The dimensions hint at a more accommodating interior than today’s X7
By 2028, BMW is planning to launch over 40 new or significantly updated models, a new wave of BMWs spearheaded by the recent reveal of the iX3. One of these models is expected to be the brand’s first-ever three-row model with fully electric power, the iX7. Forming part of the upcoming, second-generation X7, our spies have managed to capture exclusive images of the new iX7 for the first time. Technical details are largely unconfirmed, but the Neue Klasse platform underpinning the feature-packed iX3 provides some clues as to what we can expect.
Long, Wagon-Like Proportions
Although still heavily camouflaged, the new iX7 looks like a bit of a beast, with a body that appears especially long and almost wagon-like from some angles. The current X7 has never had the largest third-row seat, so perhaps the longer-looking body is more than just an illusion, and BMW has attempted to free up more space back there. It’s still expected to be a smaller vehicle than the likes of the Cadillac Escalade IQ, though.
The split-headlight arrangement of the current X7 appears to carry over, with separate main beams below slimmer daytime running lights, and the grille is large but, thankfully, not up to i7 proportions. Not much at all can be gleaned from the back, which is almost entirely covered up. Our spies reported not a hint of engine noise, even as the iX7 sped by, confirming that it’s electric.
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Considering that the two-row iX already weighs up to 5,849 pounds in M70 guise, the longer, three-row X7 will easily exceed 6,000 lbs to likely become the heaviest production BMW ever; that infamous title currently belongs to the i7 M70 xDrive, which weighs 6,191 lbs. The plug-in hybrid XM also weighs over 6,000 lbs.
The iX7 will need a large battery to move up to seven people around while still maintaining a decent range on a full charge.
800V Architecture And Panoramic iDrive
As BMW’s flagship SUV, the iX7 is expected to pack in the company’s top technologies, from its electric architecture to the in-cabin technologies (the iX3's cabin is pictured above). 800V technology and BMW’s sixth-generation battery tech are expected to make their way into the iX7, and previous rumors suggest a range of up to 400 miles or so. It should also be capable of charging speeds of at least 400 kW, which is what the new iX3 can manage—this setup adds roughly 175 miles of range in 10 minutes, giving us an idea of what to expect from the bigger iX7.
Performance will be plentiful, as a top version with as much as 800 horsepower is allegedly on the cards. That’s a lot more power than you can get from the most potent current X7, which is the Alpina XB7 with 631 hp.
Inside, BMW’s Operating System X will be installed, as this is visible on the iX7 test mule’s windshield. This will encompass BMW Panoramic iDrive, which debuted in the iX3, whereby there’s both a traditional center touchscreen and a pillar-to-pillar display at the bottom of the windshield.
What Will The iX7’s Competition Be?
Rivian
There aren’t an abundance of three-row electric luxury SUVs on the market, but the Rivian R1S was one of the first. We expect the iX7 to be more luxurious but less rugged than the Rivian, but the R1S may still have the performance edge—it is available with a 1,050-hp quad-motor powertrain.
The Lucid Gravity is another rival, which has ample driving range and even more luxury than the Rivian. Volvo’s EX90 and the Cadillac Vistiq are other models expected to overlap with the iX7’s price range.
Audi doesn’t currently sell a three-row electric SUV, but Mercedes has the EQS SUV, a facelifted version of which was spied back in July. That said, Mercedes hasn’t had the runaway success with its EQ range it expected, so it remains to be seen what the status of this model will be by the time the iX7 arrives.
BMW’s biggest EV may only show its face in mid-2027, so it’s still some way off.
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