A few months after the launch of the i7 and the new generation of the 7 Series, BMW M is now adding the first all-electric high-performance variant of the Munich-based flagship.
The debut took place at the Shanghai Auto Show.
With its 660 HP, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive becomes the most powerful model with an all-electric propulsion system in the Group's overall portfolio, with marketing expected in the second half of 2023.
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Bmw i7 M70 xDrive
The new i7 M70 xDrive offers the perfect combination of electric mobility and performance, offering a unique experience in the luxury segment.
This top-of-the-range model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, making it the fastest electric BMW.
Producing the most power ever for an all-electric car in the Group, the i7 M70 xDrive marks another milestone for BMW M GmbH in its transformation of electric mobility, preceded as it was by the i4 M50 - BMW's best-selling model M GmbH worldwide in 2022 - and from the iX M60.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology installed in the i7 has been developed to further improve both power and efficiency, including the high-voltage battery and charging technology.
The flagship i7 M70 xDrive features integrated drive units on the front and rear axles, which combine the electric motor, power electronics and transmission in one very compact housing.
An M-specific configuration of drive system technology enables the rear axle motor to achieve unprecedented levels of power density with a 25.5 per cent increase over the unit driving the rear axle in the i7 xDrive60.
The rear engine generates a peak power of 335 kW equal to 456 hp and its coordinated interaction with the 190 kW (258 hp) front engine generates a system torque of 1,015 Nm in Sport mode and up to 1,100 Nm in M mode Launch Control or when the M Sport Boost function is activated.
This function is activated with the paddle shift to the left of the steering wheel and is displayed by a specific Performance graphic in the instrument cluster.
At the same time, Hans Zimmer's BMW IconicSounds Electric provides a fitting acoustic accompaniment by transitioning to a particularly uplifting note, specific to M Performance.
The character of the soundtrack varies depending on the selected vehicle setting, with a clearly audible distinction between My Mode Personal and Sport.
The BMW i7 M70 xDrive features an impressive high-voltage battery energy density that delivers 101.7 kWh of usable energy.
This gives a range of 488-560 km making it particularly suitable for use on long journeys.
The combined charging unit features advanced charging software that can extend range up to 170 kilometers in just ten minutes while stopped at a high-power charging station.
