BMW i7 – A new benchmark for all-electric output and performance: BMW i7 M70 xDrive to charge into Australian market later this year.
- Most powerful all-electric BMW model set for launch in Australia
- Electric motors at front and rear axle combine to develop a storming 485kW# and up to 1100Nm of torque
- Standard sprint time achieved in just 3.7-seconds
- M-specific chassis seamlessly combines electric mobility and towering capability
- Offers up to 560km of driving range (WLTP) with 106kWh battery
- Debuts the new MAX RANGE mode
- Among first models to feature BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 8.5
- Connoisseur Lounge Package included as standard
- Available with new BMW Individual two-tone paint combination finishes
- Complimentary five-year Chargefox five-year subscription included
- Delivered with latest generation BMW Wallbox as standard
- Pricing from $344,900* with arrival in Q4 2023
BMW i7 M70 xDrive,
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.
All-electric BMW M Performance in the luxury segment
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology installed in the BMW i7 is being constantly developed in order to further improve both power output and efficiency. This applies not only to the powertrain and power electronics, but also to the high-voltage battery and charging technology.
The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is equipped with highly integrated drive units at the front and rear axles, which bring together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single, compact housing. The two motors work according to the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor.
This type of design makes it possible to completely avoid the use of rare earth metals (required for magnetic components) in the manufacture of the rotor.
Most powerful BMW electric motor ever at the heart of i7 M70 xDrive
An M-specific configuration of the drive system enables the BMW i7 M70 xDrive’s rear-axle motor in particular to achieve unprecedented 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 peak output that remains on tap up to high speeds, endowing the BMW i7 M70 xDrive with the power delivery characteristic of M models. The motor’s power density of 2.41kW/kg represents an increase of 25.5 per cent over the unit that drives the rear axle of the BMW i7 xDrive60 and means that the BMW i7 M70 xDrive is fitted with what is currently the company’s most powerful electric motor.
This new standard-setting figure can be attributed to a BMW Group-patented innovation developed under the umbrella of BMW EfficientDynamics, which uses 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 into the higher echelons of the speed range. This solution is also far superior to a drive configuration using two motors at the rear axle in terms of both power density and efficiency.
Developing maximum power with the M Sport Boost function and M Launch Control
The motor powering the rear axle generates peak output of 360kW. Its precisely coordinated interaction with the 190kW motor at the front axle creates an electric all-wheel-drive set-up generating system torque of 1015Nm in Sport mode and as much as 1100Nm when M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost function is activated.
The drive system in the BMW i7 M70 xDrive therefore offers outstanding pulling power. Capable of sprinting from zero to 100km/h in an impressive 3.7-seconds, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the fastest purely electric BMW model.
The performance characteristics of the drive system are also marked by sustained power delivery, which ensures rapid speed increases even in higher speed ranges.
With the M Launch Control function, both drive and traction control are integrated into the electronic control unit.
This ensures the power generated by the electric motors is precisely metered, allowing the drive system’s M-typical performance characteristics to be instantly converted into stunning acceleration without any loss of traction.
The M Sport Boost function is activated with the shift paddle on 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 celebrated composer Hans Zimmer provides a fitting acoustic accompaniment by switching to an exhilarating, M Performance-specific note.
The soundtrack’s character varies according to the vehicle setting selected, with a clearly perceptible acoustic distinction between My Mode Personal and Sport. In Sport Mode, the spectrum of sound is particularly dominant and powerful. The drive sound composed specifically for fully electric powered BMW M models therefore helps to provide an even more intense experience of the performance characteristics.
High level dynamic performance and long-distance capabilities
The exceptionally dynamic performance of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive is allied to excellent long-distance capabilities. Credit here goes not just to the efficiency of the highly integrated drive units, but also to 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 alongside optimised efficiency is the high-voltage battery’s impressive energy density. Located in the vehicle’s underbody, the battery provides 101.7kWh of usable energy (106kWh gross). This gives the BMW i7 M70 xDrive a driving range of up to 560 kilometres (WLTP), making it eminently suitable for everyday use. The Combined Charging Unit features advanced charging software designed for charging the high-voltage battery faster and more efficiently.
The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is capable of AC charging at up to 22kW as standard, while DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 195kW. This means the range can be extended by as much as 170 kilometres in just 10 minutes during a mid-journey stop at a high-speed charging station.
