BMW Readies Larger, Sharper X7 for 2028 Model Year
BMW’s flagship SUV is getting a serious upgrade. The next-generation BMW X7 has been spotted testing in camouflaged form, revealing substantial changes in both design and engineering. Scheduled to enter production in August 2027 at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, this new X7 will arrive as a 2028 model year vehicle.
While still under heavy wraps, early prototypes hint at a bold direction for the luxury SUV. From revised proportions to performance-oriented cues, BMW appears to be doubling down on the X7’s road presence — with some surprises along the way.
What We Know from the Spy Photos
The most immediate takeaway? Size. Judging by the latest sightings, the upcoming X7 looks larger than the current model. It’s not just visual trickery either — the increased quarter glass and longer proportions suggest BMW is planning to expand passenger space, particularly in the rear cabin.
- Bigger rear quarter glass: Improved legroom likely
- New door handle layout: Adopts subtle beltline winglets as seen on the X5 redesign
- Quad exhaust tips: Confirms this is an M Performance version, likely the X7 M60
The grille holds true to BMW’s modern design cues — large, prominent, but fairly balanced this time. At the rear, temporary taillight units are in place, and so are the massive quad exhaust tips, reinforcing that this prototype is a high-performance variant.
Make no mistake, though — this isn’t a full M model. BMW doesn’t plan to introduce an X7 M. Rather, the spotted prototype is a so-called ‘M-lite’, possibly the next X7 M60, which drops the “i” suffix from its name.
Powertrain: Familiar V8 Likely to Stay
Under the hood? Almost certainly a revised version of BMW’s S68 engine — the same 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 with mild-hybrid technology found in today’s X7 M60i. That engine delivers 523 horsepower in its current form, with the ALPINA XB7 pushing that output up to 631 hp. Expect similar numbers, possibly even some tweaking for more efficiency or refinement.
“The new X7 will retain all eight cylinders in the United States,” an insider confirmed, though there’s a different story unfolding in Europe. With EU emission standards tightening further, future European-spec X7s may be limited to inline-six engines only. That’s a big shift for a vehicle often defined by the brawny character of its V8s—or V12s from older days.
Design Tweaks: LEDs, Handles, and Camouflage Tricks
BMW has made a habit of using tricky camouflage and fake lighting designs in early test vehicles. It’s no different here. While the headlights appear to retain the unusual split layout introduced during the SUV’s last major facelift in 2022, that might be a decoy.
The current DRLs — daytime running lights — are mounted suspiciously low, next to the main beams. Each has two perpendicular bars, creating a sort of T-shape. While dramatic, these are almost certainly temporary, much like early prototypes of the G70 7-Series that didn’t show their final DRLs until late-stage testing.
At the back, things look unfinished. The taillights are placeholders, and there are no red reflectors above the exhausts — parts you’d expect on a production-ready SUV. Don’t be surprised when final designs differ substantially from what the photos show today.
Government’s Reaction to SUV Expansion?
While the U.S. market seems poised to fully embrace the next-gen X7 — big engines and all — regulators in the EU may push back. Stronger emissions requirements could force BMW to rethink engines for European customers.
Smaller displacement engines might become the default on that side of the Atlantic. The wider trend? Europe’s shifting automotive culture continues to push away from large V8 or V12 powertrains. So, even high-end SUVs like the X7 may need downsized engines to meet regulatory approval.
BMW’s Electric Backup Plan
BMW seems to know this isn’t a long-term path for internal combustion alone. A fully electric version, the BMW iX7, is on the way. It will share the CLAR platform with ICE models but include next-gen battery and motor technology borrowed from the upcoming Neue Klasse iX3 and i3 models.
Does this mean the electric future for the X7 is already written into its DNA? Possibly.
That said, BMW isn’t killing off gas-powered models anytime soon, especially not for its American buyers. Full-size SUVs remain popular in the U.S.—both as family haulers and luxury status symbols. Offering both traditional and electric variants could be the company’s way to satisfy global demand without alienating key markets.
When Will the New X7 Launch?
The production timeline appears locked in. The new X7 — internally known as the G67 — will begin series manufacturing in August 2027. First deliveries are expected to follow soon after.
Here’s what we currently know:
- Production: Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Build start: August 2027
- Model Year: 2028
- Electric iX7 model in development, timing not confirmed
What to Expect Next
Expect more sightings as winter testing begins later this year. We’ll likely see final body panels, real lighting units, and perhaps even interior photos surface in the coming months.
For prospective buyers, that means time to decide — stick with the current X7, or wait for what’s shaping up to be a much bolder option. BMW isn’t rushing this; there’s still plenty of development time ahead. But what’s clear now is that this next-gen SUV will be impossible to ignore.
Is bigger always better? BMW seems to think so, but it’ll be up to drivers and fans to make the real call.
