Near production BMW X7 shows up in new spy shots

A near-production prototype of the new BMW X7 was recently spotted on test. The car in these spy shots from Munich is looking very similar to the iPerformance concept that was only recently revealed. The twin kidney grilles are about as tall as they are wide, creating a front-end design we haven't seen before, probably the least sporty SUV ever made by the company.

The side profile is pretty flat. BMW's new design language is about minimal lines, also visible at the 8-Series and Z4 studies. Another parallel we can draw is that the X7's nose slants slightly inwards from the line of the hood.

It's already been indirectly confirmed that the X7 will have an M Performance version. Probably the M50i. This would come with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 450 hp or more. Of course, BMW is willing to go much lower than that with the engine range: the X7 40e. This is a combination of around 30 kilometres of pure EV range and a 2-litre turbo for a combined 320 horsepower. Some may think that sounds a little underpowered for the size of the vehicle. Of course, the platform and interior bits are going to be shared with the all-new X5 model.