THE MOST POWERFUL ALL-ELECTRIC BMW ever developed will launch in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year.
The BMW i7 M70 xDrive, which will make its public debut alongside the BMW XM Label Red at Auto Shanghai this week, is equipped with an electric motor at the front and rear axle to generate a maximum system output of 485kW.
This represents a 30kW increase over the BMW iX M60 – which was previously the brand’s most powerful all-electric model – and 85kW more than the BMW i7 xDrive60.
It also sets a new high-water mark in all-electric performance thanks to its high output and M-specific configuration, achieving a zero to 100km/h time of just 3.7-seconds.
Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
Addition of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive marks another milestone for the BMW M division in its electric mobility transformation. The new powerhouse model represents the third performance offering to feature an all-electric drive system following the BMW i4 M50 – which was BMW M GmbH’s best-selling model worldwide in 2022 – and the BMW iX M60.
The success of electric propulsion among BMW M brand enthusiasts, the consistent expansion of the product offering and the repeated increases in drive system output highlight the abundant potential of electric technology to deliver compelling performance and driver engagement.
The BMW i7 M70 xDrive will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, together with all other model variants of the 7 Series flagship luxury sedan.
As well as being the lead production facility for luxury models, BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Lower Bavaria is also home to the competence centre for electric drive system production, which manufactures both the electric motors and the high-voltage batteries for all variants of the BMW i7 on site.
Local deliveries of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive will commence in Q4 this year.
Pricing for the new i7 tends to fall into the “if you have to ask…” category:
| Model | 740i | i7 xDrive60 | i7 M70 xDrive |
| (plus on road costs) | $272,900 | $306,900 | $344,900 |