2024 BMW G70 i7 M70 xDrive announced
Producing the highest output ever for an all-electric car from BMW, the new i7 M70 xDrive marks another milestone for BMW M in its electric mobility transformation. Following the launch of the i4 M50 – BMW M GmbH’s best-selling model worldwide in 2022 – and the 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 be launched worldwide in the second half of 2023.
The i7 M70 xDrive is equipped with what is currently the company’s most powerful electric motor. The motor powering the rear axle generates a peak output of 489hp, and it’s joined by a 258hp motor on the front axle, creating an electric all-wheel-drive setup generating 748lb ft in Sport mode and as much as 811lb ft when M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost function is activated. Capable of sprinting from 0 to 62 mph in an impressive 3.7 seconds, the i7 M70 xDrive is the fastest purely electrically-powered BMW model. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
Adaptive recuperation of braking energy and the heat pump technology used in the integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and powertrain help to improve range. Another factor alongside this optimised efficiency is the high-voltage battery’s G70 i7 M70 xDrive announced impressive energy density. It gives the i7 M70 xDrive a range of 303- 348 miles (WLTP cycle), making it eminently suitable for everyday use. The Combined Charging Unit features exceptionally advanced charging software designed for charging the high-voltage battery faster and more efficiently. It allows the range to be extended by as much as 106 miles in just 10 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 i7 M70 xDrive marks the introduction of a MAX RANGE mode for the all-electric models in the new 7 Series range. In this mode, drive power and top speed are carefully restricted and comfort functions scaled back, allowing the range to be increased by some 15-25% The electric all-wheel drive, the steering, the dampers, and the driving stability systems are each underpinned by the M-specific application of all control systems. Standard specification for the i7 M70 xDrive includes M-specific adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and automatic self-levelling. M-specific hydraulics are also used to optimise damper response. An additional shear panel between the bulkhead and spring strut towers produces a substantial increase in body rigidity at the front end. The blue M Sport brakes fitted as standard come with large brake discs for increased stopping power. Brake calipers painted in black are available as part of the optional M Performance package. The standard 21” M light-alloy wheels feature an exclusive, aerodynamically optimised design with a Jet black solid finish and high-gloss metal inserts.
On the outside, the i7 M70 xDrive gets M exterior mirrors with a distinctive twin-stalk design, a kidney grille with M badging, M side skirts, bespoke inlays in the rear bumper and M logos on the front side panels, M High-gloss Shadowline trim and a model-specific rear apron with a diffuser insert. Available from the launch of the i7 M70 xDrive is the combination of Individual Liquid Copper metallic for the lower section of the body and Sapphire black metallic for the upper section. On the inside, the i7 M70 xDrive comes with illuminated M door sills, M Merino leather trim in Black/Atlas grey, an M leather steering wheel, M-specific content on the BMW Curved Display and an M driver’s footrest.
The i7 M70 xDrive is one of the brand’s first models to feature the updated version of iDrive, which uses QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 8.5. To make selecting and operating numerous functions and digital services even more intuitive and comfortable, the latest generation of BMW iDrive offers a newly designed home screen and QuickSelect functionality.