The BMW i7 M70 xDrive.

Producing the highest output ever for an all-electric car from the
BMW Group, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive marks another milestone for BMW M
GmbH in its electric mobility transformation. Following the launch of
the BMW i4 M50 – BMW M GmbH’s best-selling model worldwide in 2022 –
and the BMW iX M60, this is now the company’s third performance model
to have an all-electric drive system. 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
clearly highlight the huge potential of electric tech to deliver
performance that captures the imagination.

The new all-electric performance model from BMW M will make its
global debut at the Auto Shanghai international motor show (18–27
April 2023) in China. It will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing,
together with all other model variants of the luxury sedan. As well as
being the lead plant for luxury models, the production facility 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. The
worldwide launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive will start in the second
half of 2023.

* when M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost function is activated.

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, very 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.

The most powerful BMW electric motor.

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 very 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 2.41 kW/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 360 kW/489
hp. Its precisely coordinated interaction with the 190 kW/258 hp motor
at the front axle creates an electric all-wheel-drive set-up
generating system torque of 1,015 Nm (748 lb-ft) in Sport mode and as
much as 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft) 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
0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in an impressive 3.7 seconds, the BMW i7 M70
xDrive is the fastest purely electrically powered BMW model. Top speed
is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The performance
characteristics of the drive system are also characterised 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 engine control unit. This ensures the power
generated by the electric motors is metered extremely precisely,
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 Hans Zimmer provides a fitting acoustic
accompaniment by switching to a particularly exhilarating, M
Performance-specific note.

The soundtrack’s character varies according to the vehicle setting
selected, with a clearly perceptible acoustic distinction between the
My Mode Personal and Sport. In Sport Mode, the spectrum of sound is
particularly dominant and powerful. The drive sound composed
specifically for fully electrically powered BMW M models therefore
helps to give an even more intense experience of the performance characteristics.

Extremely dynamic performance, excellent long-distance capabilities.

The extremely 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 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. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive posts a combined electric power
consumption of 23.8 – 20.8 kWh per 100 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle.

Another factor alongside this optimised 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 range of 488 – 560 kilometres
(303 – 348 miles, WLTP cycle), making it eminently suitable for
everyday use. The Combined Charging Unit features exceptionally
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 22 kW as standard, while DC power can be taken
on board at a rate of up to 195 kW. This means the range can be
extended by as much as 170 kilometres (106 miles, WLTP) in just ten
minutes during a mid-journey stop at a high-power charging station.

MAX RANGE operating mode: extra range at the push of a button.

The car’s range can be extended while on the move by activating a new
drive system setting. The launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive marks the
introduction of a MAX RANGE mode for the all-electric models in the
new BMW 7 Series range. 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 mainly devised for situations where drivers
are unable to recharge mid-journey as originally planned because, 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 90 km/h (56 mph). 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 all
disabled too in MAX RANGE mode. 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 90 km/h (56 mph) 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 hard
in-gear acceleration (kickdown), engaging the M Sport Boost function
or switching windscreen ventilation to maximum.

Powertrain and chassis technology in an M-specific application.

In addition to the extreme power of the drive system, 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, the steering, the dampers and the
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 programme 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 this 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 used 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. Also to be found on the standard
equipment list are Integral Active Steering and the Executive Drive
Pro chassis package including active roll stabilisation with Active
Roll Comfort. As well as helping to increase comfort, these two
systems – together with the stiffer body – hone the car’s handling
dynamics. This translates into an appetite for corners, which are
taken 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 black are available as part of the optional M Performance
package. This is also the first time that sport tyres have been
offered as an option for a purely electrically powered BMW 7 Series
model. The standard 21-inch M light-alloy wheels on the new BMW i7 M70
xDrive feature an exclusive, aerodynamically optimised design with a
Jet Black solid finish and high-gloss metal inserts.

Sporting presence, luxurious elegance, stylish individuality.

The superior performance of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive, which results 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 like 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 brings extra
sporting potency and the expressive aura of a BMW M model to the
captivating visual presence of the latest model generation. 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.

Like 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. Among the
highlights also bringing a sense of progressive luxury to the
range-topping model and enhancing the feeling of wellbeing over long
journeys are the BMW Interaction Bar in the cockpit and the Executive
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
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 now also 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.

Since March 2023 it has been possible in some countries to open and
close the optional automatic doors of the new BMW 7 Series
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. The 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 comfortable. Making the difference
here is an extended lock/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 dooropens automatically when the smartphone on which the
BMW Digital Key Plus is installed comes 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 summer 2023 for all new BMW 7 Series cars fitted
with automatic doors.

Distinctive front-end design signals superlative dynamism.

Exclusive accents and M-typical design elements reflecting the
technical requirements of a car when driven with sporting commitment
ensure that the BMW i7 M70 xDrive stands apart from the other models
in the 7 Series model line-up with its exterior looks. Its distinctive
aura signals the cars dynamism and highlights at first glance the
performance potential of the most powerful electrically 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. The extremely slim strip of lights set higher up in the front
end brings together the daytime driving lights, sidelights and turn
indicators. Available as an option, the BMW crystal headlights Iconic
Glow create a unique light effect. The low-beam and high-beam
headlights are positioned in the dark lower units chiselled deep into
the front apron.

An 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 optional M Performance package, it combines with a grille
surround in Black high-gloss for the first time on the
BMW i7 M70 xDrive. This creates an unmistakable light signature, and
the front end of the car is additionally showcased to impressive
effect by the richly contrasting visual interplay between the brightly
illuminated contouring and the dark shimmer of the grille surround.

Another 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 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 jut out from the outer
sections of the front apron, framing the black centre section, and
steer the onrushing air 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 the performance character of the
top-of-the-range model variant. 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 rounds off the
expressive appearance of this fully electric M Performance model. Cars
specified with the optional M Performance package feature 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 shades is available for the BMW
i7 M70 xDrive, including variants of striking matt-sheen Frozen paint
finishes. Owners 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 Saphire Black 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 well over 100 BMW Individual special paintwork colours
allow them to find a variant that precisely matches their tastes and
therefore brings a very 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
matt 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,
but also avoids the CO2 emissions associated with the
production, transport and processing of crude oil.

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, M Merino leather trim in Black/Atlas Grey, an M leather
steering wheel, M-specific content on the BMW Curved Display and an M
driver’s footrest.

Among the items on the options list are the BMW Individual interior
with and without exclusives in a total of nine color variants as well
as the BMW Individual leather merino/wool-cashmere combination with
exclusive features in two variants, which is also offered in
Black/Dark Grey. As an option for the i7 M70 xDrive a Carbon Fibre M
interior trim with Silver Threads, in conjunction with surfaces in
Piano Black is offered.

BMW Individual Manufaktur produces bespoke one-off creations.

For the ultimate in customer focus, products made to measure and a
razor-sharp eye for quality, BMW Individual Manufaktur should be your
first port of call. 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, e.g. in
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 OperatingSystem 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 is making 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 are shown on a single level and can be activated
using rapid-access tech.

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. And 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 – just like 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 things.

BMW Maps with new charging-optimised route guidance.

Other highlights of the new BMW iDrive include the extended
functionality of the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps. It now
offers not only Augmented View on the information display behind the
steering wheel, but also improved functions for even more precise
charging-optimised route planning. This helps to make long journeys in
the BMW i7 M70 xDrive particularly comfortable, efficient and swift.

Added to which, the services and apps already introduced in the new
BMW 7 Series are also available with BMW Operating System 8.5. For
example, 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 can also be used in the BMW i7 M70 xDrive.