The full-size BMW iX7 electric SUV has been spied undergoing development testing in Germany, ahead of its expected debut sometime in 2027, and its potential Australian arrival the following year.
Hot on the heels of this week’s reveal of the new iX5/X5 – which is due to arrive here before the end of this year – the appearance of the first ever iX7 wearing production-spec lighting follows sightings of the new model dating back to mid-2025.
The iX7 will be based on the new seven-seat X7, the largest SUV in the BMW range and a competitor to the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover, Lexus LX and Audi Q7.
Electric rivals include the Cadillac Vistiq, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and the upcoming electric Range Rover.
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The iX7/X7 will be yet another model to be given BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ exterior and interior design language, which was first revealed on the smaller BMW iX3 mid-size electric SUV that’s now arriving in Australian showrooms.
As shown in these spy images, the next X7 and its electric iX7 counterpart will adopt a bluff, upright front-end design dominated by a super-tall version of BMW’s traditional ‘kidney’ grille, which on the X5 and iX3 is illuminated, along with squared-off, muscular haunches.
However, there’s no sign of the ‘X’ headlight signature treatment of the new X5. Instead, there’s a thinner headlight design more aligned with the latest i7/7 Series front-end.
Clearly visible are the same ‘winglets’ along the bottom of the side windows, which are also a feature of the new X5, replacing conventional door handles for smoother panels. It would make sense, too, that the X7 will be offered with the automatic door function available with the new X5.
There’s also a similar rear-end treatment, including an integrated spoiler connecting the roof and tailgate, along with aerodynamic aids which, on the smaller X5, delivers a more aerodynamic body to maximise the iX5’s electric range.
It could also adopt a single-piece tailgate, like the X3 and X5, in place of the current-generation X7’s split tailgate, which has been standard since the nameplate was launched in 2018 – although BMW’s camouflage has effectively hidden the rear-end design.
While not a direct replacement, the new iX7 is expected to take over from the XM as BMW’s flagship SUV.
The XM is currently priced from $309,900 before on-road costs in Australia, and fitted with a twin-turbocharged plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain, while the current X7 is priced between $174,400 and $212,400 before on-roads, and offered only with diesel and petrol engines.
The iX7/X7 will be based on the same updated CLAR platform as the iX5/X5, which is compatible with petrol, diesel, hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, all of which will be offered in Australia on the X5 range.
Underneath the new body, the 800-volt CLAR electrical architecture will see the iX7 fitted with sixth-generation ‘eDrive’ battery cells, which are cylindrical in shape and offer higher energy density for better performance and packaging.
Battery sizes could match those of the iX5, which measure up to around 144kWh in versions sold in the US, and 141kWh in Europe – the biggest battery pack fitted to a production BMW EV yet – with DC fast-charging capability of up to 460kW.
In the smaller iX5, range is up to 845km (WLTP) on the standard 21-inch alloy wheels, and the iX7 is expected to come close to that figure – despite being larger and heavier, as increasing battery size brings diminishing returns.
Powertrain outputs are also expected to be similar, pushing beyond 400kW, although unlike with BMW’s smaller SUVs, BMW M has never offered a full-fat X7 M or an electric iX7 M equivalent.
As part of the rollout of BMW’s new-generation Neue Klasse model lineup, the German brand’s ‘Heart of Joy’ high-speed computing architecture will power the iX7/X7’s infotainment and driver-assist systems, including a new iDrive display spanning the bottom of the windscreen.