BMW is reportedly working on a new X8 M monster SUV with a hybrid powertrain producing at least 750 horsepower, but the Bavarian automaker has never built a high-performance X7 M. Enter the BMW Alpina XB7. Introduced last year, the Alpina XB7 is the next best thing to a BMW X7 and is officially endorsed by BMW.

Despite costing over $140,000, it didn't take long for the XB7 to sell out for the 2020 model year. And while it only debuted last year, Alpina is already working on a facelift for the hardcore luxury SUV to take on the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. This makes sense as BMW is also giving the regular X7 a facelift.

For the first time, our spies have spotted a prototype of the updated XB7 loaded on a transporter preparing for testing. As we saw on the X7 prototype, the new XB7 features a radically different front fascia with new split headlights. The rear taillights have also been redesigned.

Camouflage covering the front and rear also suggests the bumpers will be revised to freshen up the styling. The camouflage also can't hide some of Alpina's signature design cues, from the quad exhaust pipes to the beefier brakes.

We weren't sent any photos of the interior, but we know the refreshed X7 will get a revamped cabin featuring a curved dual-screen incorporating a digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, just like the i4 and iX.

No changes are expected under the hood, meaning the updated XB7 will be powered by the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 as the regular X7 tuned to produce 612 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, up from 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. This setup enables the potent SUV to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The facelifted BMW X7 is expected to debut next year, and the Alpina version should arrive shortly after.