As BMW moves toward its radical, electric-first Neue Klasse era, the automotive world has been closely watching how the Munich brand handles its largest flagship: the full-size, three-row BMW X7.
Recent spy photos of camouflaged prototypes—and the detailed speculative renderings they have inspired from digital artists like Nikita Chuyko (Kolesa) and Kelsonik—reveal that the second-generation 2028 BMW X7 (internal code G67) will occupy a unique middle ground in BMW’s portfolio. Rather than completely adopting the futuristic minimalist aesthetic of upcoming electric models, the next-gen X7 is striking a balance between traditional combustion power, executive presence, and modern electrification.
Here is a detailed breakdown of what recent renderings, spy data, and platform details tell us about BMW’s upcoming 2028 flagship SAV.
Exterior Design: Evolution Over Revolution
Unlike the smaller X5 (G65), which leans far more heavily into Neue Klasse styling, renderings of the 2028 X7 suggest BMW is sticking to an evolutionary approach for its luxury leviathan.
The Front Fascia
The infamous twin-kidney grille remains front and center, but renderings show a more geometric, architectural proportion. Instead of expanding infinitely outwards, the grille grows taller and slightly narrower, sitting more upright.
The controversial split-headlight setup—first introduced on the G07 LCI facelift and the 7 Series—is refined here. High-set, razor-thin LED daytime running lights run along the hood line, while the primary headlight projection units hide within vertical air intakes flanking the bumper.
Side Profile & Aerodynamics
In profile, the 2028 X7 maintains its boxy, statuesque silhoutte to preserve generous headroom for third-row passengers. Renderings reveal a cleaner side profile featuring BMW’s new winglet-style flush door handles integrated directly into the beltline trim—a feature pioneered on the Skytop concept and shared with the upcoming X5.
Rear End Architecture
At the back, renderings highlight wider, thinner tail lamps that stretch across the tailgate. Notably, spy photos indicate that BMW may discontinue the traditional two-piece split tailgate in favor of a simpler one-piece design to streamline assembly and cut weight, a move that has sparked lively debate among brand purists.
Platform & Powertrains: The Multi-Energy CLAR Setup
Underneath its restyled skin, the 2028 BMW X7 won’t sit on a dedicated EV platform. Instead, it rides on a heavily revised iteration of BMW’s flexible CLAR (Cluster Architecture). This allows the factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to produce multiple powertrain types on the exact same assembly line:
- Mild-Hybrid Gas & Diesel: Inline-six engines (xDrive40i) with 48V electrification will remain the core offering.
- V8 Power Preserved (M Performance): Quad exhaust pipes spotted on testing prototypes confirm that V8 power isn’t dead for the flagship. An updated twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 (likely carrying on the S68 M-engine designation) will power the X7 M60i.
- The First-Ever iX7: Riding alongside the ICE variants, BMW is developing a fully electric iX7. Renderings of the iX7 depict a blanked-off front kidney grille, aero-optimized wheel setups, and clean bumper surfaces free of exhaust cutouts.
- Ultra-Luxury ALPINA (G69): Expected a year later in 2028, a high-end ALPINA XB7/iXB7 variant will debut—rumored to drop the third row entirely in favor of an opulent 4-seat executive lounger layout.
Cabin Expectations: Executive Luxury Meets Tech
While renderings focus heavily on the exterior, insider leaks and platform updates give us a clear view of what to expect inside the G67:
- BMW Panoramic Vision: Head-up display projecting info across the entire lower edge of the windshield.
- Rear Theatre Screen: Optional 31.3-inch 8K display folding down from the ceiling, migrated from the 7 Series.
- Power Automatic Doors: Proximity-activated opening and closing.
- Sustainable Craftsmanship: Blend of vegan interior surfaces, recycled textiles, and signature Crafted Clarity glass switches.
Arrival & Market Context
The current-generation G07 X7 remains a strong seller, but competition is heating up with the arrival of new full-size three-row rivals.
BMW is expected to officially reveal the 2028 BMW X7 (G67) in late 2027, with production starting shortly thereafter at the Spartanburg plant for global markets. By retaining traditional V8 rumble alongside a whisper-quiet electric iX7, BMW’s flagship SUV aims to offer the best of both worlds—wrapped in a commanding, evolved design.
