2022 BMW X7 refresh includes split headlight design for the first time

• Worldwide launch in August
• Option of 23-inch wheels
• Mild hybrid standard across the range

The BMW X7 SUV is to receive a refresh this summer with new styling and updates to both its technology and engines.

The X7 arrived in 2018 as a rival for the Mercedes GLS and Range Rover. Its bold design attracted buyers looking for a larger vehicle in BMW’s range that could rival the luxury found in the flagship 7 Series. Since then it has become the most successful BMW in the luxury class.

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The flagship SUV will retain the current seven-seat design, with three passenger seats in the second row with an additional two behind. Optional individual seats can be selected for the second row if comfort is more important than capacity. 

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To maximise luxury, standard equipment now includes four-zone automatic climate control, panoramic roof and front comfort seats. Both front seats are heated as standard; all rear seats can be heated as an option. A vast array of options will be available on the X7, such as seat ventilation and massage function, a surround sound system and heated steering wheel and armrest.

Ambient lighting for the front kidney grilles will be an optional feature on all but the top-of-the-range X7, which has it as standard. These will sit between headlights that BMW has split vertically, a first for the brand. The new design has the high and low beams mounted in the lower portion and the indicators and LED running lights in the upper section. 

The changes to the upper area are matched with refreshed styling to the lower section – a new lower grille design is flanked by sharper creases directing the air around the vehicle.

Another first for BMW with the refreshed X7 will be the ability to specify 23-inch wheels. These can be optioned as an upgrade to the 21-inch wheels offered with the restyled M Sport package. 

The X7 will get the latest BMW iDrive operating system, which has been optimised for use via touchscreen, gesture control and voice activation. It sits prominently at the top of the dashboard with a new curved design. Other features include the option for a cloud-based navigation system and optional digital key with smartphone integration. 

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Assisted driving has been given an expanded range of abilities to include options for extended reverse parking without driver input and trailer assistance.

The flagship X7, the M60i xDrive, gets a 4.4-litre V8 with 530bhp. Also on offer is a new six-cylinder petrol engine that will make its debut in the X7 xDrive 40i. An upgraded six-cylinder diesel engine will also be available, with lower emissions and improved fuel economy over the outgoing model. All three engines feature a mild-hybrid system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Read our reviews of the BMW X7's rivals, the Mercedes GLS and Range Rover.