The BMW X7 is undergoing testing at Germany’s Nürburgring, where a prototype of BMW’s largest SUV has been spotted lapping the circuit at high speed. The test vehicle clearly uses a gas engine rather than an electric powertrain, with four large tailpipes providing a major clue about what is under the hood.
BMW X7 Prototype Signals V8 Power
The prototype’s four tailpipes are impossible to miss, protruding from the rear bumper in a configuration that appears unlikely to reach production. Their presence, however, strongly indicates that BMW is testing a combustion-powered X7, potentially as part of emissions testing.
BMW is expected to continue offering a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in either M60 or possibly M70 form. Reports have also suggested that an Alpina version could carry the M100 designation, reflecting even greater power.
The prototype is not an indication that BMW will abandon plans for an electric X7. An EV based on the flagship three-row luxury SUV is described as all but certain, but this particular test vehicle is clearly not that model.
New X7 Design Takes Shape
The Nürburgring prototype provides a better look at the overall shape of the next X7, although many of its visible lighting components remain temporary prototype parts.
The taillights are expected to resemble the long, thin strips used on the iX5. The headlights, meanwhile, appear likely to remain relatively close to those of the current model.
The prototype also uses the grille from the existing X7, with the top section blocked and the middle portion left open. There are no visible Neue Klasse design elements, while the latest 7 Series sedan also retains the same basic front-end design.
Despite that familiar appearance, the production X7 is expected to receive new accent lights positioned high in the corners, new lower lamps, as well as a redesigned grille and bumper.
New Door Handles and Side Styling
Other changes are visible along the sides of the prototype. The new door handles are smaller and more aerodynamic than those on the current X7, although they are not flush-fitting units that pop out from the body.
The handles could potentially incorporate power-open mechanisms behind the scenes, while the side skirts also feature a redesigned appearance.
Combined with the vehicle’s tall and narrow greenhouse, these changes make the prototype look more like an entirely new vehicle rather than a simple reskin of the existing X7.
More Luxury Features Could Be Added
According to the CarBuzz spies, the next X7 could also receive more luxury features from the 7 Series. Potential additions include the 31.3-inch cinema screen in the rear and even two-tone paint.
Why the New BMW X7 Matters
The X7 serves as BMW’s flagship SUV, although it does not match the sedan in luxury or driving experience. The model is also facing new competition from Audi in the form of the Q9, increasing the pressure on BMW to elevate its largest SUV.
The new BMW X7 should be revealed next year. Until then, the Nürburgring prototype offers an early look at the model’s new shape, V8-powered testing and potential luxury upgrades as BMW prepares its flagship SUV for competition from the Audi Q9 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
