid power, later information indicates BMW is planning for multiple drivetrains, including plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions. This change in direction is likely influenced by shifts in the market and a move away from an earlier, purely electric concept. [2, 5, 7]

Market and production timeline

• Production in South Carolina: Like many of BMW's larger SUVs, the G74 is set to be manufactured at the company's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.
• Launch in 2029: Production is currently slated to begin in the second half of 2029, with a market launch soon after. [1, 7]

 

[bmwblog]

Defender competitor

 

[Merc1]

Or a BMWfied "LX600" which would have been a semi credible comp to G class.

I’m shocked you would think this is ok considering how you feel about Mercedes not making a bespoke G EV.

M

 

[Merc1]

Is it really? In 2024, in US, Mercedes sold ~10k G class, Lexus sold ~7k LX. Meanwhile BMW sold 30k X7! So the market for off road capable, luxo SUV is still a niche one.

Big price difference. The G starts where those end.

M

 

[Sunny]

I’m shocked you would think this is ok considering how you feel about Mercedes not making a bespoke G EV.

M

My criticism of G EV was not about it being bespoke or not. But about not being built on a dedicated EV platform (without the inherent compromises of a borrowed ICE platform). Example, if they had borrowed Rivian's platform and build a G EV on it, I would have none, despite not being bespoke.

Here, I am not talking about an EV, but an ICE competitor to G built on Toyota's TNGA-F. If they are going to do an EV version, yes, I maintain, they should do it properly on an EV platform, not some bastardized TNGA-F.

Big price difference. The G starts where those end.

M

Yes. But the point I was making was the market (for a G class vehicle) was not large like Klier was implying.