G-Wagen Who? Could BMW’s Rumoured Off-Road Flagship Get the Full M Treatment?

The luxury off-road segment has long been dominated by the boxy, unmistakable silhouette of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. But if recent rumours prove true, BMW may be preparing a challengerand it could arrive wearing the legendary M badge.

Reports emerged in August 2025 suggesting that BMW is developing an off-road-focused flagship SUV, codenamed G74, designed to rival the G-Wagen. Now, comments from BMW M’s CEO have added fuel to the speculation: a high-performance M version could be on the cards.

The M Possibility

Speaking to CarExpert in Australia, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel was asked whether a performance-oriented off-road SUV made sense for the brand. His answer was telling.

“I could imagine M on off-road products, because if you come from racing, there’s not only the WEC and IMSA, but the Paris-Dakar [now known just as the Dakar],” van Meel said.

The reference to the infamous Dakar Rally is significant. BMW has a rich history in desert racing, and the idea of an M-badged off-roader that could tackle dunes and dirt tracks as comfortably as it dispatches tarmac is not as far-fetched as it might sound.

What We Know About the G74

The rumoured new off-road flagship, reportedly codenamed G74, is expected to be built in the United States. Crucially, it is said to replace the XM in BMW’s model lineup.

The BMW XM, which we have evaluated for a road test, is already one of the most powerful SUVs in South Africa. Its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain comprises:

• A 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine producing 430 kW and 750 N.m

• A single electric motor producing 145 kW and 280 N.m, fed by a 29.5 kWh battery

Combined system output is a staggering 550 kW and 1,000 N.m of torqueenough to propel the XM from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 290 km/h.

If the G74 employs a similar powertrainand there’s no reason to think it won’tit would arrive with serious performance credentials, even before any M-division tuning.

The M Treatment

What would an M version of the G74 look like? If history is any guide, expect more power, sharper dynamics, and even more aggressive styling. The XM already has an M-badged variant (the XM Label Red pushes output to 550 kW). A G74 M could push those boundaries further, perhaps with additional electric boost, chassis tuning specifically calibrated for off-road use, and the full suite of M performance technologies.

The Competition

The G-Class, particularly in AMG guise, has long been the benchmark. The Mercedes-AMG G 63, with its hand-built V8 and 430 kW, offers a blend of luxury, off-road capability, and muscle that has proven enduringly popular.

A BMW rival, especially one wearing the M badge, would directly challenge that supremacy. It would also signal that BMW sees genuine demand in the ultra-luxury, ultra-performance off-road segment.

The Bottom Line

The rumoured G74 is not yet confirmed. But van Meel’s comments suggest the idea is at least being entertained at the highest levels of BMW M.

If it happens, an M-badged off-road flagship would be a fascinating addition to the lineupa vehicle capable of crossing deserts, climbing dunes, and then destroying lap times. The G-Wagen has had the field to itself for too long. A challenger, with M power, would be very welcome indeed.