- BMW M is open to an off-road model inspired by Dakar.
- Rugged flagship SUV could rival the Defender Octa.
- The CS and CSL badges will not be used on BMW SUVs.
BMW M has spent decades perfecting the art of high-performance road-going models, but the division’s future might involve a bit more mud and gravel. Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M, has hinted that the brand is eyeing the rugged luxury segment, potentially bringing a Dakar-inspired off-roader to life.
The news follows earlier reports of a new BMW flagship off-roader that could challenge the Mercedes G-Wagen. An M-branded version of that model would have a very different character from the XM, positioning itself against the AMG G63 and Land Rover Defender Octa instead of chasing the Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX.
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Australian outlet CarExpert asked the BMW M boss whether the emblem could be applied to an off-roader. Van Meel replied, “I could imagine M on off-road products, because if you come from racing there’s not only the WEC and IMSA, but also the Dakar”.
Is An Off Road M A Contradiction?
He acknowledged that the brand currently has no off-road vehicle for Dakar. And while the X5 can venture off the beaten path, the high-performance X5 M is road-focused. It tolerates dirt the way a tailored suit tolerates rain.
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“I don’t think an off-road M model is a contradiction because, in Dakar, if you look at the race cars, they’re quite performance-driven cars as well. So, if there would be a segment like that, I wouldn’t say no,” Van Meel explained.
He also clarified that the CS and CSL badges will not migrate to SUVs. Those designations will remain reserved for low-slung coupes, sedans, and wagons, given their roots in weight reduction and track-focused aerodynamics. Some traditions, it seems, are still sacred.
A Different Animal
Taken together, these comments point to a model that does not yet exist in BMW’s current portfolio and could eventually replace the XM. The rumored rugged SUV is expected to arrive in 2029, with production slated for South Carolina.
Although BMW is keeping details close, inside sources indicate it will share a unibody architecture with the next-generation X5 rather than adopting a ladder-frame chassis. The platform is said to support a wide range of powertrains and could be paired with heavy-duty suspension hardware and dedicated off-road technology.
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Styling is expected to follow the Neue Klasse design language, albeit with a tougher stance. Expect extensive protective cladding, skid plates, generous ground clearance, and large wheels wrapped in grippy tires.
Hopefully, BMW will not keep us waiting until 2029 to reveal the first glimpse of the new model, especially since it could arrive earlier as a concept car. Four years is a long time to sit on a teaser.
