(April 22, 2023) BMW M has introduced the most powerful purely electric model in the BMW portfolio — the 2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive. With two electric motors generating a maximum system output of 650 hp and an M-tuned chassis, the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive delivers a captivating blend of electric mobility and performance. The range-topping model of the new BMW 7 Series line-up will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.5 seconds, making it the quickest fully electric BMW model.

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive marks another milestone for BMW M GmbH in its transformation to electric mobility. Following the launch of the BMW i4 M50 — BMW M GmbH’s best-selling model worldwide in 2022 – and the BMW iX M60, the i7 M70 xDrive is the company’s third performance model to have an all-electric drive system.

The new i7 M70 xDrive will make its global debut at the Auto Shanghai international motor show in China and will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing – the competence center for electric drive system production where both the electric motors and the high-voltage batteries for all variants of the BMW i7 are manufactured on site. The worldwide market launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive will start in the second half of 2023.

An M-specific configuration of the drive system technology enables the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive’s rear-axle motor to achieve new 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 output that remains consistent as speed builds, endowing the BMW i7 M70 xDrive with the power delivery characteristic of M models. The motor’s power density of 2.41 kW/kg represents an increase of 25.5% over the unit that drives the rear axle of the BMW i7 xDrive60, resulting in what is currently the company’s most powerful electric motor.

This new benchmark figure can be attributed to using 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 at higher vehicle speeds.

The motor powering the rear axle produces a peak output of 483 hp. Working in coordination with the 255 hp motor at the front axle, the resulting all-wheel-drive set-up generates a maximum system torque output of 748 lb-ft in Sport mode and as much as 811 lb-ft when M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost function is activated. The drive system therefore offers outstanding thrust, capable of launching the i7 M70 xDrive from 0 to 60 mph in a shattering 3.5 seconds on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.



With the M Launch Control function, both drive and traction control are integrated into the motor control unit. This ensures the power generated by the electric motors is instantly converted into stunning acceleration without any loss of traction.

The M Sport Boost function is activated with the shift paddle to the left of the steering wheel and is visualized by Performance-specific graphics in the instrument cluster. At the same time, the standard BMW IconicSounds Electric by Hans Zimmer provides a fitting acoustic accompaniment by switching to an exhilarating, M Performance-specific tone.  The soundtrack’s character varies according to the vehicle setting selected, with distinctly different sounds in My Mode Personal and Sport.

The highly dynamic performance of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is complimented by excellent long-distance capabilities. Credit here goes not just to the efficiency of the highly integrated drive units, but also 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 contributing to optimized efficiency is the high-voltage battery’s impressive energy density. Located in the vehicle’s underbody, the battery provides 101.7 kWh of usable energy. This gives the BMW i7 M70 xDrive a preliminary estimated range of up to 295 miles (estimated range of up to 295 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards), making it eminently suitable for everyday use. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is capable of AC charging at up to 11 kW, while DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 195 kW.