It doesn’t feel like all that long ago when BMW launched its largest SUV, the X7. Today the Bavarian company pulled the wraps off the facelifted BMW X7. As a result of the changes, BMW’s designers have made the gargantuan SUV even more noticeable. 

Good, or bad news, depending on how you feel about these things, other BMWs will soon have the same stylistic treatment. The facelifted BMW X7 is due to reach South Africa during the fourth quarter of 2022.

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New face

The most obvious change on the facelifted BMW X7 takes place up front. There are new matrix LED headlights with a split design. The daytime running lights and indicators are placed above the standard adaptive matrix LED headlights. There is also a new illuminated kidney grille, which is standard on the M60i xDrive. 

The rear features 3D sculpted taillamps that are linked by a chrome trim piece which runs along the tailgate. The taillamps are not dissimilar those found on the X5 (read our X5 M50d driving review here). Owners can opt for an M Sport package if they want a sportier appearance for their facelifted BMW X7.

New engines

The facelifted BMW X7 range boasts a range of new engines. A M60i xDrive replaces the previous range-leading X7 M50i. It has a newer version of the company’s 4,4-litre V8 turbopetrol. Power and torque outputs remain unchanged at 390 kW and 750 N.m. There is also a six-cylinder inline turbodiesel engine in the new BMW X7 xDrive40d. It has a maximum output of 259 kW with 700 N.m, which can be increased to as much as 720 N.m.

Both engines feature 48V mild hybrid technology. The system consists of a crankshaft-mounted starter generator integrated into the transmission. It can contribute an extra 9 kW of power and an extra 20 N.m of torque on demand. Both engines are mated with eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Watch our BMW M4 Competition video review.

New inside

BMW has upgraded the interior of the facelifted model. There is a new look facia with skinny air vents. BMW has also installed the same curved display into the X7 as seen in the iX. The newer system has BMW’s latest, Operating System. 

The curved display consists of a 12,3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14,9-inch central infotainment system. BMW has deleted many buttons from the cabin to create a more minimalist look. All functionality that used to be controlled by these buttons now lie within the infotainment system. Among these are climate controls and even the seat heaters.

Standard items in the facelifted BMW X7 include a Harman Kardon sound system, four-zone climate control, panoramic glass roof and wireless phone charging. Of course, there are plenty of options to help personalise your X7 even further.