BMW’s quickest EV ever is this 650-hp 7 Series

BMW has revealed its 2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive, “the quickest and most powerful model in BMW’s all-electric range.” With two electric motors generating a maximum system output of 650 hp with 811 lb-ft of torque in an M-tuned chassis, the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive delivers a “captivating blend of electric mobility and performance,” the company says.

The i7 M70 will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.5 seconds, making it the quickest all-electric BMW model. Range is EPA-estimated at up to 295 miles.

The 212.2-inch BMW i7 M70 xDrive also “marks another milestone for BMW M GmbH in its transformation to electric mobility.” Following the electric, $68,700 BMW i4 M50—the best-selling BMW M model worldwide in 2022, according to the manufacturer—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 is making its global debut at the Auto Shanghai motor show in China. It will be built at the BMW Group Plant in Dingolfing, Germany, where both the electric motors and the high-voltage batteries for all variants of the BMW i7 are manufactured on site. 

The motor powering the rear axle produces 483 hp. Working in coordination with the 255-hp motor at the front axle, the resulting all-wheel-drive setup 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 electronically-limited top speed is 155 mph. With the M Launch Control function activated, 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 acceleration without any loss of traction, says BMW.

This happens in aural coordination with the standard BMW IconicSounds Electric by Hans Zimmer, which “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.

Chassis technology is tuned precisely to deliver “taut, confidence-inspiring handling, a unique performance experience in the luxury segment.” When the road begins to twist and turn, “the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive displays the blend of power, agility, and precision with which BMW M models are synonymous.” Standard on the BMW i7 M70 xDrive is an M-specific adaptive two-axle air suspension system with electronically controlled dampers and automatic self-leveling. M-specific air springs with reduced-volume hydraulics are also used to optimize damper response.

A “vast selection” of exterior paint shades is available for the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive, including variants reserved exclusively for BMW M models and matte-finish “Frozen” paint options. Owners can add visual impact with two-tone paintwork, which can now include BMW Individual special colors. The combination of BMW Individual Liquid Copper metallic for the lower section of the body and Saphire Black metallic for the upper section will be the featured combo available at the launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. An “exquisite, precisely drawn coach line” separates the two color zones like a delicate signature.

The worldwide market launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive will start in the second half of 2023. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch.