BMW's M Performance car division has lifted the veil on the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive – the company's most powerful electric model to date. Making its debut at the Shanghai motor show, the electric sedan arrives with a newly developed dual-motor drivetrain offering a combined 660hp – some 41hp more than the system used by the iX M60 xDrive launched in 2022.
- BMW i7 M70 has a new dual-motor drivetrain
- It will rival the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+
- BMW i7 M70 will have a WLTP-claimed range of up to 560km
BMW i7 M70 xDrive powertrain and performance
At the heart of the latest electric-powered M Performance model is a front electric motor with 258hp and a heavily revised rear electric motor delivering up to 490hp. The latter is claimed to provide a new standard of power density at 2.41kW per kg owing, in part, to a patented six-coil design within the stator.
All up, the two electric motors provide the i7 M70 xDrive with a combined 1,015Nm of torque, with up to 1,100Nm available for short periods of full-throttle acceleration when the M Launch Control and M Sport Boost functions are activated. In comparison, the dual motor electric drivetrain used by the standard i7 xDrive 60 develops 544hp and 744Nm.
It also compares to the nominal 658hp and 950Nm of the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+. Although, with an AMG Dynamic Plus system, the i7 M60 xDrive's closest rival ups its reserves to 761hp and 1,020Nm.
While it is yet to provide a kerb weight figure for the flagship i7 model, BMW M says it will hit 100kph from a standstill in 3.7sec and reach a top speed limited to 250kph.
BMW i7 M70 xDrive battery and range
Electric energy is provided by a 101.7kWh lithium-ion battery mounted within the new sedan’s CLAR platform. Equipped with its own uniquely programmed power electronics system, it is claimed to provide the i7 M70 xDrive with a range of between 488km and 560km on the WLTP test cycle, with combined consumption between 23.8kWh and 20.8kWh per 100km.
This is achieved in a new 'Max Range' driving mode that limits the output of the electric drivetrain and top speed. Up to 228kW of electric energy can be recovered during braking, according to BMW M.
The EQS 53, which uses a 107.8kWh battery, boasts WLTP range figures of between 529km and 586km, with consumption put between 23.9 and 21.5kW/100km.
Charging can be performed at up to 22kW on an AC system and 195kW on a DC set-up – the latter claimed to provide a 170km extension in range within 10 minutes.
Underneath, the i7 M70 xDrive receives a uniquely tuned air suspension featuring continuously variable damping control, four-wheel steering, active roll stabilisation and active roll comfort. It also gets uprated brakes and uniquely designed 21-inch alloy wheels as standard.
BMW i7 M70 xDrive exterior
Visually, the electric M performance sedan is distinguished from other i7 models by a new-look front bumper and a uniquely styled grille with illumination. Further back, there are 'double arm' exterior mirror housings and wider sills underneath the doors. At the rear, the i7 M70 xDrive receives a revised bumper featuring a new valance and diffuser element.
An optional M Performance Package adds high gloss elements to the exterior styling. Buyers can also specify a two-tone paint finish via BMW Individual.
Will the BMW i7 M70 xDrive come to India?
BMW currently sells the i7 xDrive 60 in India, which is priced at Rs 1.95 crore (ex-showroom, India), and it is likely the German carmaker will also launch the i7 M70 xDrive here.
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