The BMW I7 M70 XDrive Is BMW's Fastest Full EV
BMW’s biggest electric sedan gets even faster.
The BMW i7 definitely sits at the top of BMW’s big sedan range, serving as the all-electric component to the traditionally ICE-powered BMW 7-series. But, the brand has made the i7 even faster, with this new BMW i7 M70 Xdrive. It is now the fastest pure EV the brand manufacturers, says BMW.
Similar to the standard i7 Xdrive models, the M70 variant keeps the same twin-motor AWD setup, albeit with some revisions. BMW replaced the rear axle motor with a more powerful, power-dense motor. This six-phase design allows for strong performance at any given speed, says the manufacturer. In all, the motors have increased in capacity for a whopping 650 horsepower in total output. That’s 483 peak horsepower at the back, and 255 horsepower on the front axle. Together, the two motors can generate a staggering 811 ft-lbs of torque in launch control mode, snatching the i7 M70 and its occupants to 60 MPH in as little as 3.5 seconds.
Power isn’t just the only thing BMW has touched, either. The chassis has been M-tuned, to “ deliver taut, confidence-inspiring handling,” said BMW. The air suspension has been revised by the M-division for a more engaging drive, but not at the expense of ride comfort. Extra chassis bracing, active steering, and active roll stabilization all come together to make the i7 M70 live up to that M-level moniker.
In spirit, the BMW i7 M70 Xdrive seems like a credible threat to newcomers like the Lucid Air Grand Touring, or even the Tesla Model S. Will BMW’s known quality and longstanding reputation be what it needs to succeed over EV startups? We’ll soon see; the German-made BMW i7 M70 Xdrive will enter production in the second half of 2023.
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Kevin has been obsessed with cars ever since he could talk. He even learned to read partially by learning and reading the makes and models on the back of cars, only fueling his obsession. Today, he is an automotive journalist and member of the Automotive Press Association. He is well-versed in electrification, hybrid cars, and vehicle maintenance.
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