At the beginning of this week, BMW officially announced that one of the second generation X7 is in the pipeline. Shortly afterwards our auto-paparazzi discovered the three-strong luxury SUV. The prototype captured in front of the camera was a V8 m performance model with quad exhaust gas, but another “M Lite” arms is in the works. We have learned that the purely electric IX7 does not get one version with over 800 hp.
The Codenamed G67, the next generation Luxobarge, will continue to drive on the Clar platform, which BMW also uses for the electrical variant. Despite the joint underpinning, the first IX7 will contain the gene6 batteries and electric motors with the debut later this year in the new IX3. The larger SUV will be a much more sophisticated product that positions two segments mentioned above.
In addition to an additional luxury, the BMW m division prepares an IX7 M70 with more than 800 hp. Of course, XDRIVE will go hand in hand, which means a dual motor setup serious. This fully electric M-performance model is located in the top of the BMW line-up, above which X7 M60 with V8 can be seen in the spy shots. However, it will not be the absolute flagship. Let us explain.
Alpina, which BMW acquired a few years ago, develops his own attitude to the IX7. We previously reported that it could produce almost 900 hp. Expect more important changes than just different badges and subtle design optimizations. It is assumed that Alpina’s version bears its own internal code name: “G69”. Buchloe’s range-toping model could be referred to as IX7 100 XDrive.
For those who are still loyal, Alpina covered them. The X7 60 XDRIVE will probably also use the 4.4-liter S68 engine Twin turbo, and an entry level X7 40 XDrive with an inline six can also be offered. It remains uncertain whether these V8 models are sold in Europe. Stricter emission regulations could cause the BMW Group to only provide future V8 vehicles outside the EU. It already happens with the 760i, although the protection of the armored 7 series still retains the large engine in Europe.
For those who are willing to switch to electrically, the IX7 has cylindrical battery cells. BMW claims that the energy density is increased by 30% by 30% compared to current prismatic cells and an increase in loading speed and the drive area. The newly developed engines are smaller, lighter and rigid. Engineers have revised oil and water cooling systems and implemented an 800 V architecture for faster charging. The energy loss is reduced by 40%and production costs by 20%.
The IX7 will not be the first Clar-based EV to take over the new class Tech because this award goes into the IX5 that will start next year. His bigger sibling, the IX7, is said to arrive in the second half of 2027.
