Despite playing a pioneering role in the luxury crossover market with the introduction of the first-generation X5 back in 1999—followed by the inaugural X3 in 2003—and subsequently manufacturing hundreds of thousands of sport utility vehicles in the United States every year, it took BMW a surprisingly long time to launch a large, full-size, three-row SUV. The original BMW X7 did not officially go on sale until early 2019, establishing a strong presence in the heavyweight luxury segment. Fortunately, Munich is not letting its flagship people-mover grow stale on the vine. A thoroughly redesigned, second-generation X7 is currently waiting in the wings, with prototypes recently spotted undergoing intensive testing at the legendary Nürburgring circuit in both V8-powered M60 and fully electric iX7 configurations.

BMW has experienced notable market momentum with its expanding electric vehicle lineup, particularly as newer generations of its Neue Klasse-era electric offerings adopt design languages and nomenclature that closely mirror their internal combustion engine counterparts. This unified design philosophy is clearly demonstrated in the upcoming X7 family. Both the gasoline and electric variants appear nearly identical at first glance, with their primary external distinctions limited to unique grille mesh designs and the presence or complete absence of exhaust tailpipes.

The timing of this upcoming launch could hardly be more advantageous for the German automaker. Mercedes-Benz recently introduced a second major facelift for its aging GLS, while Audi is preparing to launch the all-new Q9, marking its first serious attempt at engineering a dedicated, large-scale flagship SUV. Intriguingly, neither of BMW’s chief German rivals offers a dedicated, battery-electric equivalent to match the upcoming iX7 right out of the gate, giving BMW a potential strategic edge in the upper echelons of the luxury market.

Split Lights, and Maybe a Split Tailgate

Recent spy shots captured at the Nürburgring reveal a pair of heavily camouflaged test mules, offering a clearer picture of BMW’s evolving design direction. Up front, the brand is sticking firmly with a split-headlight motif, though the execution appears significantly better resolved than on the current production X7, drawing closer stylistic inspiration to the refreshed 7 Series. On the performance-oriented M60 variant, the daytime running lights feature a distinctive yellow tint, echoing similar styling choices observed on recent performance models like the M350 and the iX4 M60.

Flanking the front fascias are two tall, upright kidney grilles. The electric iX7 variant features horizontal vanes within its grille structure alongside a slim lower bumper intake, whereas the V8-powered X7 M60 incorporates a much larger, more aggressive front intake designed to feed cooling air to its forced-induction engine.

Around the back, both models showcase wide taillight assemblies featuring a pair of thick, illuminated horizontal graphics, though subtle pattern differences distinguish the electric model from its combustion-powered sibling. True to its performance credentials, the X7 M60 is outfitted with a pair of prominent, round exhaust tips integrated into each corner of the rear bumper, while the iX7 features a completely smooth rear fascia devoid of any exhaust cutouts.

Questions remain regarding cargo utility. It is currently difficult to determine whether the next-generation X7 will retain the outgoing model’s signature split tailgate. While that clever dual-piece opening mechanism was famously dropped from the redesigned X5 due to data suggesting buyers did not prioritize the feature, industry observers suggest that a split tailgate remains a considerably more appealing and practical luxury amenity on a vehicle of the X7’s substantial footprint.

The Luxury of Choice

In profile, the upcoming X7 exhibits a blocky body shape and greenhouse architecture that bear a strong family resemblance to the first-generation model. However, it introduces prominent, flared fenders reminiscent of the design language seen on the iX3 and X5, alongside flush, wing-tip-style door handles similar to those implemented on the X5. While Audi reportedly experimented with comparable flush handles during the early development phases of the new Q7 and Q9 before reverting to traditional pull handles primarily to satisfy American buyer preferences, it remains to be seen whether BMW will stick with the minimalist handles over the vehicle’s production lifecycle.

Underneath the skin, the powertrain strategy for the internal combustion versions is expected to mirror the mechanical layouts found across the latest X5 and 7 Series families. Buyers can anticipate a smooth, mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine serving as the base powerplant for the standard X7, while the high-performance M60 variant will utilize a potent twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Unlike equivalent trim levels within the smaller X5 and flagship 7 Series lineups, the upcoming X7 M60 will reportedly omit a plug-in hybrid system entirely—a choice that enthusiast circles may view as a missed opportunity for blending high output with efficiency.

On the electric side of the ledger, the iX7 is projected to arrive in multiple performance variants, all relying on dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configurations designed to deliver an estimated EPA driving range surpassing 400 miles on a single charge. An eventual M Performance variant of the electric iX7 is also anticipated, though enthusiasts yearning for a full-fat, standalone X7 M or iX7 M may need to temper their expectations for the foreseeable future. Instead, luxury buyers seeking ultra-exclusive performance will likely find solace in a forthcoming new Alpina XB7 variant.

Given the advanced state of testing and the density of the camouflage worn by these latest prototypes, industry analysts anticipate that the second-generation BMW X7 will make its official global debut within the coming months. BMW is expected to roll out both the battery-electric iX7 and the combustion-powered X7 variants concurrently, ensuring that traditionalists and EV adopters alike have immediate access to the brand’s largest luxury contender.