Having been unveiled in October of 2018,
the X7 hasn’t even blown two candles off its birthday cake, but our spy
photographers came across a camouflaged prototype of the full-size luxury SUV
leading us to believe that they may have already started work on the facelifted
model.
We think that this could be an early
development prototype for the LCI X7 as upon close inspection, the front end is
hiding some changes under the coverups. For instance, the headlamps sit lower
than before, a design characteristic believed to also be present on the next
7-Series, with the same applying to the revised
grille. In addition, the bumper has a cleaner design and the hood
appears to have softer creases.
The back end does not seem to have changed
at all on this prototype, as the tailgate and bumper still have the same shape,
and even the taillights have identical graphics. Still, being that it’s an
early tester, we could see some differentiation later on. It is still too early
to know about other aspects of the facelifted X7, but if BMW’s prior LCIs are
of any indication, the interior should gain a polished up infotainment system
and instrument panel, alongside revised upholstery and trim offerings.
Most of the engine lineup
should be retained, possibly with some tweaks here and there to improve fuel
economy numbers and further reduce emissions. There won’t be an X7 M this time
around, so the M50i will continue to serve as the range-topping variant, with
its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, pumping out 523 HP in the current iteration.
Alpina is expected to update the XB7 once
the facelifted X7 breaks cover, with the current model boasting 612 HP from the
tuned V8. If this is indeed the mid-cycle refresh of BMW’s flagship SUV, then
we wouldn’t look for it sooner than late next year, possibly even later on in
2022.
