2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive consider

BMW’s flagship limousine bought its first all-electric variant on this newest interval, and it merely bought M-eaner.

The 2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive is a really highly effective, baddest electrical automobile the marque has ever produced, nonetheless the go-fast M Division nonetheless says it lives as quite a bit as a result of the core values of its effectivity autos.

Regardless of weighing in spherical 2.7 tonnes, {{the electrical}} Bimmer can sprint to 100km/h from relaxation in 3.7 seconds, and hit a chief velocity of 250km/h. It furthermore scores chassis modifications and M-specific tuning to make it journey and deal with like one issue befitting of the enduring M badge.

BMW’s new electrical flagship is due in Australia all by way of the fourth quarter of 2023. We flew out to Lisbon, Portugal, to have a steer on the worldwide media launch before it hits native showrooms later this 12 months.

How moderately quite a bit does the BMW i7 M70 xDrive worth?

Australian pricing for the 2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive begins from $344,900 before on-road prices.

That makes it about $38,000 dearer than the i7 xDrive60, and about $170,000 dearer than the ‘entry-level’ petrol-powered 740i.

The i7 M70’s most direct competitor is the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+, which is a bit more attainable at $327,075 before on-roads – and in addition to only a bit sooner to triple figures at a claimed 3.4 seconds.

Earlier that there’s little within the simplest way of equally sized electrical rivals, although some producers current limousines with hybrid energy; together with the Lexus LS 500h F Sport ($194,595), or the plug-in Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid ($298,800) and Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid (from $479,900).

BMW 7 Assortment + i7 pricing:

• BMW 740i: $272,900
• BMW i7 xDrive60: $306,900
• BMW i7 M70 xDrive: $344,900

Costs embrace GST, LCT nonetheless exclude on-road prices

What’s the BMW i7 M70 xDrive like on the within?

Much like the 7 Assortment and i7 xDrive60, nonetheless with some sportier M Effectivity accoutrements.

The cabin in BMW’s flagship limo is type of the assertion piece, mixing the corporate’s newest tech and design language with a considerably typical format.

The i7 M70 primarily will get every little issue the mannequin new 7 Assortment has to supply as commonplace, together with the candy Connoisseur Lounge rear seating and 31.3-inch rear leisure current which dramatically folds down from the roof.

Up entrance is the 12.3-inch digital instrument current and 14.9-inch Curved Administration Current, working the latest BMW Working System 8.5.

As you’d depend upon, it has every little issue: related navigation, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ radio, over-the-air (OTA) software program program program updates, and a variety of net-based suppliers. There’s a limiteless shade head-up current with quite a few views commonplace, as correctly.

The i7 fluctuate furthermore will get a thumping 1965-watt and 35-speaker Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Embody setup with 4D expertise. It primarily turns this limousine correct proper right into a rolling nightclub at excessive quantity, or a conveyable cinema when utilizing the rear Theatre Current with the Authorities Lounge seating.

I didn’t spend an excessive time period flicking by the current given most of my time spent all through the motive force’s seat was driving, nonetheless the revised dwelling present show with customisable widgets and simpler menus is an enchancment – pre-update BMW Working System 8.0 was a backwards step as in contrast with the seventh-generation iDrive, nonetheless this modification positively is a change throughout the applicable path.

There’s a slew of varied trimmings and hues obtainable, together with various of the extra vibrant examples you see represented all through the press package deal deal imagery.

I frolicked all through the blue and beige inside, which featured a mixture of BMW Express specific particular person Merino leather-based in Wool Taupe Gray and Night time Blue, with BMW Express specific particular person Ash Flowing Gray open-pore picket trim inserts all by means of.

The Caramel tan and blue inside above belonged to the Aurora Diamond Inexperienced automobile confirmed all by means of the press footage, whereas the two-tone Liquid Copper and Black Sapphire hero specification featured a extra sedate black and gray inside.

Regardless, the best means that this cabin has come collectively is nice. Assemble high quality and floor tactility is phenomenal, and undoubtedly feels befitting of an opulent flagship.

My solely exact gripes are the pared as soon as extra switchgear for the steering wheel which, as an illustration, requires you to dive by the touchscreen to set the following distance for the adaptive cruise administration.

The mannequin new M leather-based steering wheel is in another case gorgeous, wth a thick, squidgy rim with cutouts in your thumb grips at 3 and 9 o’clock. The whole multifunction switchgear – what’s left of it – operates accurately too.

Whereas the M70 xDrive is pitched on account of the driver-focused providing of the i7 fluctuate, that doesn’t counsel that the second row nonetheless isn’t the best a part of the cabin.

