We only got confirmation last month that BMW’s largest SUV, the X7, will return for a second generation, but we’ve caught it testing on the road already as it’s prepared for an expected launch in 2026.
BMW subtly announced the new model during its Q1 financial results call earlier this year, during which the company revealed it had incurred the research and development costs for the upcoming Neue Klasse line-up (which will launch later this year with the new iX3) as well as “successor models to the BMW X5 and BMW X7”.
News of a fifth-generation X5 was no surprise, as we’ve also spotted it testing with some clear design influences from the Neue Klasse concepts. As with the new X5, due in 2026, the X7, which may also arrive next year, looks like it’ll borrow styling from the Neue Klasse line-up.
What is immediately obvious from the shots of this camouflaged test car is that the X7 will retain its position as BMW’s biggest SUV. The sheer proportions will surely give it seven-seat capacity once more, ensuring it remains a close rival to the Mercedes GLS (which will soon be updated) and the full-size Range Rover.
