Spy photographers from CarBuzz have captured BMW’s upcoming electric iX7 three-row SUV testing at the Nürburgring with reduced camouflage. The prototype, photographed around October 20, 2026, shows production-ready lights and more of the vehicle’s final design as it nears launch. The iX7 is the battery-electric version of BMW’s largest SUV.

The vehicle retains a traditional appearance rather than adopting BMW’s full Neue Klasse design language seen on other new models. Its grilles closely match those of the current X7, and the headlights remain split, with a thin running light above a main lamp. This differs from the wider, grille-integrated lights on Neue Klasse vehicles.

From the side, the prototype keeps a similar profile but includes updates. The roof sits higher and the doors extend lower for increased glass area. The rearmost side window has a new shape, the door handles are small units attached to the pillars, and a distinct side blade appears. At the rear, thin neon-style taillights stretch into the tailgate, though they do not match the hockey-stick design of other Neue Klasse cars.

Power details for the first iX7 remain unknown. For reference, the upcoming iX5 50 xDrive uses a 144 kWh battery and two motors producing 570 horsepower. The current i7 sedan offers a 101.7 kWh battery, 536 horsepower, and up to 362 miles of range. A more powerful version with around 700 horsepower could follow later. Reports suggest the iX7 will enter production late next year, with a possible reveal in the summer. The model is expected to carry seven passengers and offer towing capability.

(CB)