Commonplace Authorities Lounge seating means the kerb-side rear seat shall be reclined and prolonged to supply enterprise class-style lodging, operated by means of swish 5.5-inch touchscreens all through the doorways. It’ll furthermore push the doorway passenger seat ahead and carry a footrest in case you’re so inclined.

Activate Theatre Mode and the rear sunshades deploy and the Theatre Current drops from the ceiling, providing you with the right view of the 31.3-inch terribly widescreen with 32:9 facet ratio and 8K decision. It actually is a sight to behold.

The current can stream motion footage and divulges from Amazon Fireplace TV by means of the eSIM connection, in any other case you most likely can hook up a instrument by means of an HDMI cable to broadcast your specific particular person. There’s even a digicam to conduct digital conferences on the change. It gained’t deploy nonetheless, if the doorway seats are pushed as soon as extra with a taller driver or passenger, on account of it’s cautious of being obstructed by the doorway seat backs.

Whereas the facilities and opulent decisions all through the 7 Assortment’s second row are nice cool, I used to be anticipating a bit extra outright house, given how moderately quite a bit the mannequin new 7 Assortment has grown in dimension.

It has spherical 200mm extra wheelbase over the sooner 7 Assortment L , so I’d have anticipated a larger quantity of leg and knee room when throughout the typical seating place, although that’s to not say it was briefly current. There’s a fashion of luxurious that comes with having the ability to stretch out – with out shifting the doorway passenger seat ahead into the lounge setting.

By way of baggage performance the i7 has 500L. There’s no spare wheel, solely a tyre restore package deal deal for a similar outdated run-flats.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

The i7 M70 xDrive is powered by a dual-motor electrical drive system fed by a 101.7kWh (internet) lithium-ion battery pack.

Up entrance is a 195kW/365Nm e-motor, whereas the rear drive motor makes 360kW/650Nm. In full, the M70 xDrive has outputs of 485kW and 1100Nm. BMW says the rear motor is 25.5 per cent extra vitality dense than that of the i7 xDrive60.

It makes use of a six-phase design with a twin inverter, providing a density of two.41kW/kg. It furthermore decisions six excitation windings all through the motor’s stator in its place of three, which BMW says makes the one motor superior to utilizing two motors on the rear axle.

BMW quotes a 0-100 time of merely 3.7 seconds, and a chief velocity of 250km/h. That makes the i7 M70 xDrive the quickest electrical automobile the corporate has ever constructed.

Claimed fluctuate on the WLTP cycle is 488-560 kilometres, based mostly completely on vitality consumption figures of 20.8-23.8kWh/100km. A part of the variance is all the easiest way proper all the way down to the exact actuality you most likely can various grippier effectivity tyres on the i7 M70, which cut back driving fluctuate.

Our driving route presumably wasn’t indicative of real-world Australian utilization, given the intense ratio of spirited B-roads and high-speed highways, nonetheless our take a look at autos have been exhibiting all through the 25-27kWh/100km mark on their journey computer strategies.

All i7 fashions furthermore embody a complementary third-generation BMW Wallbox for dwelling charging, together with a five-year Chargefox subscription.

How does the BMW i7 M70 xDrive drive?

I criticised the identical outdated i7 xDrive60 for being a bit comfortable and missing character – the M70 is a particular beast.

It’s a modified automotive from behind the wheel, and extra in keeping with how I’d depend upon a flagship BMW sedan to really actually really feel on the street.

Our take a look at route took us from Lisbon to the waterside metropolis metropolis of Setúbal, by means of stunning cliffside roads showcasing Portugal’s seaside.

We drove the i7 over a mixture of freeways, highways, nation B-roads and tighter metropolis areas, and regardless of its dimension and energy it was impressively correctly rounded.

A key enchancment is the steering and dealing with, which truly actually really feel extra tied down and permit the M70 to larger disguise its heft when going arduous in corners. It strikes a stunning stability that feels far more BMW than the lighter, extra assisted truly actually really feel of the i7 xDrive60.

BMW says it has tuned the all-wheel drive system, steering, dampers and stability packages considerably for the M70.

The M-fettled i7 rides on adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically managed dampers and computerized self-levelling, with M-specific air springs tailor-made to extend the variety of vibrations on every axle to provide a “noticeably direct connection to the automobile physique”.

Rear-wheel steering and the Authorities Drive Expert chassis package deal deal deal, latter of which incorporates energetic roll stabilisation, are furthermore commonplace. All of it comes collectively to make this 2.7t and 5.4m-long govt specific deal with like a moderately quite a bit smaller automotive.

