Photo: SB-Medien
The BMW X7 wasn't exactly received with open arms by car-loving communities, but it's selling well and is rapidly approaching its mid-life update. Ahead of the debut next year, our spies have captured a test prototype 2022 X7 LCI which reveals massive front end updates.
By saying "OK, Boomer" on Twitter, BMW has made it abundantly clear that it's given up on car design convention. There were obvious hints when they made a 3-row SUV with a giant grille, and again with the 4 Series. But the X7 facelift cements that idea.
Even though the camouflage, we can spot a new design language with the headlights placed lower. The same features were also spotted on the BMW i7, which is an electric 7 Series. The headlights might be temporary units, but their placement should still stay the same when transitioning to the product shape. Also, it's possible we'll get a split design, as seen on several crossovers from Korean automakers.
Speaking of the Koreans, from some angles, this new luxury SUV resembles the SsangYong Actyon, which used to be described as the ugliest SUV in the world during its era. But we doubt any buyer will make the connection, as even we had to google the model to remember what it was called.
In short, the X7's updates will be quite controversial, and many might call it ugly from the sidelines. But BMW has a solid reputation, and demand for 3-row luxury vehicles is quite strong. In the powertrain department, we expect to see a streamlined range of models. The automaker has already announced it will stop making the M50d, which is a quad-turbo monster.
We might also see more plug-in hybrid models, using the technology that's being developed for the X8, which is a "coupe" version of this. Heck, we might even get an X7 M with upwards of 700 horsepower from a combination of the 4.4-liter and electric witchcraft. In fact, all the German automakers seem to be fitting better batteries and more powerful e-motors to their plug-in hybrids.
Even though the camouflage, we can spot a new design language with the headlights placed lower. The same features were also spotted on the BMW i7, which is an electric 7 Series. The headlights might be temporary units, but their placement should still stay the same when transitioning to the product shape. Also, it's possible we'll get a split design, as seen on several crossovers from Korean automakers.
Speaking of the Koreans, from some angles, this new luxury SUV resembles the SsangYong Actyon, which used to be described as the ugliest SUV in the world during its era. But we doubt any buyer will make the connection, as even we had to google the model to remember what it was called.
In short, the X7's updates will be quite controversial, and many might call it ugly from the sidelines. But BMW has a solid reputation, and demand for 3-row luxury vehicles is quite strong. In the powertrain department, we expect to see a streamlined range of models. The automaker has already announced it will stop making the M50d, which is a quad-turbo monster.
We might also see more plug-in hybrid models, using the technology that's being developed for the X8, which is a "coupe" version of this. Heck, we might even get an X7 M with upwards of 700 horsepower from a combination of the 4.4-liter and electric witchcraft. In fact, all the German automakers seem to be fitting better batteries and more powerful e-motors to their plug-in hybrids.
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