BMW iX7 spotted on Nürburgring track

BMW showed a new electric version of its large SUV, the iX7, on the Nürburgring in Germany. The spy shots confirm the car is still in development. The iX7 has three rows of seats and looks almost the same as earlier pictures. It is only a few months old, but the test shows the company is moving ahead. The track is used to test durability for all BMW models, not just racing cars.

Platform, battery and power

The iX7 uses the CLAR platform, not the newer Neue Klasse platform. It keeps the split‑headlight design that BMW introduced in 2023. The battery could hold more than 144 kilowatt‑hours. That would give the car a longer range than many rivals. BMW can charge the battery at up to 460 kilowatts. The iX5 already has a 144‑kWh pack and can travel about 435 miles on a single charge. The iX7 may hold a larger pack because it is a few inches longer. It will probably use the same motors as the iX5. One version will have 570 horsepower.

The new X7 M60 is not electric. It keeps a gasoline engine that is a mild‑hybrid. It will likely use a twin‑turbocharged V8 found in today's hottest X7, but improve on its 523 horsepower and 553 lb‑ft totals. BMW’s M760 sedan shows the same engine can reach 563 horsepower. The M60 will keep the same torque as the current X7. It will keep the same styling as the iX7, but with a larger grill and exhaust pipes.

BMW plans to start making the iX7 in 2027. It will be available for sale next fall. The company is building the X5, X5i, X7 and X7i at its Spartanburg plant. The X7 M60 will replace the current X70 M60i model. In the United States, electric‑vehicle sales are falling. Luxury buyers often prefer powerful gasoline engines to electric ones.

Future models and strategy

BMW is also working on a luxury version of the SUV from Alpina. That model is expected in 2028. The company is rolling out a new infotainment system called panoramic iDrive to all models. The iX7 will use the same dashboard and tablet as the iX5. BMW’s electric strategy continues to grow, but gasoline power still plays a big role in the X7 lineup.