BMW Unveils 2024 i7 M70 xDrive, Most Powerful EV BMW Has Ever Produced
BMW wants to leave its mark in the world of electrification, and its unveiling of the 2024 i7 M70 xDrive at the Shanghai Auto Show helps it do just that. The automaker says the all-electric sedan is the most powerful electric vehicle it has produced.
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The all-wheel-drive 2024 i7 M70 xDrive is powered by a pair of electric motors and a 101.7-kilowatt-hour battery for a combined system output of 650 horsepower and 748 pounds-feet of torque when the car is placed in Sport mode. That latter figure can climb up to 811 pounds-feet when M Launch Control or M Sport Boost are selected. BMW says this allows the i7 M70 xDrive to make the sprint to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds — one second faster than the base model — and have a top speed of 155 mph. The electric sedan also comes with an adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, automatic self-leveling and M-specific air springs. M Sport brakes are standard, as are 21-inch M alloy wheels; performance tires and 20-inch wheels are available.
The i7 M70 also has a Max Range mode that restricts performance and some functions of the car to help conserve and maximize battery range; it limits the top speed to 56 mph and deactivates the climate control, seat heating and ventilation, and steering wheel heating. BMW says this mode was designed for the event that a driver is unable to find a charging station nearby. Though official numbers aren’t yet available, BMW claims that the i7 M70 xDrive can get an estimated range of 295 miles — one mile less than the 2023 i7 xDrive60 with 20-inch wheels.
The i70 M70 xDrive’s exterior gets contour lighting for the twin-kidney grilles, unique side skirts, twin-stalk mirrors, Shadowline trim and a large rear diffuser. An available M Performance Professional Package adds black exterior accents. Additionally, buyers can choose exterior colors that are reserved exclusively for the M lineup, two-tone color combinations and Frozen matte paint finishes.
The interior of the 2024 i7 M70 xDrive is mostly carried over from the standard i7, but the M70 will be one of the first BMW models to get access to BMW Operating System 8.5 with QuickSelect. The new system has a redesigned home screen that takes some inspiration from the menu screens on mobile devices and reduces the number of steps needed to access a particular function or setting. The i7 M70 xDrive also gets BMW’s Curved Display, which combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into one unified piece. In addition, the BMW Maps system now features augmented reality navigation and improved functions that help drivers optimize their route for charging stations. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Production for the 2024 i7 M70 xDrive is slated to begin later this year. BMW will release pricing information closer to launch, but look for the M70’s starting price to be a considerable premium over the base i7, which currently starts at $120,295 (including $995 destination charge).
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