BMW M Introduces 650-hp i7 M70 xDrive Sedan

BMW’s M Performance division lifts the veil on the new i7 M70 xDrive, the company’s most powerful electric model to date.

Available in North America during second-half 2023, the performance sedan, unveiled at this year’s  Shanghai auto show, arrives with a newly developed dual-motor layout offering a combined 650 hp – some 40 hp more than the system used by the iX M60 xDrive launched in 2022.

At the heart of the latest electric-powered M Performance model is a front electric motor with 255 hp and a heavily revised rear electric motor delivering up to 483 hp. The latter is claimed to provide a new standard of power density at 3.2 hp/kg. Developments adopted on the new electric motor include a patented 6-coil design within the stator.

The two electric motors provide the i7 M70 xDrive with a combined 749 lb.-ft. (1,015 Nm) of torque, with up to 811 lb.-ft. (1,100 Nm) available for short periods of full-throttle acceleration when the BEV’s M Launch Control and M Sport Boost functions are activated.

BMW i7 M70 side view

By comparison, the dual-motor electric drivetrain used by the standard i7 xDrive60 develops 536 hp and 549 lb.-ft. (744 Nm)It also compares to the nominal 649 hp and 701 lb.-ft. (950 Nm) of the Mercedes-AMG EQS53 4Matic+, although with an AMG Dynamic Plus system, the i7 M60 xDrive's closest rival ups its reserves to 751 hp and 752 lb.-ft. (1,020 Nm).

While BMW has not yet provided a curb-weight figure for the flagship i7 model, BMW M says it will hit 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed that is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).

Energy is provided by a 101.7-kWh lithium-ion battery mounted within the sedan’s CLAR platform. Equipped with its own uniquely programmed power electronics system, it is claimed to provide the i7 M70 xDrive with a range of between 303 and 348 miles (488 and 560 km) on the WLTP test cycle, with combined consumption put at between 2.6 and 3.0 miles/kWh (4.2 and 4.8 km/kWh).

This is achieved in a new “Max Range” driving mode that limits the output of the electric drivetrain and top speed. Up to 228 kW of electric energy can be recovered during braking, according to BMW M.

The EQS53, which uses a 107.8-kWh battery, boasts WLTP range figures of between 329 and 364 miles (530 and 586 km), with consumption put between 2.6 and 2.9 miles/kWh (4.2 and 4.7 km/kWh). The i7 M70 xDrive can be charged at up to 22 kW on an AC system and 195 kW on a DC setup – the latter claimed to provide a 1-6-mile (170-km) extension of range within 10 minutes.

BMW i7 M70 rear 3.4

Underneath, the i7 M70 receives a uniquely tuned air suspension featuring continuously variable damping control, four-wheel steering, active roll stabilization and active roll comfort. It also gets upgraded brakes and uniquely designed 21-in. alloy wheels as standard.

Visually, the electric M performance sedan is distinguished from other i7 models by a new-look front bumper and a uniquely styled grille with illumination. Farther back are “double arm” exterior mirror housings and wider sills underneath the doors. At the rear, the i7 M70 xDrive receives a revised bumper featuring a new valance and diffuser element.

An optional M Performance Package adds high-gloss elements to the exterior styling. Buyers can also specify a 2-tone paint finish via BMW Individual.

For all the angst among many performance driving enthusiasts about the decline of the internal-combustion engine, BMW is doing all it can to evolve its “Ultimate Driving Machine” historic positioning to the BEV era.