2023 BMW X7 update is coming soon. We’ve seen the camouflaged prototype for a year and a half, barely hiding the controversial split-light design on the nose of the SUV.
It seems the internet is tired of waiting for BMW to camo, as a photo recently posted on social media appears to reveal the X7 in its entirety.
The photo source is Wilco Blok on Instagram. There is no context for the image, only mentioning that the X7 has leaked, with The X7 appearing on the lower left side of the shot. We can’t confirm that it’s a legit leak, but the photo does look like what we’d expect in the official press photo.
What do we see? The quad-light setup with split top and bottom units isn’t a surprise, but it will almost certainly be the most eye-catching design cue. From there, the details of the lower fascia are revealed and, in short, bustling.
Narrow vertical angle vents extend from the lamp. While the large bottom intake has sloping sides with vertical pillars forming a triangular-shaped vent. The leaked image doesn’t offer a clear view of the detail in the center of the intake.
Above, the X7’s protruding grille looks unchanged from the current model.
The photos show nothing on the back of the X7. Spy photos show minor changes to the rear fascia and taillights, but nothing as significant as the quad-light setup upfront. We don’t expect significant changes to the interior or the powertrain.
If this is indeed a leaked press image of the 2023 X7, it could indicate a very close reveal. Throughout our year of X7 spy photo campaign, we’ve speculated that the debut could take place from late 2021 to the first few months of 2022.
April is almost here, and we know the i7 electric sedan is slated to debut next month. There may be room in BMW’s calendar for an X7 reveal as well.
2023 BMW X7 Review
The new BMW X7 2023 continues to be the German automaker’s largest and most luxurious SUV, sitting above a range of models that include the midsize X5 and X6, compact X3 and X2, and subcompact X1 and X2.
We’re anticipating the X7 for its subtle exterior refresh for the 2023 model year. Having been on sale since 2019, key changes will likely include new wheel designs, re-profiled headlights and taillights, and possibly a rework of the front grille.
Equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) and with a choice of a bold turbocharged inline-6 or turbocharged V8 engine, the X7 delivers 3 rows of seating and the power you’d expect from a brand that claims to be the creator of “the best driving engines.”
Granted, the X7’s sheer size and weight mean its handling limits aren’t up to par with BMW’s performance heroes like the mighty M3 and M5 sports sedans. The X7 is more about getting you and your complete passenger from Point A to Point B in style, comfort, and luxury.
The base X7 xDrive40i comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine that sends 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque to the standard xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Next up is the twin-turbocharged V8 mounted on the X7 M50i. This powerful engine sends a total of 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via the same 8-speed automatic transmission.
And if this wasn’t enough, there’s a 612-horsepower version of this V8 paired to the top-of-the-line Alpina XB7.
The Alpina XB7 takes 3-row SUV performance and luxury to the next level. Starting at $140,000, it combines an incredible level of speed with its own model-specific aerodynamic body kit, 21-inch alloy wheels, and a Nappa leather-upholstered cabin with glass instrument controls.
Luckily, you don’t have to spend Alpina’s cash to enjoy the X7. The standard X7 xDrive40i comes with features such as quad-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, heated armrests, 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, air suspension, heated steering wheel, drop-down control, and a hands-free power liftgate. There’s also an equally long lineup of standard active safety features installed on every X7.
One of the X7’s few drawbacks is the cargo space behind the third row. It measures just 12.8 cubic feet, which is one of the tightest luggage spaces you’ll find in a large luxury SUV.
The space in the third row is also cramped for adults who are relegated back there for extended periods.
Direct rivals to the BMW X7 2023 include the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Audi A8, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Land Rover Range Rover, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
An updated BMW X7 is coming soon. We’ve seen the camouflaged prototype for a year and a half, barely hiding the controversial split-light design on the nose of the SUV.
It seems the internet is tired of waiting for BMW to camo, as a photo recently posted on social media appears to reveal the X7 in its entirety.
