You Just Cannot Ignore This Electric BMW
It’s the i7 M70 xDrive, which made its world debut in China.
At the ongoing Shanghai Auto Show, BMW has taken the wraps off a performance-oriented version of the 7 Series. Dubbed i7 M70 xDrive, it’s the most powerful battery-powered BMW ever. Going by its name, it supersedes the all-electric i7 xDrive60 and the twin-turbocharged V8-powered 760i xDrive.
Powering the i7 M70 xDrive are two electric motors, one at each axle. The one at the front has a peak output of 258hp/365Nm, whereas the rear one is way punchier at 456hp/650Nm. BMW says the total system output is 660hp/1,100Nm. As a result, the battery-powered limousine can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 3.7 seconds and clock an electronically-limited top speed of 250kmph. Considering it weighs around 2.7 tonnes, those performance numbers are more than impressive.
The propulsion system gets its juices from a 101.7kWh lithium-ion battery, which supports AC and DC charging. The battery can replenish itself from zero to 100 per cent in less than 5.5 hours when the car is plugged into a 22kW AC charger. However, the quickest charging option is by finding a 195kW DC feed. Using that, the wait time from 10 to 80 per cent battery level is 34 minutes. BMW claims the i7 M70 xDrive can travel up to 560km (WLTP).
This new derivative of the 7 Series introduces an all-new Max Range mode. Once activated, the power is pegged back, and the top speed is limited to 90kmph. Some of the creature comforts are also restricted in function. According to BMW, the Max Range mode can increase the travel range by 15-25 per cent.
Since it is a 7 Series, delivering a comfortable ride is its genes. But the driver can inject some zest into the mix by enabling My Mode Sport. The standard specification includes M-specific Adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically-controlled dampers and auto self-levelling, Actuator-related wheel slip limitation tech, Active Roll Stabilisation and Active Roll Comfort. And, of course, the whole car is adorned with M badges and M-specific trim pieces. A standout touch, and for the first time part of the M Performance package, is the BMW kidney Iconic Glow grille. For the i7 M70 xDrive, BMW offers multiple dual-tone paint options and various sporty upholstery and trim finishes.
The i7 M70 xDrive will be produced at BMW Group’s plant in Dingolfing. That’s the same facility where all other variants of the 7 Series are manufactured. As for the worldwide launch, the go-fast all-electric limousine should start reaching showrooms in the latter half of 2023.
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