Article Abstract
- BMW M CEO is not saying no to an M off-roader, nevertheless it’s not saying sure both.
- BMW engines already energy a number of all-terrain autos offered by different manufacturers.
- The 2022 Dune Taxi idea was a “what if” train.
BMW has by no means ventured into off-roaders, leaving cash on the desk for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender to seize. Even the unique Porsche Cayenne had a low-range switch case and a locking differential, however Munich has persistently refused to cater to the all-terrain crowd.
Nonetheless, within the phrases of Bob Marley, the occasions they’re a-changin. We’ve reported on the prospects of a “G74,” anticipated to be extra succesful off the overwhelmed path than any BMW earlier than it. Whereas it hasn’t been formally confirmed, all indicators level to a 2029 launch with three-row seating and a selection between plug-in hybrid and electrical drivetrains.
Whether or not the so-called “Rugged” venture materializes stays to be seen, however in an fascinating twist, BMW M’s boss isn’t dismissing the concept of a efficiency off-roader. Frank van Meel informed Australia’s Automobile Professional that such a mannequin would nonetheless keep true to the M method by sustaining a direct connection to racing.
“I may think about M on off-road merchandise, as a result of should you come from racing there’s not solely the WEC [World Endurance Championship] and IMSA [International Motor Sports Association] [sports car categories], however the Paris-Dakar [off-road rally]. I don’t suppose it’s [an off-road M model] a contradiction as a result of, in Paris-Dakar, should you take a look at the race vehicles, they’re fairly performance-driven vehicles as effectively. So, if there can be a section like that, I wouldn’t say no.”
A BMW-powered off-roader already exists, and it’s referred to as the Ineos Grenadier. Provided as each an SUV and a pickup truck, the workhorse comes with 3.0-liter inline-six gasoline and diesel engines from the B58 and B57 households. Moreover, the Defender talked about earlier additionally has a BMW coronary heart. It’s a twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V8 that additionally powers different Land Rover merchandise such because the Vary Rover and Vary Rover Sport.
Ought to BMW determine to launch an off-roader of its personal, an M model is unlikely to reach from day one. With the usual G74 supposedly arriving in 2029, the warmer by-product may comply with early subsequent decade. The rumored addition to the “X” lineup is anticipated to be one of many six electrical SUVs the corporate has pledged to construct in Spartanburg by 2030.
Whereas BMW traditionalists could scoff on the concept of an off-roader, stranger issues have occurred within the M universe. The choice to greenlight the XM instantly involves thoughts. Pictured right here, the wacky “Dune Taxi” didn’t go into manufacturing. Nonetheless, the 2022 electrical off-roader could have been an early sign. Right here’s what a BMW Center East consultant mentioned on the time:
“The Dune Taxi video by BMW Center East on the Liwa Pageant location is for leisure functions. It’s to reveal what might be potential whenever you problem perceptions round what sheer driving pleasure with M vehicles on their highway to electrification can imply. We took the chance to collaborate with Spark Racing Know-how and use their base automotive for the video filming. BMW Group Designworks created the good design for the chassis. The Dune Taxi symbolizes BMW’s ambition to problem the established order.”
Supply: Automobile Professional