The photo source is Wilco Blok on Instagram. There is no context for the image, only mentioning that the X7 has leaked, with The X7 appearing on the lower left side of the shot. We can’t confirm that it’s a legit leak, but the photo does look like what we’d expect in the official press photo.
What do we see? The quad-light setup with split top and bottom units isn’t a surprise, but it will almost certainly be the most eye-catching design cue. From there, the details of the lower fascia are revealed and, in short, bustling.
Narrow vertical angle vents extend from the lamp. While the large bottom intake has sloping sides with vertical pillars forming a triangular-shaped vent.
The leaked image doesn’t offer a clear view of the detail in the center of the intake. Above, the X7’s protruding grille looks unchanged from the current model.
The photos show nothing on the back of the X7. Spy photos show minor changes to the rear fascia and taillights, but nothing as significant as the quad-light setup upfront. We don’t expect significant changes to the interior or the powertrain.
If this is indeed a leaked press image of the 2023 X7, it could indicate a very close reveal. Throughout our year of X7 spy photo campaign, we’ve speculated that the debut could take place from late 2021 to the first few months of 2022.
April is almost here, and we know the i7 electric sedan is slated to debut next month. There may be room in BMW’s calendar for an X7 reveal as well.
Read next: 2023 BMW 5 Series: All-New Update BMW 5 Series Electric Review
2023 BMW X7 Update
The new BMW X7 2023 continues to be the German automaker’s largest and most luxurious SUV, sitting above a range of models that include the midsize X5 and X6, compact X3 and X2, and subcompact X1 and X2.
We’re anticipating the X7 for its subtle exterior refresh for the 2023 model year. Having been on sale since 2019, key changes will likely include new wheel designs, re-profiled headlights and taillights, and possibly a rework of the front grille.
Equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) and with a choice of a bold turbocharged inline-6 or turbocharged V8 engine, the X7 delivers 3 rows of seating and the power you’d expect from a brand that claims to be the creator of “the best driving engines.”
Granted, the X7’s sheer size and weight mean its handling limits aren’t up to par with BMW’s performance heroes like the mighty M3 and M5 sports sedans. The X7 is more about getting you and your complete passenger from Point A to Point B in style, comfort, and luxury.
The base X7 xDrive40i comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine that sends 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque to the standard xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Next up is the twin-turbocharged V8 mounted on the X7 M50i. This powerful engine sends a total of 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via the same 8-speed automatic transmission.
And if this wasn’t enough, there’s a 612-horsepower version of this V8 paired to the top-of-the-line Alpina XB7.
The Alpina XB7 takes 3-row SUV performance and luxury to the next level. Starting at $140,000, it combines an incredible level of speed with its own model-specific aerodynamic body kit, 21-inch alloy wheels, and a Nappa leather-upholstered cabin with glass instrument controls.
Luckily, you don’t have to spend Alpina’s cash to enjoy the X7. The standard X7 xDrive40i comes with features such as quad-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, heated armrests, 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, air suspension, heated steering wheel, drop-down control, and a hands-free power liftgate. There’s also an equally long lineup of standard active safety features installed on every X7.
One of the X7’s few drawbacks is the cargo space behind the third row. It measures just 12.8 cubic feet, which is one of the tightest luggage spaces you’ll find in a large luxury SUV. The space in the third row is also cramped for adults who are relegated back there for extended periods.
Direct rivals to the BMW X7 2023 include the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Audi A8, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Land Rover Range Rover, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
2023 BMW X7 Redesign
With a design as timeless as the X7, it’s hard to believe it’s been on the market for four years (production started in 2018). That means it’s time for the facelifted model to hit dealerships, and now we have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
The updated BMW X7 will launch sometime in 2022 as the 2023 model, right at the same time BMW is launching an updated 7 Series which, coincidentally, uses the same CLAR platform.
From the spy shots, we can tell that the updated X7 will sport a more radical and aggressive look thanks in large part to an updated grille design and separate headlights.
