BMW is preparing its largest SUV, the X7, for a mid-life refresh.
The German brand’s seven-seat flagship SUV will get some minor cosmetic surgery for 2021, to keep it looking fresh alongside the Mercedes GLS and Bentley Bentayga.
The biggest changes will be up front. BMW has dropped the X7’s headlamps lower down the SUV’s front end, mirroring the design of the upcoming BMW X8 and 7 Series saloon. The new lighting setup is also complemented by a fresh bumper, which ditches the current car’s tall side intakes for an overall smoother appearance.
The current car’s large kidney grilles haven’t changed and, despite the camouflage wrap at the rear of the car, it’s clear that the bumper design and tailgate are almost identical to the existing model. As before, the updated X7 will feature a split tailgate for easier access to the boot.
Save for a few trim and upholstery tweaks, we’re not expecting many changes in the cabin, either. The updated X7 should feature the same dual 12.3-inch displays as the current model, powered by BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment software.
However, there could be some major changes under the bonnet as BMW marches towards electrification. As such, it’s possible that the revised model will borrow the 3.0-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain from the X5 xDrive45e, as the two SUVs are both based on similar versions of BMW’s CLAR architecture.
The powertrain mixes a straight-six petrol engine with a 83kW electric motor and a 24kWh battery pack, for a combined output of 290kW and 600Nm. When bolted into the X5, the system can also deliver a rear-world electric only range of between 65–70 kilometres.
Buyers will also still be offered the current X7’s two mild-hybrid powertrains. There’s one petrol and one diesel, both of which are 3.0-litre straight six units that produce around 253kW. Both are also supported by an 8kW electric motor that can reduce load on the engine and deliver smoother throttle response at low speeds.
When the revised model makes its debut, we’re expecting an incremental increase in prices across the board to offset the cost of the new look. As such, it’s likely that the range will kick off from around $140,000.
Luke Wilkinson