With the BMW i7 M70 xDrive, BMW M puts an all-electric performance model at the top end of the new BMW 7 Series model range. It is the most powerful model with an all-electric drive in the overall BMW Group portfolio. With an electric motor on both the front and rear axles, which together generate a maximum system output of 485 kW/660 hp*, and an M suspension, the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive offers the perfect combination of electric mobility and performance, providing a driving experience that is unique in the luxury segment. The top model of the new BMW 7 Series accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, making it the fastest all-electric BMW model. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
With this new performance record for all-electric vehicles in the BMW Group, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive also marks another milestone for BMW M GmbH on its path to transforming towards electric mobility. The luxury sedan is already the third performance model with all-electric drive. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive will premiere at the Auto Shanghai international motor show (18 to 27 April 2023) in China. The global market launch will begin in the second half of 2023.
The most powerful BMW electric motor
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology used in the BMW i7 is being advanced permanently to increase both performance and efficiency. The new BMW i7 M70 xDrive features highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles, with the electric motor, power electronics and transmission very compactly combined in a common housing.
The M specific design of the current-excited synchronous machine principle enables the electric motor of the BMW i7 M60 – especially in the case of the rear motor – to achieve a power density which is unprecedented. With a value of 2.41 kW/kg, it is currently the most powerful BMW electric motor.
This new performance record is achieved thanks to an innovation patented by the BMW Group, which uses six excitation coils in the stator of the electric motor instead of the usual three. This allows the electric machine to generate extremely high power in a light and compact design and to provide it continuously up into high speed ranges. It is clearly superior to a drive solution with two motors on the rear axle in terms of power density, but also with regard to efficiency.
Maximum power delivery with M Sport Boost and M Launch Control
The motor acting on the rear axle generates a maximum output of 360 kW/489 hp. In precisely controlled interaction with the 190 kW/258 hp electric motor on the front axle, an electric all-wheel drive system is created with a system torque of 1,015 Nm in Sport Mode and as much as 1,100 Nm when M Launch Control and the M Sport Boost function are activated. In this way the BMW i7 M70 xDrive generates outstanding pulling power.
In the M Launch Control function, both the drive torque control and the traction control are integrated into the engine control unit. This ensures that the the power generated by the electric motors is precisely controlled, so that it can be converted into thrilling performance without any loss of traction.
High long-distance capability, new MAX RANGE function
The extreme dynamic performance of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is combined with high long-distance capability. With a usable energy content of 101.7 kWh, the high-voltage battery located in the vehicle underbody enables the BMW i7 M70 xDrive to achieve a range of 488 to 560 kilometres as determined in the WLTP test cycle. By using the new MAX RANGE function, the range can be increased by around 15 to 25 percent by selectively limiting the drive power and top speed, combined with reducing comfort functions.
The Combined Charging Unit’s advanced charging software promotes efficiency and speed when charging the high-voltage storage unit as standard, with an output of up to 22 kW for alternating current and up to 195 kW for direct current. This makes it possible to top up the range by up to 170 kilometres (WLTP) within 10 minutes when stopping at a high-power charging station.
M specific suspension technology optimises dynamics and comfort
The M specific application of all control systems for the electric all-wheel drive, the steering, the shock absorbers and the driving dynamics systems creates the conditions for combining hallmark M dynamics, agility and precise response with a high level of long-distance comfort. The standard suspension technology of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive includes M specific adaptive two-axle air suspension with automatic self-levelling and electronically controlled shock absorbers whose response is optimised thanks to M specific hydraulics.
Integral Active Steering and the Executive Drive Pro suspension package including Active Roll Stabilisation with Active Roll Comfort also feature as standard equipment. The package also offers an M sports brake system and 21-inch M light alloy wheels.
Individual aura signals superior performance
Exclusive design highlights and hallmark M design features, which are oriented towards the technical requirements of a decidedly sporty driving style, set the exterior design of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive apart from the other models in the series. Its highly individual aura signals outstanding dynamic performance and reveals its power potential at first glance.
The front design reinterprets the brand-typical elements of twin circular headlights and BMW radiator grille. The impressive presence generated by the front is emphasised further by the contour line lighting for the BMW radiator grille. In conjunction with the optional M Performance Package, it is combined for the first time on the BMW i7 M70 xDrive with a radiator grille surround in high-gloss black.