Despite rumors last year to the contrary, BMW might no longer be working on a rugged flagship off-road SUV built to take on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Sources close to the company reported that development on the rumored sport-ute hasn't made it past final approvals, meaning BMW is likely reconsidering investing in a potentially niche product like that. Refocusing On Core Segments2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive BMWGossip over the off-road model was never officially confirmed by BMW representatives, which makes its purported cancellation easier to accept as truth. With a slightly more streamlined focus on higher-volume models, BMW doesn't seem likely to give very many niche products the green light for the foreseeable future. That strong showroom performance is likely another reason why BMW is content to let its Mercedes-Benz archrival carry the off-road mantle – there just isn't enough motivation to take a chance on a potentially expensive folly.