BMW’s plans for an off-road vehicle have stalled
Off-road SUVs and pickup trucks with enhanced capability are currently very popular and sell at a premium. Automakers are eager to produce expensive SUVs as they help boost profits. Even BMW, which once called itself a manufacturer of “cars for true driving,” considered such an idea. Last year, rumors emerged that the company was contemplating creating an SUV to compete with the Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX, and Mercedes G-Class.
Predicted specifications and replacement for the XM
According to rumors, the model could have appeared as early as 2029, with production planned at the plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It was expected to be built on the basis of the current X5 and might have replaced the XM model, which is not selling very well.
Opinion of the BMW M boss
Earlier this year, BMW M head Frank van Meel expressed a favorable view of a high-performance off-road SUV. He noted that off-road racing is a reality, mentioned the Dakar Rally, and added:
An M model would not be a contradiction because of off-road racing.
Project put on hold due to sales doubts
Today, however, BMW Blog reports that the project “quietly stopped without ever receiving final approval.” Details are limited, but the publication suggests that the automaker decided the model would not generate enough sales to justify development costs. Apparently, after the failure of the XM, the company has become more cautious about expensive SUVs.
Quietly stopped without ever receiving final approval.
Busy schedule of new models
It is worth noting that the company plans to introduce 40 new or updated models by the end of 2027. This is a huge number in a short period of time, so it is understandable why BMW does not want to add even more work to the schedule.
Is a revival possible?
However, the publication suggests that the project is not completely dead and may still get the green light. Time will tell, but the chances are becoming increasingly slim.
BMW’s decision to suspend the project seems logical in light of the XM’s failure – a model that was supposed to be a flagship hybrid SUV did not meet expectations. Additionally, the expensive SUV market, while profitable, requires significant investment, and competition from the G-Class and Range Rover is very intense. Perhaps BMW decided to focus on its core lineup and electrification, leaving the “off-roader” idea for later to avoid spreading resources thin amid a tight update schedule.