MAX RANGE operating mode: additional range at the push of a button
Driving range can be extended while on the move by activating an all-new drive system, MAX RANGE mode, which makes its debut on the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. In this mode, drive power and top speed are carefully restricted and comfort functions scaled back, allowing range to be increased by some 15 to 25 per cent.
The MAX RANGE mode was devised for situations where drivers are unable to recharge mid-journey as originally planned when, for example, the charging station they were heading for is out of service.
Switching to the My Mode Efficient and activating the MAX RANGE setting extends the range by a comfortable margin for the journey to an alternative charging point for the high-voltage battery.
To this end, the vehicle’s top speed is limited to 90km/h. At the same time, the climate control system for the cabin is deactivated and the rear window heating switches to a lower setting, while seat heating, seat ventilation and the steering wheel heating are also disabled.
A popup window appears in the control display indicating the resulting gain in range as a distance.
The information display also blanks out the section of the speed gauge beyond 90km/h and shows the extra range.
The MAX Range mode can be triggered using the control display’s touchscreen functionality, the controller or voice commands to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. It can also be deactivated by either hard in-gear acceleration, engaging the M Sport Boost function or switching windscreen ventilation to maximum.
BMW i7 Powertrain and chassis technology in an M-specific application
In addition to the drive system power, chassis technology tuned precisely to deliver M-specific performance characteristics contributes to a unique performance experience in the luxury segment.
The electric all-wheel drive, steering, dampers and driving stability systems are each underpinned by the M-specific application of all control systems, ensuring superbly judged driving characteristics in all situations.
The overall package of measures was fine-tuned during an exhaustive program of testing and produces exceptionally sporty handling for a model in this class, accompanied by high comfort over long distances. Helped by the almost silent drive system, passengers in the rear seats, in particular, can enjoy sumptuous levels of comfort. On the other hand, when the driver is exploring their sportier side, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive unveils the blend of dynamism, agility and precision with which BMW M models are synonymous and which is without parallel in the class.
The My Mode Sport activates powertrain and chassis settings that are all geared purely to dynamic performance for an exhilarating driving experience.
Standard specification for the BMW i7 M70 xDrive includes M‑specific adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and automatic self-levelling. M-specific air springs with reduced volume and an adapted rolling contour increase the number of vibrations on the front and rear axles by six in each case and provide a noticeably direct connection to the vehicle body. M-specific hydraulics are also employed 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 end of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. Integral Active Steering and the Executive Drive Pro chassis package including active roll stabilisation with Active Roll Comfort are also standard equipment. In addition to helping increase comfort, these two systems – together with the stiffer body – hone the car’s handling dynamics. This in turn aids the BMW i7 M70 xDrive in cornering with sharp and precise turn-in characteristics.
The blue M Sport brakes with M logo fitted as standard come with large brake discs for increased stopping power. Brake callipers painted in dark blue are also available as a no cost option.
The standard 21-inch M light-alloy wheels on the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive feature an exclusive, aerodynamically optimised design with a Black/Jet Black Multicolour finish.
BMW i7 Sporting presence, luxurious elegance and stylish individuality
The superior performance of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive, resulting from the most powerful drive system ever developed with BMW eDrive technology and from M-specific chassis technology, is authentically reflected in its confident design. Fronted by M-specific design features such as the M exterior mirrors with distinctive twin-stalk design, the BMW kidney grille with M badging, bespoke inlays in the rear bumper and M logos on the front side panels, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive flies the flag for a new era of all-electric mobility in the luxury segment.
At the same time, its extravagant appearance marks another milestone in the electrification of the BMW M brand.
The new top-of-the-range model of the BMW 7 Series portfolio delivers the extra sporting potency and expressive aura of a BMW M model. In combination with the luxurious elegance generated by the sedan’s proportions, this creates a stylish individuality that corresponds to the exclusive character of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive.
As with all members of the new BMW 7 Series model line-up, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive embodies the outstanding innovative power of the brand. Helping the car set new standards in the luxury segment – alongside its pioneering drive system technology and revolutionary design – is an array of innovative equipment features.
