A prototype of BMW’s first all-electric X7 has appeared at the Nürburgring with less camouflage than before, revealing key styling elements ahead of its planned launch next year. The 2028 iX7 will be BMW’s flagship electric SUV, offering a distinctive design that sets it apart from sibling models like the iX5 and combustion-engine X7.
Distinctive Rear and Front Light Design Unveiled
The prototype showcases a new rear light arrangement different from the iX5 and previous internal combustion X7 models. It features stacked horizontal LED elements on each side of the liftgate, with two slim vertical LED bars per side visible even through the remaining camouflage. Unlike some prototypes, the circular reflectors low in the bumper are likely test parts and not expected in the final model.
The rear bumper’s clean look benefits from the absence of exhaust outlets, a natural result of the iX7’s electric powertrain. Notably, the rear wiper is mounted directly on the glass rather than hidden under a roof spoiler, maintaining a more upright rear profile similar to the combustion X7.
At the front, the iX7 retains the familiar BMW split-headlight layout. Slim daytime running lights sit in the upper corners while the main headlights are housed separately below. This contrasts with BMW’s newer “Neue Klasse” styling but aligns with the traditional look seen on the current inline-six and V8 X7s. The kidney grille is large and spans a significant portion of the front nose, though its design is visibly different from the grille on the iX5.
Shape and Wheels Hint at Spacious, Powerful Electric SUV
The side view reveals a fairly conservative silhouette, with a flat roofline and tall windows tailored to a three-row cabin layout. Multi-spoke wheels fill the arches, and the large brake rotors visible on the prototype suggest it could be the dual-motor version, positioned below the upcoming M Performance variant.
Powertrain and Production Details for the iX7
The iX7 is built on an evolution of BMW’s Cluster Architecture, sharing core technology with the iX5. The base electric variant is expected to be the iX7 60 xDrive, featuring a 144-kWh battery pack for the US market and an 800-volt electrical system. This setup powers two electric motors producing around 570 horsepower and a peak torque of 805 Newton-meters (593 lb-ft).
Charging capabilities are expected to be strong on DC fast chargers, matching the standards of other high-end BMW EVs. Production is slated to begin in September 2027 at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the US, the same facility responsible for the combustion-engine X7. The 2028 model year should see the launch of three versions: the fully electric iX7 60 xDrive, the combustion X7 40 xDrive, and an Alpina-tuned X7 60 xDrive.
This new electric flagship expands BMW’s electric lineup while keeping familiar design cues, blending tradition with future technology.
Source: autoevolution.com