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Following the launch of the BMW i4 M50 and the BMW iX M60, this is now the company’s third performance model to have an all-electric drive system. The new all-electric performance model from BMW M will make its global debut at the Auto Shanghai international motor show (18–27 April 2023) in China. It will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, together with all other model variants of the luxury sedan.
The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is equipped with integrated drive units at the front and rear axle that combine the electric motor, power electronics and transmission in a single, compact housing. The two motors work according to the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor. This type of design makes it possible to completely avoid the use of rare earth metals (required for magnetic components) in the manufacture of the rotor.
Thanks to an M-specific configuration of the drive system, the rear-axle motor of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive in particular achieves an unprecedented level of power density. The drive unit has a six-phase design with a dual inverter. This forms the basis for a substantial increase in peak output that remains on tap up to high speeds, "endowing the BMW i7 M70 xDrive with the power delivery characteristic of M models." The motor’s power density of 2.41 kW/kg represents an increase of 25.5 per cent over the unit that drives the rear axle of the BMW i7 xDrive60 and means that the BMW i7 M70 xDrive is fitted with what is currently the company’s most powerful electric motor.
2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive
The motor powering the rear axle generates peak output of 360 kW/489 hp. Its coordinated interaction with the 190 kW/258 hp motor at the front axle creates an electric all-wheel-drive set-up generating system torque of 1,015 Nm (748 lb-ft) in Sport mode and as much as 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft) when M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost function is activated. Capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the fastest purely electrically powered BMW model. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
The battery provides 101.7 kWh of usable energy. This gives the BMW i7 M70 xDrive a range of 488 – 560 kilometres (303 – 348 miles, WLTP cycle). EPA estimated driving range is 295 miles. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is capable of AC charging at up to 22 kW as standard, while DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 195 kW. This means the range can be extended by as much as 170 kilometres (106 miles, WLTP) in just ten minutes during a mid-journey stop at a high-power charging station.
The car’s range can be extended while on the move by activating a new drive system setting. The launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive marks the introduction of a MAX RANGE mode for the all-electric models in the new BMW 7 Series range. In this mode, the vehicle's power and top speed are limited to 90 km/h (56 mph) and comfort functions are reduced, increasing range by approximately 15 to 25 percent.
2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive
Standard specification for the BMW i7 M70 xDrive includes M‑specific adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and automatic self-levelling. M-specific air springs with reduced volume and an adapted rolling contour increase the number of vibrations on the front and rear axles by six in each case and provide a noticeably direct connection to the vehicle body. M-specific hydraulics are also used to optimise damper response.
Every model comes standard with an illuminated kidney grille, 21-inch Jet Black light alloy wheels with high-gloss inserts, and blue M Sport brake calipers. Buyers get the options of high-performance tires for the first time on the i7, but these come on 20-inch wheels and it isn't clear if range changes substantially with the diameter reduction. The M Performance Professional Package dresses the brake calipers in black, appends a black high-gloss grille surround, sculpted M side skirts, M logos with embellished borders on the fenders, M High-gloss Shadowline trim, black M exterior mirrors, a black M rear spoiler, black accent strip between the taillights, and a unique diffuser insert for the rear apron.
Customization options grow again, BMW saying its Individual range of finishes can be used for two-tone exteriors. The hero car above is done up in a Sapphire Black Metallic upper and BMW Individual Liquid Copper Metallic lower, separated by a black coachline.
The global launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive will start in the second half of 2023. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Source: BMW
