BMW 'Wouldn't Say No' To A High-Performance M Off-Roader

BMW might be getting serious about off-roading. The German automaker already offers a rugged version of the X5 and is developing its own rival to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Now, a new report suggests the brand could be considering a high-performance off-roader wearing an M badge.

Speaking with Australia's CarExpert, BMW M boss Frank van Meel said that, given the company’s deep racing heritage, an M-badged off-road model wouldn’t be out of the question. While he stopped short of confirming such a vehicle for production, he didn’t dismiss the idea either:

'I could imagine M on off-road products. If you come from racing, there’s not only the World Endurance Championship and International Motor Sports Association sports car categories, but also the Paris-Dakar Rally.'

Despite its long history, BMW has never built a true high-performance off-road vehicle. The closest it came was the Dune Taxi concept in 2022—an all-electric prototype that never reached production.

If BMW does move forward with an M off-roader, it would likely be based on the upcoming G74, the model expected to serve as its G-Class competitor. The standard version isn’t anticipated to arrive until around 2029, with a potential M variant following sometime after.

Rivals Take Notice

2026 Genesis X Skorpio Concept

Photo by: Genesis

BMW isn’t alone in exploring the high-performance off-road space. Several luxury rivals have introduced rugged, performance-focused concepts in recent years.

Audi unveiled the Audi Activesphere in 2023, previewing an all-electric off-road-inspired vehicle with extensive protective cladding. Cadillac followed with the Elevated Velocity concept last August, a high-riding EV in a similar vein.

Even Genesis has joined the trend, revealing two off-road concepts in the past year: the X Gran Equator and the X Skorpio—though the latter raises more questions than it answers.

Motor1's Take: While none of these automakers—including BMW—have confirmed production plans for these high-performance off-roaders, the growing interest from luxury brands is notable. If BMW ultimately greenlights an M-badged off-roader, it could become a compelling new addition to the lineup.

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