Earlier in the present day, Automotive Information confirmed what we’ve been hinting at since 2024: BMW is growing an all-new SUV, internally codenamed G74 and carrying the working title “Rugged.” Our BMW sources say the Rugged will mark the model’s entry into an all-new phase. Removed from being a dressed-up G65 X5, it’s a ground-up mannequin with a definite mission and engineering strategy.
From Competitor Assessments to Actuality: How the Rugged Was Conceived
The Rugged will probably be constructed at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, however that wasn’t at all times the plan. Again in 2022 and 2023, BMW executives and engineers had been quietly evaluating competitor merchandise, together with the Rivian R1T, which earned excessive reward inside the firm. These checks planted the seed for a extra adventurous, off-road-capable BMW — one positioned to compete immediately with premium life-style SUVs and vans.
The unique idea for the BMW Rugged was a really totally different machine. It was conceived as a purely electrical mannequin constructed on the Neue Klasse NA5 iX3 platform, subsequently, it will needed to be constructed both in Debrecen, Hungary or San Luis Potosi, Mexico. In response to insiders, a full-scale design mannequin was allegedly created, though it’s unclear whether or not it graduated to a purposeful prototype. As market circumstances started to shift and EV demand cooled, BMW management determined to rethink the strategy. The NA5-based undertaking was shelved in favor of a brand new plan: maintain the Rugged identify, however transfer the car to the CLAR structure below the G74 codename. This variation opened the door to a number of drivetrains, together with plug-in hybrid and absolutely electrical variations.
CLAR Platform Brings Hybrid and EV Flexibility
The platform swap additionally means the Rugged will share powertrain expertise with the upcoming G65 X5. That factors to the highest electrical model delivering efficiency much like the iX5 M70’s rumored 610+ horsepower, whereas the plug-in hybrid may provide between 500 and 550 horsepower. The EV variant will use BMW’s next-generation Gen6 battery and motor expertise, focusing on at the very least 700 kilometers of vary on the WLTP cycle, although remaining figures are nonetheless to be confirmed.
Inside to Showcase Neue Klasse Design Language
Dimension and functionality will probably be central to the Rugged’s attraction. Sources say it is going to be a big SUV with three-row seating, a wide-opening panoramic roof, and even tailgate seating geared toward out of doors lovers, taking cues from rivals within the phase. Inside, the design and expertise will comply with BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse strategy, which is able to first be seen within the G65 X5 due subsequent 12 months.
Launch Scheduled for 2029 With A number of Drivetrains
In response to each our reporting and Automotive Information, the BMW Rugged is scheduled to launch in 2029. That timeline provides BMW ample alternative to refine the product, adapt to shifting market circumstances, and incorporate the most recent hybrid and EV developments into what will probably be its most off-road-oriented mainstream mannequin but. Removed from a more durable X5, the G74 Rugged represents BMW’s first critical try to interrupt into the journey SUV house — a transfer that would redefine the model’s picture in one of the crucial attention-grabbing premium segments, at the very least in our opinion.
[Initial report by AutoNews]
