Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Spy photographers have once again caught several upcoming vehicles undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before they officially debut.
BMW X7 Prototype Makes it to the Nürburgring
A prototype of the BMW X7--first spotted this summer--has finally made it to Germany's most challenging racetrack, the legendary Nürburgring. Although the prototype is cloaked in camouflage, a few interesting details stand out, including the visible quad-exhaust system that all but confirms this is an M Performance model. As with all future gas versions, the not-quite-M model is dropping the "i" from its name. Look for this version to simply be called the X7 M60 xDrive.
The profile of the prototype gives the impression that we're looking at a larger vehicle than the current model, thanks to slightly bigger quarter glass, suggesting a more spacious cabin with additional rear legroom. The new X7 also adopts the small winglets on the beltline already seen on the next-gen X5, according to the images.
The daytime running lights (DRLs), which double as turn signals, are mounted low on the front fascia next to the main beams. The DRLs have a rather unusual design, with two separate, almost perpendicular bars. However, BMW might be trying to fool onlookers. These are clearly temporary headlights, and insiders suspect there might be an upper strip of lights on the bumper's top section that the camouflage obscures.
The kidney grille appears nicely proportioned, though it's certainly not small. At the rear, the taillights look basic, but that's because they're also temporary, sources said. It stands to reason that the production lights will extend onto the tailgate, which likely retains the split-opening design, judging by how the camouflage is interrupted.
BMW cleverly disguised the prototype with extra panels held by black rivets. The rear pillars are hidden under thicker cladding, suggesting the glass area aft of the rear doors is larger than it appears. Blue brake callipers and 22-in. wheels wrapped in Continental tires hint at an M Sport Package.
Since the images suggest this is an M model, there's likely a V8 under the hood. The new S68 engine already powers today's X7 M60i, so its successor will probably keep the mild-hybrid 4.4-L twin-turbo V8. It produces 523 horsepower in the current car.
New Nissan JUKE in Development
The first images have emerged of the new Nissan JUKE, the eagerly awaited B-segment SUV. The photos leave no room for doubt, as they show the new model, which not only maintains the proportions of the of the original JUKE, but also carries over some of its characteristic features.
The short hood is clearly visible, as is the design of the headlights and even part of the new light signature seen in the official previews of the new Nissan models. The grille design is a smooth surface that forms part of a large front bumper, with the actual grille exposed in the skirt. The alloy wheels are new, but with a design very similar to those of the recently launched LEAF.
The new JUKE is recognizable by the shape of the front door, and more specifically, by the design of the windows. The more sloping windscreen pillars, together with a floating roof, are another characteristic feature of the JUKE, as are the rear windows. The door handles are again mounted near the glass. Even at the rear, the new design respects the sportier style with a more sloping tailgate, and this time with taillights that are joined by a transverse light bar. A quick glance inside clearly reveals a high-tech dashboard, with a large digital screen occupying the center console.
Insiders also indicated that the new JUKE will be an all-electric vehicle and is expected to have an electric motor with two maximum power levels: 120 hp and 150 hp and maximum ranges of 180 to 248 miles, depending on the trim level. The JUKE will be unveiled sometime in early 2026, with insiders suspecting a reveal a the Brussels Motor Show in January.
