BMW.SG | BMW Singapore Owners Community The Ultimate BMW Community – Established Since 2001
BMW’s flagship SUV, the BMW X7, has broken cover in heavy camouflage, signalling Munich’s intent to keep its seven-seat titan at the top of the luxury off-roader field. Spied on public roads ahead of a projected 2026 debut, the second-generation model clearly borrows cues from the forthcoming Neue Klasse family while clinging to the imposing footprint that sets it against the Mercedes GLS and full-size Range Rover.
Even beneath the swirl wrap, familiar BMW themes emerge. A vertical kidney grille dominates the nose, bookended by a slim LED signature above a deeper lighting cluster — an evolution of the split-lamp arrangement seen on the current X7 and 7 Series. Squared wheel arches and a long wheelbase hint at abundant cabin space, while tabs along the door tops betray sensors for development telemetry shared with the next-gen X5. At the tail, a quartet of exhaust outlets suggests this prototype hides M-badged firepower, backed up by a roof spoiler that tidies airflow at speed.
Underpinning the newcomer is an updated iteration of BMW’s versatile CLAR platform, capable of hosting straight-six and V-8 engines alongside plug-in hybrid and full-electric set-ups. Bavaria has already registered the iX7 badge, so a battery-only derivative looks likely. Hardware from the i7 saloon could slot straight in, bringing a 105.7 kWh pack and dual-motor all-wheel drive with outputs ranging from 537 bhp to 650 bhp. Such figures would endow the high-riding X7 with sports-saloon punch, especially useful when hauling seven occupants and their luggage.
Conventional powertrains will not be abandoned. Expect refined six-cylinder diesel and petrol units paired with 48-volt assistance, plus an uprated plug-in hybrid aimed at urban efficiency without sacrificing motorway range. Engineers are also rumoured to be targeting sharper steering response and reduced body roll, leveraging lightweight materials inspired by Neue Klasse research to offset the SUV’s sheer mass.
With launch testing already in motion and the iX3-led Neue Klasse roll-out imminent, the BMW X7 is poised to remain a benchmark for luxury, technology and towing muscle in the full-size SUV arena. UK roads may still be a couple of years away from seeing production examples, but the early signs suggest the next X7 will raise the bar for presence and performance in equal measure.
