BMW reveals i7 M70 xDrive
The iX M60 SUV has lost its mantle as BMW’s most powerful fully-electric model, following the announcement of the i7 M70 xDrive, which brings M power to the premium 7 Series electric sedan and is the third EV from BMW’s M Division, following the i4 M50 and iX M60.
Unveiled at Auto Shanghai in April, the i7 M70 xDrive’s peak power output of 485kW from its front and rear electric motors is 30kW more than the iX M60 and 85kW more than the i7 xDrive 60; the previous range-topping 7 Series in terms of power - and price.
The extra power comes from what BMW calls an M-specific calibration of the drive system, particularly the motor on the rear axle, which now features a six-phase design (instead of three) and a dual inverter. Power density of 2.41kW/kg represents a 25.5 per cent increase on what the i7 xDrive60 offers, with BMW adding that this single rear motor design is superior in terms of power density and efficiency than dual motors.
The peak output of 485kW is achieved when M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost Function is activated. Otherwise, 450kW is the maximum, split across 360kW from the rear motor and 190kW from the front. Similarly, the standard maximum torque of 1015Nm rises to 1100Nm when the M launch and boost functions are in use.
The i7 M70 xDrive has a listed 0-100km/h acceleration of 3.7 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 250km/h.
Improvements to the i7 M70 xDrive’s electric drive system have been matched to greater energy density from the high-voltage battery, resulting in a claimed maximum range of up to 560km, while the integral Combined Charging Unit allows AC charging of up to 22kW on AC and 195kW on DC, which translates to 170km of additional range in just 10 minutes from a high-speed charging station.
Range can be extended by 15 to 25 per cent with the i7’s My Mode ‘Efficient’ driving mode and by activating a MAX RANGE setting. Making its debut on the M70 xDrive, this works by reducing top speed and limiting a range of non-essential in-car functions that drain battery power.
Along with the electric drivetrain, M-specific attributes have been applied to the chassis, too, including the active all-wheel steering, suspension and driver stability systems. Air suspension and electronically-controlled, self-levelling dampers feature at each end, with firmer settings in the i7 M70 xDrive to reduce vibration and body roll, aided by an additional shear panel between the firewall and front strut towers to stiffen the body.
Brake discs are upsized and blue M Sport calipers are fitted, while 21-inch ‘909’ M light alloy wheels are standard, with an aerodynamically-optimised design that’s unique to the i7 M70 xDrive.
When My Mode ‘Sport’ mode is selected, all these M-spec chassis and powertrain settings are geared to optimize dynamic performance and deliver what BMW calls an exhilarating driving experience.
Externally, the i7 M70 xDrive is identified by M-specific styling features, including new treatments of the rear bumper and diffuser, exterior mirrors, side badges, headlights and signature BMW kidney grille. On Australian-delivered units, the headlight and grille come with Iconic Glow lighting effects, with a high-gloss black finish added when the no-cost option M Performance package is selected.
The side skirts and high-gloss Shadowline trim are M-specific, too, while two-tone paint is available through BMW individual. The i7 M70 xDrive will launch with eight two-tone options, one of which is the Liquid Copper metallic and Sapphire Black shown here, with more than 100 single-tone colours available in the BMW Individual palette. Additionally, three ‘Frozen’ paint options are available, using renewable raw materials (biomass, instead of crude oil).
Inside, standard features include reclining rear seats with massage function and a ‘BMW Theatre Screen’ with Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound as part of the Connoisseur Lounge Package. The result is what BMW says is a Gold Class cinema experience on wheels.
Like the exterior, the i7 M70 xDrive interior comes with M-specific equipment as standard and can be personalised in a variety of ways.
Front and rear seats are trimmed in leather, with five different shades available, with leather and wool-cashmere upholstery (including a new Black/Grey finish) optional through BMW individual.
A Carbon Fibre M interior trim with silver threads, combined with Piano Black surfaces, is also available, as are Ash and Oak interior timber trim packages.
On the tech front, the i7 M70 xDrive gains an updated version of the iDrive with Quick Select includes a new design for the home screen and improved menu structure for the Quick Select functionality. Digital content offerings through iDrive have been broadened, with update cycles shortened. There’s also improved access to EV-specific online services and more information on charging points.
Quick Select is now based on BMW Operating System 8.5, which makes its debut in the i7 M70 xDrive and uses the BMW Curved Display and BMW Intelligent Assistant that allow operation purely by touchscreen or voice commands.
The result of all these additions and improvements, says BMW, is a more focused, assured driving experience.
Automated driving and parking functionality is standard, while the ability to remotely open and close the doors from up to six metres away will be available in the near future using the BMW App. Additionally, BMW Digital Key Plus is a smartphone-based proximity security feature that automatically locks and unlocks the doors, with a contact-free driver’s door opening feature, while doors can be closed by pressing the brake pedal. BMW says additional functionality will be coming with this feature.
Australian pricing for the i7 M70 xDrive starts at $344,900, which is a $38,000 premium over the i7 xDrive60 and $72,000 more than the 740i (all pricing excludes LCT and GST). The list price includes a BMW Wallbox charging unit and complimentary five-year subscription to Chargefox.
Arrival is expected in Q4, 2023.
