2019 BMW X7 SUV spied, with its big grille partially obscured

6 years, 9 months ago - 12. February 2018, autoblog

Almost right after we reported spy photos taken of the upcoming new BMW X5, with its facelift bringing its looks closer to the X7, that flagship SUV-to-be has also been caught winter testing near the Arctic Circle.

Covered in protective vinyl, the X7 is known to feature enormous kidney-shaped grilles, but on this test vehicle the front brightwork appears to have some padding between the kidneys and the hood shutline — perhaps to make them look a little smaller after several critics remarked, "Oh what big teeth you have." Only the middle blades of the grilles are visible here.

The camo on the three-row SUV has curlicues to disguise any notable surfacing details, but the door sheetmetal still hints at the hockey-stick-shaped creases seen on the concept. It has been reported that the X7 will be based on a stretched X5 platform BMW calls CLAR, for Cluster Architecture.

The X7 appears to be close to its final form, and it's likely to make production as a 2019 model. Powertrain options are still speculated, other than that a hybrid version will be part of the portfolio, as BMW is planning to electrify all of its model lines.