BMW has revealed its most powerful electric car yet, the i7 M70 xDrive, at the Shanghai Motor Show. The luxury electric sedan from BMW’s performance division is powered by a new dual-motor powertrain that offers a combined 660 bhp, over 40 bhp more than the iX M60 xDrive. We take a closer look.
BMW i7 M70 xDrive: Exterior Design
BMW i7 M70 xDrive differs visually from the other i7 variants via a bespoke front grille that can be illuminated alongside a new front bumper. The side profile features ‘double arm’ outside rear view mirrors while the door sills appear wider. Towards the rear, it provides a redesigned bumper with a new diffuser. BMW is also offering an optional M Performance Package which adds high gloss elements to the exterior design.
BMW i7 M70 xDrive: Powertrain Details
As mentioned above, powering the i70 M70 xDrive is a dual electric motor setup. The front mounted motor makes 258 bhp while the revised rear motor now develops 490 bhp. The latter with its patented six-coil design within the stator claims to provide a new standard of power density at 2.41kW per kg. The electric motors combined produce 1015 Nm torque, which increases to 1100 Nm for a short period of time when the M Launch Control and M Sport Boost modes are activated.
The performance electric sedan uses a 101.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is equipped with a custom programmed power electronics system. BMW claims that the upcoming vehicle has a WLTP certified range of 488 kms or 560 kms when the new ‘Max Range’ mode is activated. The battery pack supports up to 22 kW AC charging and up to 195 kW DC charging. The latter can add a range of 170 kms to the EV in just 10 minutes. It also features regenerative braking, which can recover up to 228 kW of electric energy.
BMW i7 M70 xDrive: India Launch Date
BMW is expected to launch the new i7 M70 xDrive in India by the end of 2023 or early-2024. The brand already offers the i7 xDrive 60 in India, currently priced at Rs 1.95 crore (ex-showroom).
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