The BMW Dune Taxi 4×4 prototype blazes off in a Mad Max-esque video trailer
Coasting along on the Tal Moreeb sand dunes of Abu Dhabi is the BMW Dune Taxi 4×4 prototype as shown in a new promotional video released by BMW Middle East. Considered as some of the tallest dunes reaching over 300 meters, the new prototype by the German luxury automaker sure looks like a whole lot of fun to drive on the sandy, dusty terrain.
The slogan “When xDrive meets BMW M” is a strange play on words considering that xDrive and M originally collaborated on the X5 M and X6 M crossovers 13 years ago. Their relationship on the sedan front was developed in 2017 with the xDrive-only M5.
At first glimpse in the video, the BMW Dune Taxi 4×4 prototype looks like an electric and compact version of a monster car. Driven by Abdo Feghali, a professional rally racer, aside Outer Banks star Madelyne Clyne, the two are shown racing on the dunes against BMW X6 Competition SUVs piloted by Red Bull Driftbrothers.
The BMW Dune Taxi 4×4 prototype features the eye-catching BMW dual kidney grille along with LED lights and fender vents on the rear. Natural fiber-reinforced polymer (NFRP) is used to create the body, which is similar to conventional carbon fiber but rather made of plant-based fibers.
It also has a trim roof scoop and cutouts for gullwing doors. Wheel travel for the suspension is 15.7 inches, as it suffices the Tal Moreeb sand dune climb at a 50 degree incline.
With 535 horsepower (400 kw) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque, the Dune Taxi sure has a nice roar for its electric powertrain. We can only presume that the German manufacturer is creating the new electric prototype for a reason, even if they haven’t provided any other details. Our guess is that BMW might be preparing to compete in the Extreme E electric off-road racing series.