SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 11, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING - November 11, 2025 - SHERIDAN, WYOMING - November 10, 2025 - SHERIDAN, WYOMING - November 10, 2025 - The mighty BMW X5 has just proven that luxury and endurance can share the same DNA. After eight grueling days and 1,700 miles of sand, rock, and sun-scorched desert, a nearly stock BMW X5 stormed to victory at the 2025 Rebelle Rally - earning the coveted Bone Stock Award and an impressive second place overall in its class.
A Win Born from Pure Capability and Courage
Behind the wheel was seasoned off-road driver Rebecca Donaghe, joined by BMW of North America Product Manager Rebecca Dalski as navigator. Their teamwork didn't just bring home trophies - it showed what BMW's X family can achieve far beyond paved roads. The Rebelle Rally, known for its brutal terrain and no-GPS rules, challenges competitors to rely on old-school navigation with paper maps and compasses.
For Dalski, it was more than an adventure. It was a chance to test BMW engineering where it counts most - in the real world. "Relying solely on compasses and paper maps, Dalski gained firsthand insights into the BMW X5's performance under extreme pressure," BMW noted. And the X5 delivered, its inline-six engine and all-wheel-drive system powering through dunes and rock fields with poise.
Desert Tested, Driver Approved
For Donaghe, this was her third podium in three years with BMW. "I was so excited to return for my 3rd year with BMW with my 3rd different vehicle. The BMW X5 performed brilliantly throughout the entire event," she said. "To have the entirely stock vehicle not only survive the brutal terrain challenges but take the outright Bone Stock win is a true testament to BMW's engineering capabilities."
It's a statement that hits home for adventure-minded drivers. While many competitors heavily modify their vehicles, the Rebelle Rally's Bone Stock category celebrates authenticity - rewarding vehicles that are almost identical to what consumers can buy at a dealership. That the X5 triumphed here underscores the SUV's blend of refinement and resilience.
Built in America, Proven in the Wild
The competition X5 rolled out of BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant - the brand's largest production facility worldwide and the global center for BMW's Sports Activity Vehicles. There, models like the X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 are assembled daily for customers across the globe.
With its American roots and German precision, the X5 has become a symbol of balance - combining luxury comfort with genuine capability. The Rebelle Rally only reaffirmed that identity.
Why the Rebelle Rally Matters
Beyond the leaderboard, the Rebelle Rally celebrates skill, endurance, and women's leadership in motorsport. This year's BMW team reflected that spirit perfectly: two women relying on teamwork, trust, and sheer determination to conquer the desert.
Their success was also powered by a supportive ecosystem of partners including BMW Credit Cards, BMW Protection Products, BMW Women in Motion, the BMW Performance Center, and the BMW Car Club of America. Together, they turned a challenge into a showcase of innovation and empowerment.
Editorial Extra: What Drivers Can Learn from the Rebelle Rally
- Your vehicle's limits are often higher than you think - confidence and preparation matter.
- "Bone stock" doesn't mean boring; it means precision-built for real-world adventure.
- Teamwork transforms endurance into achievement - both on and off the road.
- You don't need GPS to find direction - sometimes, trust and instinct lead the way.
As the dust settles over the desert, the BMW X5's finish at the Rebelle Rally proves that the spirit of adventure lives at the heart of modern luxury. Whether on city streets or far from civilization, the X5 reminds drivers everywhere that performance is more than numbers - it's the courage to keep going.
Learn more at www.bmwusa.com