by Design Updates and Electrification
BMW’s largest crossover is preparing for its most significant update yet, including a radical redesign in the spirit of the Neue Klasse design school. Under the codename G67, the next X7 will also receive a fully electric iX7 version for the first time.
Our spies captured the new X7 during testing, allowing us to see details under the camouflage and get an idea of what the next luxury SUV from Bavaria will look like. Below we break down everything we’ve managed to learn so far.
Neue Klasse Curves
Controversially, the X7 maintains split optics: daytime running lights are positioned high near the hood line, while the main headlights are moved to more square units below. The redesigned double nostrils remain as bold as before but now feature lighting elements instead of chrome, and the lower radiator opening has taken on a more rectangular shape.
The Neue Klasse aesthetic is most evident in the profile, where the front and rear fenders, along with smooth surfaces, are clearly associated with the recently introduced iX3.
Design Innovations
Conventional door handles have disappeared, replaced by thin “wings” that rise from the beltline, reminiscent of the Mustang Mach-E style. The rear side window is slightly larger and has a more pronounced “Hofmeister kink” than other recent BMW models.
The rear will retain the split tailgate, and the rear lights will become thinner LED units. M versions will get four exhaust pipes, while the electric iX7 will have a different lower bumper reflecting the absence of a traditional powertrain.
Panoramic Vision and Interior
Inside, BMW will introduce its Panoramic iDrive system: a pillar-to-pillar display at the base of the windshield with customized sections for driver information and passenger entertainment.
This is accompanied by a 3D projection on the glass and a large central touchscreen for key infotainment functions, although ergonomics enthusiasts may regret the removal of the physical iDrive controller.
Other interior details will likely follow the new iX3 in terms of cleaner surfaces and less clutter, but with more glass inserts, ambient lighting, and premium materials.
Enhanced driver assistance systems include hands-free highway driving capabilities and City Assist with traffic light recognition, allowing the car to stop and automatically resume movement.
Platform and Powertrains
The X7 will remain based on a significantly updated version of BMW’s CLAR architecture. Expect adaptive air suspension with adaptive dampers, possibly including rear-wheel steering and active roll control.
Alongside gasoline and diesel engines, an electric iX7 version will appear for the first time. Taking cues from the iX3, expect a dual-motor version with 463 hp (345 kW) output.
More Powerful Variants
If that’s not enough, there will be a powerful M70 with 800 horsepower, as well as an even more powerful option from Alpina. As our colleague Chris Chilton reports, the system will use an 800-volt architecture with a 110 kWh battery pack using cylindrical cells.
The B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology is expected to continue, along with the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 derived from the S68. The diesel inline-six 40d xDrive will also return for markets where such engines remain popular.
Competitors and Release Date
Main competitors will be the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and the upcoming Audi Q9 flagship. Other rivals include the Genesis GV90, Lexus LX, Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade IQ, Infiniti QX80, and Lincoln Navigator.
The official unveiling is scheduled between late 2026 and early 2027, with production starting shortly thereafter. Both the X7 and iX7 will be produced at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
These changes to the X7 reflect BMW’s overall trend of combining classic design elements with innovative technologies, making the model more modern and competitive in the large SUV market. The introduction of the electric iX7 also shows the growing importance of eco-friendly solutions in the premium car segment, which could influence future developments by competitors.
