With a design as timeless as that of the X7, it’s hard to believe that it’s already been on the market for four years (production started in 2018). That means that it’s about time for a facelifted model to make its way to dealers, and now we have a good idea of what to expect.

The updated BMW X7 should launch sometime in 2022 as a 2023 model, right around the same time BMW launches the updated 7 Series which, coincidentally, rides on the same CLAR platform. From the spy shots, we can tell that the updated X7 will feature a more radical and aggressive look thanks largely to the updated grille design and split headlights. The grille will ditch the conjoined look for a split layout. It also seems as if the main headlight itself has been lowered a bit which gives the front end more of a broad, sinister look. These are design elements taken, in part, from the new XM electric SUV.

The front of the X7 is, without a doubt, going through some dramatic change, but that’s not the story you’ll find in the rear. The lower fascia will come with a slight redesign and the exhaust tips might change a bit. The taillights will receive an updated matrix/LED layout. It should be noted that the revised X7 will be the handiwork of Domagoj Dukec, the man who stirred up the 4 Series design after taking the wheel back in 2017, so you should expect anything and everything.

As for the interior, we don’t have a whole lot of data to go on, but there should be a fair update happening there too. At the very least, the X7 will benefit from some new technology and should take a big leap forward in luxury and comfort compared to the current model.

The biggest question about the updated X7 is what happens under the hood. The current X7 can be had with a range of inline-six or V-8 engines. These engines should be available post-update, although this could be the last time the X7 is offered without, at the very least, some form of electrification. There is a good chance that it will be offered as a plug-in hybrid as well and, since it’s underpinned by the CLAR platform, a battery-electric X7 isn’t necessarily out of reach. It will happen with the updated 7 Series, so it only makes sense for the X7 to take the same journey.