Standard equipment highlights that bring a sense of progressive luxury to the range-topping model and enhance the feeling of wellbeing over long journeys include the BMW Interaction Bar in the cockpit and the Connoisseur Lounge with optimised reclining function in the rear. The unique BMW Theatre Screen and Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with optional in-seat exciters turn the rear compartment into an exclusive ‘Gold Class’ personal cinema on wheels.
Comfort and safety are elevated another notch by advanced systems for automated driving and parking. For example, the Parking Assistant and Manoeuvre Assistant can be controlled remotely using the My BMW App. This allows customers to enter and exit tight parking spaces with significantly greater ease.
Opening and closing the doors automatically using the My BMW App and BMW Digital Key Plus
In the near future, the driver will be able to open and close the automatic doors of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive individually from outside the car and at a distance of up to six metres using the My BMW App by pressing the relevant buttons on the smartphone display.
BMW Digital Key Plus, a smartphone-based digital vehicle key, ensures that getting into and out of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is now even more convenient. Making the difference here is an extended lock and unlock function for the automatic unlocking of the doors when approaching the car and the automatic locking process when walking away. It now also includes a contact-free opening and closing function for the driver’s door.
The driver’s door opens automatically when the smartphone on which the BMW Digital Key Plus is installed is detected within a certain distance of the car.
After getting into the car, the driver can close the door again by pressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the BMW Digital Key Plus links up with the integrated collision protection functions for the automatic doors in order to stop the movement of the door if an obstacle is detected. The extended BMW Digital Key Plus is expected to be available from mid-2023 for all new BMW 7 Series models available in Australia fitted with automatic doors.
BMW i7 Distinctive front-end design signals superlative dynamism
Exclusive exterior accents and M-typical design elements ensure that the BMW i7 M70 xDrive stands apart from the other models in the 7 Series model line-up. Its distinctive aura signals the car’s dynamism and highlights at first glance the performance potential of the most powerful electric powered model in the BMW Group product range.
At the heart of the front-end design for the new flagship model is the new interpretation of the hallmark BMW twin circular headlights and kidney grille. The light functions are divided into two separate areas, with the slim strip of lights that bring together the daytime driving lights, sidelights and turn indicators positioned higher up in the front end. The BMW crystal headlights Iconic Glow – fitted as standard on Australian models – create a unique and striking light effect. The low-beam and high-beam headlights are positioned in the dark lower units chiselled deep into the front apron.
Extra touch of exclusivity: illuminated BMW kidney Iconic Glow available for the first time together with the M Performance package
The imposing presence of the front-end gains additional visual impact with the contour lighting for the BMW kidney grille. On cars specified with the M Performance package – which is available as a no cost option for Australia – a grille surround in Black high-gloss is fitted. This creates a strong styling element while contrasting with the brightly illuminated contouring of the grille detail to deliver a distinctive and unmistakable look.
An additional eye-catching feature of the performance model’s front-end design is the surfacing above the BMW kidney grille. The indented sweep running down the centre of the bonnet extends to the upper edge of the BMW kidney grille, providing an eye-catching border for the BMW roundel badge.
The BMW kidney grille – which sports an M logo, underlining the range-topping model’s dynamic character – is bordered by Black high-gloss surfaces, giving it even greater visual prominence. Large air guide elements painted in body colour protrude from the outer sections of the front apron – framing the black centre section – and steer airflow to the air curtains positioned at the extreme left- and right-hand edges of the apron.
Flanks and rear with M-specific design features
M-specific design features along the flanks and at the rear of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive clearly showcase its performance character. Eye-catching M side skirts, M logos with embellished borders on the front side panels, M High-gloss Shadowline trim and black M exterior mirrors with twin-stalk design add sporting flourishes.
A model-specific rear apron with diffuser insert completes the expressive appearance of this fully electric M Performance model. The M Performance package also features a black M rear spoiler, a black accent strip between the rear lights and an inlay – also in black – for the rear apron.
New variants of the BMW Individual two-tone paint finish
A large selection of exterior paint finishes is available for the BMW i7 M70 xDrive, including variants of striking matte-sheen frozen paint finishes. Customers can add an extra layer of visual extravagance with BMW Individual two-tone paintwork, which can now include BMW Individual special paintwork colours. Available from the launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the combination of BMW Individual Liquid Copper metallic for the lower section of the body and Sapphire Black or Oxide Grey metallic for the upper section. An exquisite, precisely drawn coach line separates the two colour zones from one another like a delicate signature.
