Facelifted 2023 BMW X7 leaked ahead of debut

A  leaked image posted on Instagram has revealed the facelifted BMW X7 without a disguise for the first time. Revealed on the Cochespias Instagram account, the picture shows that the German brand’s flagship SUV is almost ready to make its public debut.

Showing what looks to be an X7 in standard trim (rather than top-of-the-range M Sport guise), the new image gives a first glimpse of the revised front end. The trademark large kidney grille appears to have been left untouched by designers, its flanked by a new split headlight design that’s similar to the upcoming BMW X8 and 7 Series saloon. The lower grille has been completely revised and is now much shorter and has two new air intakes either side. 

Elsewhere, there appears to be a new alloy wheel design for the X7, although the chrome trim that runs from behind the front wheel and extends down and towards the rear wheel is the same as before.

Unfortunately, the leaked image doesn’t show the rear of the car, but our previous spy shots of a camouflaged X7 suggest that the changes will be minimal. Even through the disguise it’s possible to tell that the rear bumper and lights look virtually unchanged, while the current car’s split tailgate also remains.

The BMW X7’s facelift can’t come soon enough, as it faces fresh competition in the luxury SUV market in the shape of the all-new fifth-generation Range Rover. To compensate this, the facelifted model will also have updates inside and potentially feature upgraded new powertrains.

The new lights are complemented by a redesigned bumper, which ditches the current car’s tall side intakes for a smoother look. The enormous kidney grilles haven’t changed and, even though they’re heavily masked, the rear bumper and tailgate are pretty much identical to the existing car’s. The current car’s split tailgate also remains.

We’re not expecting many changes to the cabin, other than some new trim and updated upholstery. The new X7 will also feature the same dual 12.3-inch displays as the current car, although they’ll be powered by the latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment software.

However, there might be some big changes under the bonnet. The revised X7 could borrow the 3.0-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain from the X5 xDrive45e, as BMW marches relentlessly along its electrification strategy. The two cars are based on similar versions of BMW’s CLAR platform, and the larger X7 should have more than enough room around its chassis to store the battery pack and motor.

The system blends a straight-six petrol engine with an 111bhp electric motor and a 24kWh battery, for a combined output of 389bhp and 600Nm of torque. In the X5, the powertrain delivers a real-world electric range of between 40 and 45 miles, although that figure will decrease once the system has been bolted to the heavier X7.

UK 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 340bhp. Both are also supported by an 11bhp 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 £80,000.

Now click here to read our review of the pure-electric BMW iX SUV…