2028 BMW X7 Reportedly Gains More Screens but Loses a Signature Feature

One After Another

The year 2026 has to be one of the busiest in BMW’s history. A raft of all-new and heavily updated models will spill over into 2027. This year alone, the German automaker has launched a barrage of new cars, namely the i3, the redesigned X5 and first-ever iX5, the heavily updated 7 Series and i7, the all-new 3 Series, and most recently, the iX4.

Next year, we could expect BMW to be making even more noise. From what we know so far, the facelifted 5 Series is starting production for its initial rollout soon; there will be a new electric hatchback, and let’s not forget the M3 in both combustion and electric guises. On the more practical (and larger) side, the second-generation X7 is on the way.

The Next-Gen Flagship SUV

Now that the X3 and X5 are in their newest generations, it was only a matter of time before BMW turned its attention to the X7. It’s been spied and spotted several times already, both in combustion and full-electric iX7 forms. For all we know, some of the first batches of SUVs are already being built in preparation for the launch.

Details are still relatively murky for the flagship SUV, but a recent thread on Reddit claims to have a lot of juicy details. Spotted by BMWBlog, there’s a lot to digest, and it appears it will be more of a 7 Series soon than merely a larger X5.

The Scoop

The Redditor claims to have seen the redesigned X7 unmasked in all its glory. The poster says the SUV will have a ‘conventional’ grille and a 7 Series-like split headlight arrangement. Its taillights will resemble those on the X5, and its overall dimensions will be slightly larger than the outgoing model. On top of that, it will lose the split tailgate, ending nearly 30 years of BMW SUVs with that design.

Of note, BMWBlog noted that the tailgate of the X7 test mules still featured a split design. But if the bit of news about the one-piece tailgate is true, we’ll be sad about the move. The number of SUVs with that kind of tailgate has dwindled over the years, and it does offer added practicality. As for the interior, it doesn’t surprise us that it’s said to get an X5-like cabin, particularly the dash. BMW is keen to push its Panoramic Vision layout across its range, whether we like it or not.

But the rear quarters are what’s of interest. There will be more screens at the back, claimed the post, as the X7 and iX7 will adapt the door-mounted screens to control various functions. It’s also said that the ceiling-mounted screen for on-board entertainment will be offered as an option. Little by little, the X7 is truly becoming the 7 Series of SUVs.

The Bombshell

On top of everything mentioned above, the biggest bombshell is the claim that some pre-production models are already being built. Not only that, but a couple of examples of the Alpina-badged models are also rolling down the production line over at Spartanburg. If so, BMW is transitioning the assembly plant to start building the new X7 and iX7.

Back to the Alpina version, its name isn’t final yet, but it will likely still be called the XB7. The post didn’t mention if Alpina did any exterior or interior changes for its own version of the fast X7. Alpina is now its own marque under the BMW Group’s wing, and we were promised distinction from regular models.

The second-generation X7 is slated for its world premiere in 2027, and it will be for the 2028 model year. The same could apply for the Alpina, and both will be built in Spartanburg. Of course, we’ll only know the full picture once it’s been fully revealed. Even then, it’s a big leap from the outgoing X7.