In addition, the range of exterior colours offers customers extra scope for giving their car a bespoke look. For example, eight two-tone variants and more than 100 BMW Individual special paintwork colours allow them to find a variant that precisely matches their tastes and therefore brings a personal touch to the appearance of their BMW i7 M70 xDrive. All BMW Individual special paintwork colours are applied in a separate manufacturing process, with a higher proportion of the work carried out by hand.
Sustainably produced Frozen paint finishes based on biomass
The BMW Group is the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to use matte paints made from biomass instead of crude oil at its European plants. The Frozen paint finishes available for the BMW i7 M70 xDrive are produced using this innovative process. Renewable raw materials such as bio-waste or waste from sewage treatment plants, which can replace the organic components of paint, serve as the starting material for these “biomass balance” paints.
The biomass balance process does not involve changing the formulation of the product; instead, it is about procuring the raw materials from carefully calculated sustainable sources. In fact, these sustainable paints are chemically identical to equivalents using fossil raw materials and meet the same high quality standards that the BMW Group applies for all the materials it uses. The use of sustainable paints made with biowaste not only reduces consumption of fossil resources; it also avoids the C02 emissions associated with the production, transport and processing of crude oil.
BMW i7 Sporting aura and maximum interior individualisation
Customers wishing to customise the ambience inside the BMW i7 M70 xDrive as well as the looks of the outside can do so in a variety of ways. The i7 M70 xDrive comes as standard with M-specific equipment details that accentuate its sporting flair and enhance its concentrated sense of driving pleasure. These include illuminated M door sills, an M leather steering wheel and M-specific content on the BMW Curved Display.
A BMW Individual interior with and without exclusives in multiple colour variants is available, as well as the BMW Individual leather merino/wool-cashmere combination in Smoke White/Light Grey and a new Black/Grey offering. A Carbon Fibre M interior trim with Silver Threads, in conjunction with surfaces in Piano Black, is also offered as a no cost option.
BMW Individual Manufaktur enables bespoke, one-off creations
Individual Manufaktur is the first port of call for the ultimate in customer focus, products made to measure and a razor-sharp eye for quality. The BMW Individual Manufaktur specialists develop and produce exclusive one-off creations with design and equipment details for the exterior and interior that precisely reflect the customer’s desires. These include bespoke upholstery options, such as a bi-colour variant, embroidery on the head restraints and customised door sill plates and interior trim elements.
Individual solutions conjured with creativity, precision and masterful craftsmanship produce designs that faithfully reflect the owner’s personal style. In order to ensure that the BMW Group’s standards of quality and safety are maintained, every component from BMW Individual Manufaktur is put through the same testing procedure as standard parts.
Updated BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 8.5
The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is one of the brand’s first models to feature the updated version of the control/operation system BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 8.5. In order to make selecting and operating numerous functions and digital services even more intuitive and comfortable, the latest generation of BMW iDrive offers a newly designed home screen and QuickSelect functionality. This brings an improved menu structure that takes its cues from consumer electronics devices. By showing the right information in the right place, the new BMW iDrive helps to deliver a focused, assured driving experience.
The BMW iDrive update also enables a broader offering of digital content for information and entertainment, shorter function update cycles, better information on charging points for electric vehicles and improved access to a host of specific online services. BMW iDrive with QuickSelect also teams up with the BMW Curved Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, and so focuses squarely on operation using the touchscreen and natural language.
BMW iDrive with QuickSelect is based on BMW Operating System 8.5, which makes its debut in a series-produced model. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive therefore not only represents a new dimension in driving pleasure with an all-electric drive system, it also ushers in the latest digital display and control/operation concept and infotainment.
Functions shown on a single level and activated using rapid-access technology
The new home screen displays the navigation system’s map view or other individually configurable graphics at all times. On the same level, function icons appearing in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the user interface can be selected with a swipe of the finger. QuickSelect allows the associated functions to be accessed directly and without having to pass through a submenu. Once the relevant settings have been chosen, a quick tap on the home icon at the lower edge of the display is all it takes to return to the home screen.
The new menu structure makes activating functions and settings much faster and simpler. The on-board digital content – as with the hardware, in the form of the BMW Curved Display – is designed to enhance the driver focus for which BMW is renowned. BMW iDrive provides the right information in the right place and at the right time. To ensure intuitive operation while on the move, the graphical interface and menu structure feature a layout developed by BMW Group Design that is both consistent and characteristic of the brand.
