Article Summary
- The new BMW X7 (G67) has been spotted looking large and imposing at the Green Hell ahead of next year’s debut.
- The prototype’s quad exhaust setup is a telltale sign that we’re looking at an M Performance model.
- The X7 M60 xDrive will reportedly use a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, with no plans for a full-fat M version.
The second-generation BMW X7 is no longer just a rumor. Plenty of spy photos and videos suggest the G67 is coming. Not only that, but former CEO Oliver Zipse announced that the three-row luxury SUV will be renewed next year. In the meantime, testing is well underway, as evidenced by this camouflaged prototype. From what we can see, the flagship X model appears to feature all its production body panels.
Despite the heavy disguise, it’s evident that the new X7 will retain the split-headlight setup of the current-generation G07. We’re already noticing strong similarities with the 7 Series facelift. After all, that makes perfect sense since the two models are cut from the same cloth. However, the profile reveals that BMW’s biggest SUV will borrow the discreet door handles from the new X5. We strongly believe automatic doors will be available now that the smaller SUV has them.
The back is probably the most interesting part. A quad-exhaust system guarantees an M Performance model. It tells us we’re looking at the X7 M60 xDrive, which will rock a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine. While the latest X5 also comes as an M60e with a plug-in hybrid setup centered around an inline-six, BMW’s full-size SUV will once again skip the PHEV treatment altogether.
Is The Split Tailgate Gone?
The black horizontal band across the tailgate suggests a split tailgate, but we wouldn’t be so sure. After all, BMW pulled the same trick on us with X5 prototypes, and the G65 ended up with a conventional one-piece tailgate. We honestly wouldn’t be surprised if the split-opening setup were gone from the X7 as well, for the same reasons the X5 lost its signature trait.
As with the headlights, the rear lights are a provisional setup. Once the new X7 enters final testing, BMW will switch to production-ready lighting. We’re curious to see whether the “X” motif found in the new X5’s headlights will carry over to its bigger brother. If you’re not a fan of the look, you can switch it off at the tap of a button on the touchscreen.
Once again, a posh ALPINA version will follow, probably in 2028. The G69 will push the luxury SUV formula even further upmarket without encroaching on Rolls-Royce Cullinan territory. Rumor has it that the fancier of the two X7 flavors will come strictly with two-row seating, allowing rear passengers to stretch out even more.
Powertrains for the BMW model will be plentiful, including six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, with a brawny V8 for the M Performance model spotted here. For the first time, BMW will also sell a fully electric iX7, and yes, ALPINA is going to have its own version. It won’t be the sub-brand’s first EV, though, as that title will go to an i7-based model launching in 2027.
Video: Nürburg Automotive / YouTube
