The BMW i7 M70 xDrive – electrifying performance at its peak

Introducing the BMW i7 M70: the pinnacle of power in all-electric vehicles from BMW and a significant milestone in BMW M GmbH's electric mobility transformation. Although we have previously experienced the BMW i7 xDrive60 and the BMW M760e, the BMW i7 M70 takes performance to unprecedented heights. With a remarkable system output of 485 kW/660 hp and an M-specific chassis, this electric vehicle offers a truly unique driving experience in the luxury segment. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the fastest all-electric BMW model. With a top speed of 250 km/h, this high-performance vehicle leads the way in the new BMW 7 Series range. Discover with us the perfect combination of electric mobility and unparalleled performance.

Recently, we had the chance to fully experience the BMW i7 M70 in the beautiful landscape of Portugal. Our road trip from Lisbon to Porto and back was an incredible experience with this luxurious and comfortable electric BMW i7 M70. We didn't face any range anxiety thanks to its impressive long-distance capability. Join us now to discover the perfect blend of electric mobility and unparalleled performance.

Exterior and interior design

Our previous articles covered the new BMW 7 Series design, both exterior and interior, in great detail. So here in short: the BMW i7 features an expressive and imposing exterior design with a new interpretation of the twin circular headlights, kidney grille contour lighting and adaptive LED headlights. Inside, passengers experience luxury and spaciousness with high-end materials and comfortable seating options. Three stand-out features of the BMW i7 are its Theatre Screen in the back seat, Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and the IconicSound Electric soundscapes customised by Hans Zimmer that enhance the driving experience.

Of course compared to the i7 xDrive60, the i7 M70 features distinctive design features, wich include: M exterior mirrors, BMW kidney grille with M badging, bespoke inlays in rear bumper, and M logos on front side panels.

Performance

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive has been equipped with the company’s most powerful electric motor, using a six-phase design with dual inverters to achieve unprecedented levels of power density. The motor’s power density has increased by 25.5 percent compared to the unit that drives the rear axle of the BMW i7 xDrive60. This allows for an extremely high output and continuous performance into higher speed ranges, outweighing other drive configurations using two motors for power density and efficiency. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive drive system offers peak output of 360 kW/489 hp and 190 kW/258 hp, generating system torque of 1.015 Nm in Sport mode and up to 1.100 Nm with M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost function. With the integrated M Launch Control function and traction control, power is metered precisely with no loss of traction for an impressive acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. The M Sport Boost function is activated by the shift paddle on the left steering wheel and displayed as Performance-specific graphics in the instrument cluster alongside BMW IconicSounds Electric by Hans Zimmer which provides an acoustic accompaniment that varies according to the vehicle setting selected.

Charging and range

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive has excellent long-distance capabilities due to its efficient drive units and power consumption reduction measures. The combined electric power consumption is according to the WLTP test cycle 23.8 – 20.8 kWh per 100 kilometres. And with a high-voltage battery providing 101.7 kWh of usable energy, the BMW i7 M70 has a range of 488 to 560 kilometres (WLTP). Charging the vehicle is quick and efficient, thanks to its capability of being charged up to 195 kW. Within just under 30 minutes, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent. This means that during our trip from Porto to Lisbon, which spans a distance of 330 km, we never feared running out of range and didn't need to recharge the vehicle. As a result, our drive was incredibly relaxing and comfortable.

User experience and individualisation

The BMW i7 can be opened and closed from outside the car up to 6 metres away using the My BMW App. The BMW Digital Key Plus provides more efficient access with contact-free opening and closing for the driver's door. By pressing the brake pedal, the driver’s door can be closed after getting in the car. Collision protection functions are integrated into the automated doors to stop movement if an obstacle is detected.

With the BMW i7 M70 xDrive, it comes a large selection of exterior paint shades, including variants of striking matt-sheen Frozen paint finishes and two-tone paintwork. Customers can add a personal touch to their car's appearance with eight two-tone variants and over 100 BMW Individual special paintwork colours. The BMW Group is the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to use matt paints made from biomass instead of crude oil at its European plants. The Frozen paint finishes available for the BMW i7 M70 xDrive are produced using this innovative process.

Also inside the car, besides the standard M-specific equipment details, customers can customise the ambience and exterior of the i7 M70 xDrive in a variety of ways. Options include BMW Individual interiors with exclusives in nine color variants, the BMW Individual leather merino/wool-cashmere combination with exclusive features in two variants, and a Carbon Fibre M interior trim with Silver Threads.

A few information in terms of infotainment. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive features the updated BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 8.5, offering an improved menu structure and increased digital content. This system enables faster function updates, better information on charging points for electric vehicles, and improved access to online services. It teams up with the BMW Curved Display and Intelligent Personal Assistant to provide a focused, assured driving experience via touchscreen controls and natural language.

Summing it all up: The BMW i7 M70 offers a luxurious and enjoyable driving experience, with the feeling of being in a spacious and comfortable mobile living room. Range anxiety is not a concern, and as a co-driver, you can fully enjoy the journey and the beautiful landscape while sitting in the executive lounge. However, it's worth noting that the extensive features of the BMW i7 M70 contribute to its price tag of 181.800 Euro.

Pictures: Enes Kuceciv / BMW for ellectric