After eight relentless days and more than 1,700 miles of punishing desert terrain, the BMW X5 proved it’s far more than a luxury SUV—it’s a bona fide off-road warrior. At this year’s Rebelle Rally, the X5 not only captured the coveted Bone Stock Award but also earned second place overall in the X-Cross class for all-wheel-drive vehicles.

Behind the wheel was seasoned off-road competitor Rebecca Donaghe, no stranger to the Rebelle podium. Riding shotgun—and serving as the team’s ace navigator—was Rebecca Dalski, Product Manager for BMW of North America. Together, the duo demonstrated that BMW’s precision engineering and everyday drivability translate seamlessly into real-world adventure.

Bone Stock BMW X5, All Grit

BMW’s return to the longest competitive off-road navigation rally in the U.S. came with a mission: to prove that their production vehicles can handle the wild without modification. Competing in the Bone Stock class means no performance add-ons—only aftermarket wheels and tires in the factory size are allowed. In other words, the X5 taking on the desert was essentially the same machine that rolls off the line in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

And it didn’t just survive—it thrived.

“This year’s rally gave us the perfect opportunity to push the X5 to its limits and see how it performs in real-world, high-stress conditions,” said Dalski. Relying on nothing more than paper maps and a compass, she navigated across dunes, dry lake beds, and rocky passes. The X5’s inline-six engine and all-wheel-drive system handled every challenge with calm confidence.

A Trio Of Triumphs For Donaghe

For Donaghe, this marks her third consecutive podium finish with BMW in the X-Cross class—a streak that started with the BMW X2 in 2023 and continued with the BMW X3 in 2024. This year’s Bone Stock win with the BMW X5 adds another milestone to her already impressive record.

“I was so excited to return for my third year with BMW and my third different vehicle,” said Donaghe. “The BMW X5 performed brilliantly throughout the entire event. To have a completely stock vehicle not only survive the brutal terrain but also take the outright Bone Stock win is a true testament to BMW’s engineering capabilities.”

Desert Challenges And Real-World Insights

The Rebelle Rally’s infamous “Dunes Day” pushed the X5 to its mechanical and tactical limits. Soft sand demanded finesse, patience, and a deep understanding of traction and throttle control. Fatigue was another opponent—the teams navigated for more than a week without GPS, relying only on their instincts and teamwork to stay on course.

For Dalski and the BMW team, the experience wasn’t just about competition; it was valuable field research. Every mile offered insights that will help refine the next generation of BMW’s X family of SUVs. Real-world punishment like this simply can’t be replicated in a lab.

A Team Effort Behind The Win

BMW’s Rebelle Rally success was made possible with the support of key partners, including BMW Credit Cards, BMW Protection Products, BMW Women in Motion, BMW Performance Center, BMW Car Club of America and the BMW CCA X Chapter, XPEL, Falken, Rotiform, Morimoto, and Thule.

Their contributions helped make sure the team—and the X5—had everything needed to take on the rugged challenge and come out ahead.

BMW X5: From The Desert To The Driveway

With its Bone Stock Award and second-place finish in X-Cross, the 2025 Rebelle Rally proved that the BMW X5 is more than a luxury badge. It’s a machine built to perform, whether it’s clawing up sand dunes or cruising down the highway. For BMW, and for fans of real off-road capability, this year’s rally was a reminder that adventure and engineering excellence can—and should—coexist.