BMW considering a Range Rover rival for 2029

BMW is considering the launch of a rugged 4x4 model to rival the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, with a final decision set to be made soon. The idea is under evaluation as part of a strategy to refocus BMW’s ‘brand shaper’ model portfolio on growing segments, with key choices set to be made about whether combustion engines would need to be offered alongside, or instead of, electric powertrains.

Speaking with carsales at the BMW i3 world premiere in Munich, BMW senior vice president of Neue Klasse, Mike Reichelt, said the brand is continuously assessing opportunities to expand its product portfolio – including into more hardcore segments.

“In principle, we look at the market, and we look at options to increase our product portfolio,” he said.

While BMW has traditionally focussed its SUV efforts on suburban crossovers like the X3, X5 and X7, Reichelt didn’t rule out a more rugged 4x4 model.

Insiders suggest development of the model, which is understood to have the tentative chassis code ‘G74’, is continuing atop a development of BMW’s tried-and-tested Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform and a beefed-up monocoque.

It’s been 18 months since automotive trade publication Automotive News lifted the lid on ‘Project Rugged’ – the internal name for BMW’s plan to develop a rival the Range Rover and G-Class.

A powertrain strategy is just starting to take shape, with all signs pointing to combustion engines continuing to play a role, either in pure form or as a plug-in hybrid.

Like a Range Rover or Defender, the heavy-duty X model is expected to use a monocoque chassis rather than a traditional ladder-frame as seen under a G-Class.

If approved, the rugged BMW would gain much of the ‘superbrain’ computing power developed by Reichelt’s team for Neue Klasse models like the iX3, but not the full Neue Klasse platform itself – because that can only support full EV models for now.

“In principle, Neue Klasse technology would also be possible to integrate in such a car,” Reichelt said.

“But there are many questions: is it a fully electric vehicle only, or do we use another architecture that we have?”

The latter suggestion is likely to be the answer given the convergence of demand for heavy-duty 4x4s with markets that prefer internal combustion engines over pure electric power.

Such an approach would align with BMW’s broader “technology openness” strategy, which continues to prioritise offering multiple drivetrains depending on market demand.

BMW regional head of sales Ritu Chandy told carsales demand for SUVs continues to be a driving engine at BMW.

“What we are seeing is that the trend toward SUV and SAV (models) is not changing,” she said, noting BMW was aware customers in the Middle East love dune-bashing as much as they appreciate sedans.

Meanwhile, the design department would be keen to get stuck into a harder-core alternative to mainstay models like the X5.

BMW has not confirmed any timeline, or production approval, for the rugged off-road model, but the idea is understood to remain under active consideration as the brand reshapes the edges of its lineup.

If approved, a Range Rover rival would land in an increasingly competitive field. With Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz present, Audi is also evaluating an off-roader of its own, linked to the Volkswagen Group’s Scout EV and range extender architecture.

BMW would contrast the latter approach with its ‘Technology Openness’ scheme, which continues to give equal priority to combustion engines in segments, where doing so makes sense, meaning that pure ICE or plug-in hybrid technology could be at the forefront.

* Digital images created with AI assistance

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