BMW NORTH AMERICA IS AIMING FOR A REBELLE RALLY PODIUM AGAIN IN A JACKED UP BMW X3 M50
BMW North America is back in the game, hitting the desert sands this week for the nation’s toughest off-road endurance challenge. Veteran driver Rebecca Donaghe and navigator Syndiely Wade are gearing up to conquer over 1,500 miles of punishing California and Nevada terrain in the all-new, high-performance BMW X3 M50 during the 2024 Rebelle Rally. Running from October 11–18, this rally is a beast – no GPS allowed, just old-school maps and compasses as these fierce competitors hunt down checkpoints across some of the harshest landscapes North America has to offer.
“I’m stoked to return for my 8th Rebelle Rally, and my second year with BMW,” said Donaghe. “Last year, we didn’t know what to expect and still snagged a podium finish. Now, we’re coming back with high expectations, and we’re ready to push even harder. This is the ultimate test for the Ultimate Driving Machine, and I can’t wait to showcase what BMW engineering can do in such epic terrain.” She added, “And driving a pre-production model before it even hits the streets? That’s just icing on the cake.”
Navigator Syndiely Wade is equally pumped. “This rally is all about precision, and doing it in the new BMW X3—a vehicle built for performance, off-road chops, and comfort—gives us an edge,” she said. “Navigating with nothing but a compass and topo maps? It’s a serious challenge, but I’m ready to put my skills and this machine to the test.”
The 2024 BMW X3 M50, packing a potent 393-horsepower punch, is hitting the desert trails with just a few key mods to handle the rally’s demands, while staying true to its production roots:
Custom skid plates and interior storage designed by BMW Manufacturing Talent Factory students.
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires.
Rotiform BLQ-C wheels.
Front Runner Slimline II roof rack kit, Wolfpack storage boxes, and Typhoon duffle bags.
Rigid Industries 360-Series front light pods and Chase Amber rear lighting.
XPEL STEALTH satin paint protection film, XPEL PRIME XR Plus nano-ceramic window film, and XPEL FUSION PLUS ceramic coating on the wheels, glass, and exterior paint.
This isn’t just any SUV. BMW has been defining the Sports Activity Vehicle segment for over 20 years, and the X3 has become a cornerstone of the brand’s success. Assembled in Spartanburg, South Carolina, this latest generation continues to push boundaries, blending versatility and sportiness like never before. “From everyday errands to cross-country adventures, the all-new BMW X3 is built for it all, and now, it’s proving its mettle in the Rebelle Rally,” said Dr. Andreas Meyer, Vice President of Product Management at BMW Americas. “We’re thrilled to support our all-female team again this year as they take on the challenge with one of the most capable vehicles in our lineup.”
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off the upgraded BMW X3 M50 that BMW NA hopes will achieve another podium finish. The competition car also features the best paint protection from Xpel, which is why the video comes from them: 2024 Rebelle Rally - XPEL x BMW | Xpel
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