The grid will discard the conjoined view for the split layout. It also seems that the main headlights themselves have been lowered a bit which gives the front a wider and sinister look. These are design elements taken, in part, from the new XM electric SUV.
The front of the X7 will, without a doubt, undergo some dramatic changes, but that’s not the story you’ll find on the back. The lower fascia will come with a slight redesign and the exhaust tip may be slightly changed. The taillights will receive an updated matrix/LED layout.
It’s worth noting that the revised X7 will be the work of Domagoj Dukec, the man who moved the design of the Series 4 after taking the helm in 2017, so you should expect anything and everything.
As for the interior, we don’t have much data to go on, but there should be a fair amount of updates going on there too. At the very least, the X7 will benefit from some new technology and should take a big leap in luxury and comfort compared to the current model.
The biggest question about the updated X7 is what goes under the hood. The current X7 can be had with a variety of inline-six or V-8 engines. This machine should be available after the update, although this could be the last time the X7 will be offered without, at least, some form of electrification.
There’s a good chance that it will be offered as a plug-in hybrid as well and, since it’s powered by the CLAR platform, the battery-electric X7 isn’t always out of reach.
That will be the case with the updated 7 Series, so it makes sense for the X7 to make the same journey.
2023 BMW X7 Facelift
The M version for the BMW X7 is not happening anytime soon, and we have to accept it. BMW promises that the future X8 will also get an M version, but so far no word on the X7 M.
But that’s okay because Alpina has the perfect alternative to it. It’s called the BX7 and launched back in 2020. And, even though it’s only two years old, an updated version is just around the corner. This is not surprising considering the X7 will also be updated.
The facelifted Alpina BX7 has also caught testing before, but the latest prototype has begun to ditch the camouflage. It’s also seen in the new exterior colors here.
Due to the lack of camouflage upfront, we can now see the bumper design, and it’s even clearer that the SUV will adopt the same two-piece headlamps we saw recently on the BMW XM Concept.
The grille still wears a lot of camouflage, but it definitely won’t get any bigger; which is a very good thing.
At the rear, the bumper appears to have been completely revised, and the taillights have received new graphics.
The interior will come with the same changes we see on all of the latest BMW models, including a 14.9-inch infotainment screen running the latest iDrive 8 software – similar to the one on the recent BMW iX.
If you look at the changes under the hood it looks like No changes were expected. However, that’s okay because the 4.4-liter V-8 engine already makes a total of 612 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque which is 89 horsepower and 37 pound-feet more than the BMW X7 M50i.
The result of the 0 to 60 mph sprint should be done in the same 4.0 seconds while the top speed will remain at 180 mph. Ordinary Laurel!
Expect the facelifted Alpina BX7 to arrive shortly after BMW will launch a facelifted version of the X7.
Read next: 2023 BMW X5: Next-Gen BMW X5 Midsize Luxury SUV Review
2023 BMW X7 M50i
BMW Design – Domagoj Dukec says the new Bavarian design should be “bold and meaningful.” We’re not so sure about the latter in the X7’s case but the facelifted version will look bold. While the full-size luxury SUV is far from the first model to adopt split headlamps with a top LED strip for daytime running lights.
The headlight setup in this modern car has been around for some time with the second-generation Citroën C4 Picasso which was launched back in 2013 springing to mind.
Several Skoda SUVs have a similar cluster layout, along with the Hyundai Santa Fe and others but few expected BMW to go this route. Not only for the X7 but also the next-generation 7 Series as well as the upcoming X8/XM flagship SUV before the end of the year.
Rendering section of BMW – Kolesa.ru tries to digitally remove the disguise to show off the X7’s radical facelift. Do you think it’s beautiful or ugly? That’s not what good design represents.
We’re not making this up because the words belong to the same head honcho from the design department in a previous interview with Esquire.