M-specific content in the BMW Curved Display
The emotionally engaging performance experience on board the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is further enhanced by M-specific content in the BMW Curved Display. In key areas, the typography and presentation of graphics reflect those in the cockpit of high-performance models from BMW M GmbH.
The numbers in the speed read-out on the information display appear in a platinum/silver colour.
Plus, activating the M Sport Boost function triggers a typically M visual accompaniment.
The BMW iDrive with QuickSelect is underpinned by an upgraded version of BMW Operating System 8, as employed in current BMW models with the BMW Curved Display. BMW Operating System 8.5 uses the latest generation of the infotainment head unit, which takes care of graphics processing, among other aspects.
New operating system enhances established suite of systems
The services and apps already introduced in the new BMW 7 Series also work seamlessly with BMW Operating System 8.5. These include the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and other voice-controlled assistants, BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades, BMW Remote Software Upgrades, video streaming on the control display, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, My Modes and the Personal eSIM.
BMW i7 Local specification and pricing
The BMW i7 M70 xDrive will bring an extensive standard set of specification elements. Its place in the new BMW 7 Series line-up and equipment offering is detailed below:
| Model | 740i | i7 xDrive60 | i7 M70 xDrive |
| MRLP | $272,900* | $306,900* | $344,900* |
| Standard Equipment | Standard spec highlights:
|
Additional standard spec over 740i:
|
Additional standard spec over i7 xDrive60:
|
BMW i7 Paint, upholstery and alloy wheel program
The following section showcases the paint finishes, upholsteries and alloy wheels that are available on the all-new BMW i7 M70 xDrive.
Paintwork (all no cost options)
Non metallic
– Alpine White
Metallic
– M Carbon Black
– Black Sapphire
– Mineral White
– Oxide Grey
– M Brooklyn Grey
– Aventurine Red
BMW Individual Metallic
– Dravit Grey
– Tanzanite Blue
– Frozen Pure Grey
– Frozen Deep Grey
– Frozen Tanzanite Blue
BMW Individual Two-Tone Metallic including Coachline
The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is available in BMW Individual Two-Tone paintwork including Coachline in two styles as per the 740i and i7 xDrive60 introduced earlier this year. However, new for the model is the ability to specify BMW Individual Special Request Paintwork colours for the lower section.
Upholstery
All no cost options
BMW Individual Leather ‘Merino’
– Smoke White
– Amarone
– Mocha
– Black
– Tartufo
BMW Individual Leather ‘Merino’/Wool-Cashmere Combination
– Smoke White/Light Grey
– Black/Grey
Interior trims
All no cost options
– Carbon Fibre M interior trim with Silver Stitching/Piano Finish, Black
– Fine-Wood trim Oak Mirror Finish Grey-Metallic High-Gloss
– BMW Individual Fine-Wood trim Ash Flowing Grey, Open-Pored
Alloy wheels
All no cost options
– 21-inch M aerodynamic wheels 909 M Multicolour 3D polished buff (fitted as standard)
– 21-inch M Light alloy wheels Star-spoke 908 M Bicolour
– 21-inch M Aerodynamic wheels 909 M Multicolour Jet Black 3D polished buff
– 21-inch BMW Individual Aerodynamic wheels 910 Multicolour Dark Grey 3D polished buff
M Performance Package
No cost option
– M Sport Brakes in Black High-Gloss, alternatively in Dark Blue metallic
– M Rear Spoiler in Black High-Gloss
BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line with extended Contents, in Black High-Gloss:
– Radiator grille frame
– Radiator grille struts
– Rear apron trim strip
– Rear lights
BMW i7 M70 at a glance
| Power unit | Twin motor electric |
| Drive | All wheel (xDrive) |
| Max power (kW) | 485 |
| Max torque (Nm) | 1100 |
| HV battery (kWh) | 106 (101.7 usable) |
| 0-100km/h (sec) | 3.7 |
| Consumption (kWh/100km) | TBC |
| EV range (WLTP) | Up to 560km |
| Price (xLine and M Sport) | $344,900* |
#When M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost function is activated.
*Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST and LCT but excludes on-road costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing enquiries.
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