2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive Debuts as BMW’s Fastest EV Yet
A new high-performance addition to the BMW i7 lineup is in store for 2024. Following its world debut this week at Auto Shanghai in China, the i7 M70 xDrive will launch in global markets in the second half of 2023.
It’s not only BMW’s most powerful electric vehicle to date with 650 horsepower, but also the quickest-accelerating with 0-100 km/h sprints in just 3.7 seconds. That’s amazing considering it weighs 2,689 kg.
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Engineers mainly worked on the rear motor, increasing its power density by 25.5% over the unit that drives the rear axle of the i7 xDrive60. It generates 483 horsepower alone in the i7 M70 xDrive. Working in coordination with the 255-horsepower motor at the front axle, the resulting setup 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.
At the same time, the standard BMW IconicSounds Electric by renowned composer Hans Zimmer provides a fitting acoustic accompaniment by switching to an M Performance-specific tone.
BMW claims the i7 M70 xDrive will achieve 474 km of range based on EPA calculations. For the record, Natural Resources Canada currently rates the i7 xDrive60 at 476-512 km depending on wheel size. A new MAX RANGE mode restricts drive power and top speed and scales back comfort functions to preserve the 105.7kWh battery (101.7 kWh usable capacity).
Modifications were made to the chassis, too. Standard on the i7 M70 xDrive is an M-specific adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and automatic self-levelling. An additional shear panel between the bulkhead and spring strut towers produces a substantial increase in body rigidity at the front. The standard 21-inch M light-alloy wheels feature an exclusive, aerodynamically optimized design and are slowed down by M Sport brakes with larger discs. And for the first time on the i7, high-performance tires (on 20-inch wheels) are offered as an option.
For their part, BMW designers illuminated the contour of the double-kidney grille, slapped on M side skirts and blacked out the mirror caps. M logos and a model-specific rear bumper with diffuser insert round off the car’s more aggressive appearance.
Several paint colours reserved exclusively for BMW M models are available, and customers can add an extra layer of visual impact with BMW Individual two-tone paintwork. What you see on the pictures in a combination of Liquid Copper Metallic for the lower section of the body and Black Sapphire Metallic for the upper section.
750e xDrive PHEV Also Coming
Further expanding the 7 Series lineup, BMW simultaneously announced the new 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid as an addition to the portfolio for 2024. Production will begin this July.
The drive system brings together a six-cylinder inline engine and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque generated by the two drive units is channelled to the road via the xDrive all-wheel-drive system..
At 14.4 kWh, the lithium-ion high-voltage battery’s usable energy content is more than 50% higher than that available with the previous generation of the technology. Maximum AC charging power is 7.4 kW. Zero-emission range is not specified, however.
In Canada, the 2024 BMW 750e xDrive will start at $142,500, while the i7 M70 xDrive will retail from $185,000.