New BMW i7 M70 xDrive Debuts As The Brand’s Most Powerful EV Yet

The BMW i7 flagship electric vehicle (EV) saloon range has grown following the debut of its latest high performance range-topping variant this week at the Auto Shanghai 2023 show. Dubbed the BMW i7 M70 xDrive, it now stands as the most powerful EV to bear the famed BMW crest.

This is perhaps the closest we’ll ever get to seeing an ‘M7’ of sorts, with BMW’s famed M performance division fettling the flagship luxury EV saloon to produce even more power over the base i7. Output figures now read at a whopping 650 HP and 1,100 NM (with M Launch Control or M Sport Boost activated).

650 HP and 1,100 NM outputs sees the i7 M70 xDrive despatch 0-100 KM/H in just 3.7 seconds!

Despite reportedly tipping the scale at 2,689 KG, said outputs from the tuned electric motors primed allows this performance EV saloon to despatch 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 3.7 seconds whilst enroute towards its electronically-governed 250 KM/H V-max, the former making it the quickest BMW EV yet too.

Much of the power and speed boost stems form the heightened electric powertrain, specifically the rear motor, which now stands as the most powerful BMW EV motor too. Its output figures has risen by over 50% from 308 HP to deliver a peak output of 483 HP now.

According to BMW, said rear motor features a new design hat doubles the excitation windings within the motor’s stator. As a result, the motor is able to deliver power consistently and promises not to run out of puff at high speeds, thus making it perfect for mid-acceleration bursts.

Despite its high outputs, claimed range remains equally high - between 488 KM and 560 KM (WLTP)

What’s impressive is the fact that the heightened performance does trade off much in terms of range. Using the same 101.7 kWh battery primed in the i7 xDrive60, it features its own uniquely programmed power electronics system allowing it to provide a claimed (WLTP) range of between 488 KM and 560 KM.

This is achieved via a new 'Max Range' driving mode that limits both the electric powertrain’s output and top speed. Also, thus mode deactivates things like the climate control, seat cooling and steering heater functions to further optimise power usage for more mileage. 

As for charging, there’s both a 22 kW AC plus a rapid 195 kW DC setups, the latter able to provide up to 170 KM of travel with just 10 minutes of charging, as well as 10%-80% charges in just 34 minutes. Furthermore, BMW M claims that up  to 228 kW of electric energy can be recovered during braking.

On board, luxury and tech remains at a high level as what's seen in other variants of the i7.

Over on the chassis department, BMW M also went to town by priming the i7 M70 xDrive with a uniquely tuned air suspension featuring continuously variable damping control. There’s also four-wheel-steering, active roll stabilization and active roll comfort.

Other key chassis upgrades include beefier brakes plus the adoption of unique and striking new 21-inich alloy wheels as standard.

Sportier bumper and 'double arm' mirror housings are amongst the key exterior traits of the i7 M70 xDrive.

Striking 21-inch alloy wheels design are both standard-equipped and unique to the i7 M70 xDrive.

Visually, the i70 M70 xDrive is differentiated through traits like the 'double arm' exterior mirror housings plus wider sills underneath the doors. It also gets a revised bumper featuring new valance and diffuser element.

High gloss elements comes as part of the optional M Performance package, whilst two-tone paint finishes can be specified vis BMW individual.