A rugged replacement for the quirky BMW XM
In an effort to replace the XM, which serves as BMW’s most recent attempt to enter a “special and unique” performance SUV into its lineup, the German automaker is reportedly developing a rugged, off-road-focused SUV aimed squarely at the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Although we don’t have much information yet about BMW’s upcoming G-Wagen rival, we do at least know its chassis code, which will be “G74,” and that it’ll be based on a modified version of the current BMW X5 platform.
Using generative text-to-image artificial intelligence and Adobe Photoshop, we take an imagined look at what BMW’s upcoming off-road SUV could potentially resemble, incorporating current BMW styling cues and hypothesizing about the powertrains it may employ. These images are purely speculative and do not resemble any actual BMW or Mercedes-Benz products.
Powertrains that have already been proven in off-roaders
Although a truly off-road-focused rugged SUV is uncharted territory for BMW, it’s not uncharted territory for many of its contemporary powertrains. In fact, the two most likely powertrains for the G74 BMW SUV – the B58 and N63 – are used in some of the most capable off-roaders of the modern era. The B58 engine, a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six that’s also found in some of BMW’s most exciting performance models, such as the Z4 M40i and the M340i, finds itself at home under the hood of the INEOS Grenadier, a modern off-roader designed as a spiritual successor to the classic Land Rover Defender. BMW’s N63 engine, a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, is available in both the contemporary Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, proving that it’s also capable of both competitive performance and rugged off-roading.
BMW
BMW
It’s also possible that BMW’s G74 SUV could utilize the plug-in hybrid version of its N63 V8, as found in the current BMW XM and the M5. That could mean over 700 horsepower in a possible “M” version of the SUV, which would directly compete with the Mercedes-AMG G63’s twin-turbocharged V8 with a hybrid system. Regardless of which powertrains BMW decides to fit into the G74, I’m optimistic that it’ll be an enticing and exciting new addition to the model’s lineup. Still, it’ll have a serious challenge on its hands trying to convince buyers of the legendary G-Class, which has perhaps one of the most loyal consumer bases of any modern vehicle.
Cole Attisha Using Midjourney AI
Final thoughts
Going after the iconic G-Wagen is a seriously bold move for BMW, but if executed correctly, it should be a move that pays off well for the brand, not just in terms of sales, but also in terms of expanding its brand appeal. With boxy proportions, BMW’s capable blend of tactile functionality and streamlined sportiness, the G74 could offer BMW a valuable opportunity to provide a rugged SUV of its own, rather than simply supplying its capable power plants to other automakers. It’s tough to say what this could mean for INEOS and Range Rover, however, as adding an off-roader to BMW’s lineup would mean BMW would be supplying engines to their direct rivals – a bit of a conflict of interest. Regardless, I’m curious to see how this plays out, and the BMW G74 might just shape up to be the most highly anticipated BMW in years.
About the author
Cole Attisha
Staff Writer, Autoblog