With BMW sharing the story this week of how the X7 came to be, the timing feels proper to look forward and predict what’s subsequent. The “G67” technology remains to be a few years away, however camouflaged prototypes are already a well-recognized sight on European roads. Utilizing our imaginary crystal ball, we’ve digitally peeled away the disguise to forecast the flagship SUV’s exterior design.
Love them or detest them, the break up headlights are right here to remain. Not solely will next year’s 7 Series function them, however so will its SUV counterpart when it arrives in 2027. How a lot of the Neue Klasse design language will affect these two fashions stays to be seen. For the reason that X7 might be a brand new technology fairly than a Life Cycle Impulse, it’s anticipated to lean extra closely into the Neue Klasse aesthetic.
Facelifts sometimes prohibit the extent of design adjustments, however BMW has a historical past of daring updates inside a mannequin’s lifespan. Simply take a look at how the present X7 “G07” developed with its 2022 refresh. Its substitute appears to construct upon that design fairly than totally adopting the iX3’s Neue Klasse styling. Prototypes noticed up to now retain the massive kidney grilles as an alternative of the iX3’s extra restrained, downsized model.
Just like the upcoming X5, the next-generation X7 will forgo conventional door handles. Drawing inspiration from the Skytop and Speedtop, it can function beltline-integrated winglets that electrically function the doorways. Past the cleaner look, these also needs to present aerodynamic advantages for improved effectivity.
On the rear, our rendering envisions a quad-exhaust M Efficiency variant, doubtlessly badged M70 xDrive. Though our design research omits the break up tailgate, this sensible function might return. Regardless of cost-cutting traits throughout the trade, “G67” prototypes seem to have a black strip dividing the higher tailgate from the decrease fold-down part. Different BMW Group autos, such because the X5 and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, use an identical setup.
Even when the outside design represents an evolution fairly than a revolution, the cabin will mark a major shift. BMW will roll out its new iDrive X interface throughout the lineup, and the following X7 will finally undertake the up to date dashboard structure. Anticipate the rotary controller and most conventional buttons to vanish in favor of a extra minimalist setup.
When the brand new X7 “G67” debuts within the first half of 2027, it gained’t arrive alone. Alongside the standard gasoline and diesel variants, a completely electrical iX7 is within the works. Furthermore, ALPINA is reportedly growing its personal “G69” mannequin with combustion engines and presumably even an electrical iX7 100 xDrive derivative.
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