With 680 hp and up to 811 lb-ft of torque, the i7 M70 is BMW’s most powerful EV to date.
After launching its most powerful production M model — the XM Label Red — BMW moved on to Auto Shangai to reveal its most potent EV yet, the i7 M70. The German executive produces 680 hp with a peak torque of 811 lb-ft, good for a 0-60 mph time in just 3.5 seconds — not bad for a big sedan weighing close to 2.8 tons.
Sure, those numbers can’t match the Mercedes-AMG EQS’ 751 hp, nor the Tesla Model S Plaid’s 1,020 hp; but honestly, who’s complaining? In fact, BMW had already launched the M60 version of the i7 with 610 hp, which was plenty enough for most. Still, BMW seemed to think that some of its speed-oriented customers might be interested in an M70 with a bit more power — and why not, right?
To get there, BMW equipped the i7 M70 with two electric motors – one on each axle. The rear motor produces 483 hp, while the front motor pumps another 255 hp. As for torque figures, the manufacturer claims it produces 748 lb-ft in “Sport” mode and 811 lb-ft in “Launch” mode.
Interestingly, despite a much stiffer chassis, BMW claims to have managed to increase comfort inside the cabin after some fine-tuning of the AWD system, steering system, dampers, and stability controls. Not to mention it’s also fitted with bigger M brakes for extra stopping power, which is more than necessary when launching such a heavy beast at such a high speed.
Worth mentioning, the M70’s 101.7-kWh battery only provides a relatively short 295 miles range. However, a specific mode allows you to squeeze a couple of extra miles by limiting the speed to 56 mph speed limit, limiting the peak power, and turning climate controls off. Moreover, in doing so, the i7 M70 can be juiced up from 10 to 80 percent in just 34 minutes, thanks to 195-kWh DC fast charging.
That said, not much has been done visually to distinguish the i7 M70 from the lower trims. The M70 features black trims, with black side skirts and black diffusers as standard. Opt for the “M Performance Package,” and you’ll receive more black accents on the rear spoiler, tailgate trim, and other tidbits. And like the Mercedes EQS, the i7 M70 also offers a two-tone paint job.
As for the interior, things remain unchanged from the standard car, aside from the updated BMW OS 8.5 infotainment operating software with QuickSelect. But of course, the 7-series’ cabin was already pretty amazing with its eccentric styling and second-row indulgence featuring a Theater Mode. Not to forget, the doors are also automatic, exactly like in a Rolls-Royce.
Pricing is still unknown, but given it’s the most powerful electric Beamer yet, it’s most likely to be the priciest too. Remember that a base i7 M60 starts at $119,300, so it can only go up from there.
The M70 will be produced in Dingolfing, German, and production is expected to start in the second half of 2023.
Gallery: 2024 BMW i7 M70