The grid will remain as large as before. However, it won’t be as elongated as other recent BMWs including the M3, M4, and 4 Series Gran Coupe plus a few EVs.
While the changes at the front will be substantial we expect the rear to be more the same with only minor changes to the LED graphics of the taillights and a new quad exhaust peak perhaps for the hot M50i.
Additional substantial modifications will be made in the cabin where the X7 will be upgraded to iDrive 8, presenting a side-by-side display in the same vein as the new Active Tourer Series 2 minivan and the iX electric SUV.
The facelifted prototype 3 Series has already been spotted with the same setup, and finally, logic tells us that all cars will switch to BMW’s latest infotainment.
The revised BMW X7 is likely to open in 2022, and in the meantime, it will lose its flagship SUV status to the new X8/XM set to launch in the coming weeks. Rumor has it it will be a model developed by the M division with a hybrid powertrain producing 650 hp.
2023 BMW X7 Plug-in Hybrid
The X7, BMW’s biggest SUV turns three in October 2021, and BMW is preparing for an LCI or ‘facelift’ in common parlance.
In addition to the optical changes, the BMW X7 2023 could come at a higher level of eco-friendliness with plug-in hybrid technology, in line with the company’s new intensive electrification strategy to achieve its goal of a carbon-neutral product line.
Since last summer the BMW X7 has been available with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology in xDrive40i petrol and xDrive40d diesel variants.
A forum member said that the X7 line-up will remain unchanged with the facelift. However, a 48-volt mild hybrid system will be standard equipment across the X7 lineup with a mid-cycle refresh.
Autocar and Auto Express expect the X7 to step up and get a new variant with plug-in hybrid technology from the X5 xDrive45e.
The BMW X7 PHEV could be a SULEV (super ultra-low emission vehicle) rated model with the same 389 hp system consisting of a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six petrol engine and an electric motor.
The engine and motor will transmit power to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
The BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid powertrain produces 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The 20.9 kWh (net)/24.0 kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery pack sits under the floor of the motor-driven SUV and provides a pure electric range of 30 miles (EPA).
With the Level 2 charger, it can take several hours to charge the battery.
So far Autocar has mentioned that BMW has said that the X7 hybrid should offer an EV mode range of at least 80 km (50 miles) which will require a much larger battery to compensate for the added weight over the X5.
The company will ensure that the X7 PHEV qualifies for subsidies the Chinese government offers on new energy vehicles that provide a pure electric range of 80 km (50 miles) or more.
2023 BMW X7 Price
We anticipate the 2023 BMWX7 xDrive40i 3-row luxury SUV will have a starting price of around $75,000. It brings with it a turbocharged inline-6, not to mention a list of standard features to make many other luxury SUVs the envy of.
Speaking of green, you’re going to need a ton of extra cash if you want to jump right up to the X7 M50i and its twin-turbo V8 powertrain. This version has an asking price of around $100,000.
If that wasn’t enough to impress in-laws and neighbors, the Alpina XB7 starts at around $142,000 and scorches down the road thanks to a 613-horsepower version of the same twin-turbo V8.
Alpina is equipped with a more elegant leather-covered cabin, not to mention the addition of exterior aerodynamics and 21-inch alloy wheels that are unique to this model.
2023 BMW X7 Release Date
According to intel forum member BimmerPost, the new BMW X7 will debut in August 2022.
This means its US launch could take place this fall. The X7 currently costs USD 74,900 onwards, so the X7 2023 price could start at around USD 77,000.
The rumored X7 PHEV, if launched, could cost well over $80,000 and compete with the Range Rover P440e or Range Rover P510e. This could bring positive changes to the volume and bottom line of BMW Group’s electric vehicle sales in the US and China.
Globally, the company’s xEV sales have grown tremendously, from 32,732 units in FY2014 to 192,646 units in FY2020. In 2021, BMW Group electric vehicle sales grew 70.4% year-on-year to 328,316 units (2020: 96,741 units).
