New prototypes of the facelifted BMW X7 and Alpina XB7 have been snapped out and about during testing in Europe. The new X7 (finished in dark blue) and the XB7 (painted in a lighter shade of blue) will both benefit from the same basic design updates, although the Alpina will be sold as a slightly more expensive, luxurious, and higher-performance version.
The most significant change being
developed for the facelifted BMW X7 are the headlights. Like the forthcoming
new 7-Series, the updated X7 will sport a split headlight design, mimicking a
design trend we have seen many other car manufacturers adopting over recent years.
Both the X7 and XB7 prototypes pictured appear to be equipped with
production-ready versions of these headlights, although they have been hidden
under camouflage.
BMW will continue the styling alterations
with an updated rear-end that includes revised taillights with new LED light
signatures. Compared to the front, however, the updates made to the rear will
be comparatively minimal and won’t cause controversy like the split headlights
inevitably will.
If you’re curious as to the main visual
differences between the Alpina XB7 prototype and the X7 prototype pictured,
take a look at the unique wheels of the Alpina, as well as its distinctive quad
tailpipe design. In terms of powertrains, the updated BMW X7 range could grow
with the addition of several new engines, potentially including a plug-in
hybrid. By comparison, the Alpina XB7 will probably retain just a single engine
option, namely a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with no less than 612 hp and 800 Nm of torque.
