The new BMW X7 Facelift debuted in New York City today, so we’re going to give you an exclusive first look at the BMW X7 Facelift and its new design. It was the BMW X7 M60i that debuted in the X7 family in NYC, a bold statement from the Bavarian automaker. Not only is this the first M60i model to hit the market, but it’s also the boldest and most powerful X7 ever made.
The first BMW M60i model
Rumors of a possible new V8 engine have been circulating for years but today only the official debut of the “S68” is happening. Instead of premiering next week on the 7 Series G70, BMW has chosen the X7 Facelift to lead the way. It will not be installed in the full-fat M version of the luxury SUV, but will be replaced by a new X7 M60i instead of the M50i.
S68 V8 engine
An evolution that adopts twin-turbo 4.4-liter light-hybrid technology. The small electric motor is integrated into an eight-speed steptronic sport gearbox and brings the best of both worlds. It not only enhances efficiency, it also adds some performance. The X7 M60i has 523 hp (390 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) at 1,800 rpm. The electric motor delivers an additional 12 hp (9 kW) and 147 lb-ft (200 Nm).
The 2023 BMW X7 M60i takes 4.7 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km / h) from a stagnant speed. Alternatively, if you prefer a 0 to 60 mph (96 km / h) rating, it takes 4.5 seconds. The BMW X7 M60i will reach 155 miles per hour (250 km / h) electronically.
New design
Split headlights are big news. Like its upcoming 7 Series and XM cousins, the BMW X7 LCI will achieve a new split headlight design that is completely different from any other headlight design in the brand’s history. This is a bold new design aspect for a car that is already polarizing
The headlights are now split in two, one at the top and one at the bottom. The upper half offers a modern, slimmer tech signature dual-hello BMW headlight design, with two slim, reverse-down hockey stick LEDs. On the back, the BMW X7 LCI’s taillights are almost identical to the pre-LCI taillights, except for those that are a little deeper and darker in color.
Great upgrade inside
Inside, the BMW X7 Facelift is mostly the same as before, with only a few minor, but meaningful updates. It has got some new technology and some interesting features that keep it fresh for 2022. The main update you’ll notice is the huge new iDrive 8 screen, borrowed directly from the BMW iX. Not only is it the same screen, it has been applied similarly with a floating design, so it now hangs over a wide section of wood trim on the dashboard.
With the iDrive 8 screen, the BMW X7 LCI now gets the same new digital dial as the iX, which combines with the iDrive 8 to create a larger screen. The digital dials on the iX, and now the X7 LCI, are a significant improvement over most other BMW’s current set, including better visibility and improved customization.
More subtle updates include the dashboard’s passenger-side light bar, which reads “X7”, and the iX-style shift toggle, which replaces the old shift lever.
The base MSRP for the 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i is $ 77,850 + $ 995 destination; X7 M60i $ 103,100 + $ 995 destination. The US launch will begin on the 3rd of 2022.
[Photos: @enes_kucevic_photography]