M electric

The worldwide market launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive will start in the second half of 2023.

Rounding out the 7 series offering, the new 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid will be added to the portfolio as a 2024 model-year and will begin production in July of 2023.

The most powerful electric motor from BMW

An M-specific configuration of the drive system technology enables the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive’s rear-axle motor to achieve new levels of power density.

The drive unit has a six-phase design with a dual inverter. This forms the basis for a substantial increase in output that remains consistent as speed builds, 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% over the unit that drives the rear axle of the BMW i7 xDrive60, resulting in what is currently the company’s most powerful electric motor. This new benchmark figure can be attributed to using six excitation windings in the motor’s stator instead of the customary three.

The resulting double excitation compared with conventional units allows the electric motor to generate an extremely high output, despite its exceptionally light and compact design, and to maintain it continuously at higher vehicle speeds.

Developing maximum power with the M Sport Boost function and M Launch Control

The motor powering the rear axle produces a peak output of 483 hp. Working in coordination with the 255 hp motor at the front axle, the resulting all-wheel-drive set-up generates a maximum system torque output of 748 lb-ft in Sport mode and as much as 811 lb-ft when M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost function is activated.

The drive system, therefore, offers outstanding thrust, capable of launching the i7 M70 xDrive from 0 to 100 km/h in an estimated 3.7 seconds on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. With the M Launch Control function, both drive and traction control are integrated into the motor control unit.

This ensures the power generated by the electric motors is instantly converted into stunning acceleration without any loss of traction. The M Sport Boost function is activated with the shift paddle to the left of the steering wheel and is visualised by Performance-specific graphics in the instrument cluster.

At the same time, the standard BMW IconicSounds Electric by Hans Zimmer provides a fitting acoustic accompaniment by switching to an exhilarating, M Performance-specific tone.

The soundtrack’s character varies according to the vehicle setting selected, with distinctly different sounds in My Mode Personal and Sport.

Extremely dynamic performance, excellent long-distance capabilities

The highly dynamic performance of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is complimented by excellent long-distance capabilities.

Credit here goes not just to the efficiency of the highly integrated drive units, but also a wealth of measures for reducing power consumption.

These include adaptive recuperation of braking energy and the heat pump technology used in the integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and powertrain. Another factor contributing to optimized efficiency is the high-voltage battery’s impressive energy density. Located in the vehicle’s underbody, the battery provides 101.7 kWh of usable energy.

This gives the BMW i7 M70 xDrive a preliminary estimated range of up to 474 km (estimated range of up to 474 km according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards), making it eminently suitable for everyday use.

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is capable of AC charging at up to 9.6 kW, while DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 195 kW.

MAX RANGE operating mode

The i7 M70 xDrive’s range can be moderated by activating a new drive system function; MAX RANGE. In this mode, drive power and top speed are carefully restricted and comfort functions scaled back, conserving battery power.

The MAX RANGE mode is primarily for critical situations where drivers are unable to recharge mid-journey where they had originally planned and must continue to an alternative charging point. To make the most of the available energy, the vehicle’s top speed is limited to 90 km/h, the climate control system is deactivated as are seat heating, seat ventilation, and steering wheel heating.

A popup window appears in the control display indicating the recalculated range. The speed and power output gauges in the information display are also modified accordingly and the new energy conservation profile is taken into account in the range forecast.

The MAX Range mode can be selected using the control display’s touchscreen functionality, the iDrive Controller, or voice commands to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. It can also be deactivated by full-throttle acceleration (kickdown), engaging the M Sport Boost function, or switching the window defrost to maximum.

Powertrain and chassis technology in an M-specific application

In addition to the extraordinary power of the drive system, chassis technology tuned precisely to deliver taut, confidence-inspiring handling contributes to a unique performance experience in the luxury segment.

The electric all-wheel drive, steering, dampers, and stability systems were all fine-tuned with the goal of producing exceptionally sporty handling for a model in this class without sacrificing high comfort over long distances. Helped by the almost silent drive system, passengers in the rear seats in particular enjoy sumptuous levels of comfort.

On the other hand, when the road begins to twist and turn, the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive displays the blend of power, agility, and precision with which BMW M models are synonymous.

The My Mode Sport activates powertrain and chassis settings geared to dynamic performance for an exhilarating driving experience. Standard on the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is an M-specific adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and automatic self-levelling.

M-specific air springs with reduced-volume 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 of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. Also present are Integral Active 4-Wheel Steering and Active Roll Stabilization.

As well as helping to increase comfort, these two systems – together with the stiffer body – hone the vehicle’s handling dynamics. The blue M Sport brakes with M logo fitted as standard come with large brake discs for increased stopping power. Brake callipers painted in black are available as part of the optional Dark Optics Package.

The standard 21-inch M light-alloy wheels on the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive feature an exclusive, aerodynamically optimised design with a Jet Black burnished finish and matte black metal inserts. And for the first time on the i7, high-performance tires (on 20-inch wheels) are offered as an option.

Sporting presence, luxurious elegance, stylish individuality

The superior performance of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is reflected in its confident design. The imposing presence of the front gains additional visual impact with the contour lighting for the BMW kidney grille.

On vehicles specified with the optional Dark Optics Package, the illuminated grille is fitted with a surround in high-gloss black for the first time.

M-specific design features along the flanks and at the rear of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive distinguish the performance variant of the i7. Sculpted M side skirts, M logos with embellished borders on the front side panels, black window surround, and black M exterior mirrors with the traditional twin-stalk design add sporting flourishes.

A model-specific rear apron with diffuser insert rounds off the vehicle´s expressive appearance. Vehicles specified with the optional Dark Optics Package feature a black M rear spoiler, a black accent strip between the rear lights, and an inlay – also in black – for the rear apron.

More about the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive and 750e xDrive models available online.

bmw.com/en-au