BMW has updated its biggest, baddest SUV. The 2023 X7 has a new look up front, more tech inside, and more power under the bonnet.

    It’ll be here in the fourth quarter of 2022, with the X7 M60i and xDrive40d both locked in. Pricing and specifications will be revealed later in the year.

    There are new engines, and new infotainment technology for the interior, but the headlining change is the new look.

    The spy photos and renders were accurate; the X7 debuts a new split headlight look with LED daytime running lights up top, and LED projectors set lower down.

    The backlit Iconic Glow grille from the X6 SUV is now standard on the range-topping X7 M60i xDrive, and is available elsewhere in the range.

    Down back the tail lights have adopted the higher-contrast look rolling out across the range, and there are detail changes in the bumpers at both ends.

    Linking the rear lights is an LED bar, as is becoming common across the industry.

    There’s greater differentiation between the regular X7 and the M60i, with gloss black trim pieces and a more aggressive visage.

    Inside, the X7 has gained the latest OS8.0 infotainment system debuted in the i4 and iX electric cars. It combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, with Hey BMW voice, a central rotary dial, and touch inputs.

    Vegan interior trim is standard and Merino full leather is optional based on where in the world you are. The transmission tunnel has been tweaked with a new gear selector, and the dashboard is home to a new backlit trim option.

    Power has been upped across the range. The range-topping M60i now uses a 4.4-litre V8 engine derived from that in the full-on X5 M Competition, albeit tuned to make 390kW and 750Nm instead of 460kW.

    Although the engine itself is new, those outputs are unchanged compared to the M50i. It’s mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

    The new xDrive40d packs 259kW and up to 720Nm from its 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel engine, up 64kW and 100Nm on the outgoing xDrive30d.

    Finally, the X7 xDrive40i that won’t be coming Down Under has a 3.0-litre inline-six cylinder petrol engine making 280kW and up to 540Nm thanks to a 48V mild-hybrid system.

    The current range consists of the xDrive30d and M50i.

    MORE: Everything BMW X7

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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