Physique roll is amazingly correctly suppressed by the energetic anti-roll system with out sacrificing consolation. The tighter steering makes for sharper turn-in truly actually really feel and enhanced steering response, and there’s moderately quite a bit grip you actually needs to be pushing the M70 correctly above what the widespread specific particular person needs to be to illicit any tyre squeal or understeer.

Acceleration is monstrous, significantly from takeoff, with that 1100Nm (in its most aggressive setting) shoving you as soon as extra in your seat and taking footage the i7 throughout the route of the horizon at speedy tempo.

It positively feels as fast as its 3.7s 0-100 declare, and to be dependable it’s so sturdy in a straight line that successive full-throttle inputs can induce the sort of movement illness that you just simply’d expertise on a rollercoaster – it’s greatest to be only a bit extra measured when carting passengers spherical.

The extent of effectivity on faucet makes squirts onto transient freeway onramps and fast overtakes gentle work, and it may be addictive pushing the i7 M70 arduous when behind the wheel (not everytime you’re a passenger).

You can also get a kick out of the Iconic Sounds by composer Hans Zimmer, which affords a variety of synthesised powertrain notes all through the cabin. It’s most likely not trying to imitate a combustion engine, and a few may uncover it gimmicky, nonetheless I hottest the tones to that of the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53.

Identical to the easiest way it handles, the i7 M70’s acceleration makes it truly actually really feel like a lighter, extra athletic automobile than its dimensions would advocate.

Whereas the M70 unlocks a mannequin new diploma of dealing with potential for the all-electric i7, it’s on the open avenue the place this automotive feels most at dwelling.

The lax velocity policing in Portugal and better 120km/h signed velocity limits gave us a chance to expertise various of the i7 M70’s bahn-storming experience, and on fantastically easy freeways the i7 proved supremely cosy and serenely insulated from the pores and pores and skin world.

Solely a faint trace of tyre roar may most likely be heard at elevated speeds, largely because of the actuality our take a look at automotive was sporting optionally on the market effectivity tyres. We think about the identical outdated decrease rolling resistance rubber could also be quieter, and attention-grabbing in case you’re spending extra time doing prolonged freeway stints.

The 255/40 Pirelli P Zero effectivity rubber wraps spherical commonplace 21-inch alloys, obtainable in 4 completely utterly completely different designs in Australian specification.

A part of driving the i7 can even be the suite of energetic assistants, which as we’ve come to depend upon from BMW all work very correctly.

Adaptive cruise administration with Steering and Lane Administration Assistant current Stage 2 autonomous driving efficiency on the freeway and is unquestionably one in every of many important intuitive and user-friendly implementations on the market within the market.

The energetic velocity prohibit help furthermore helpfully adjusted the set cruise velocity with every altering velocity prohibit signal, which in Europe appears to occur fairly often.

Embody cameras and parking sensors with Automated Manoeuvre Assistant and Reversing Assistant Knowledgeable counsel it’s not too arduous to see out of this huge bluff govt limousine, and it’ll most likely even carry out the reverse of a manoeuvre as quite a bit as 200m autonomously in case you’re too scared to do it your self.

What do you get?

740i highlights:

• M Sport package deal deal deal
  • 20-inch M gentle alloy wheels
  • Run-flat tyres
  • M entrance, rear aprons
  • M Excessive-Gloss Shadow Line
  • M Sport Brakes with darkish blue calipers
  • M Facet Sills in Excessive-Gloss Black
  • M Leather-based-based-based Steering wheel, flat-bottom design
  • M Headliner Alcantara Anthracite
• Design Pure Excellence package deal deal deal ($NCO)
• BMW Express specific particular person metallic paint
• BMW Iconic Glow illuminated grille embody
• Adaptive 2-axle air suspension
  • Auto self-levelling
  • Handbook elevating by 20mm (35km/h max)
• Integral Energetic Steering
• Adaptive LED headlights
• BMW Crystal Headlights Iconic Glow
• Excessive-Beam Assistant
• Ambient inside lighting
• Electrical folding mirrors, auto-dimming (driver)
• BMW Maintain Cockpit Knowledgeable
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument current
  • 14.9-inch Curved Administration Current
  • BMW Working System 8
  • Voice recognition
  • Map updates*
• BMW ConnectedDriveIntelligent Emergency Title
• BMW TeleServices
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Information, Native climate apps*
• BMW Clever Private Assistant*
• Distant Software program program program Substitute*
• Distant Suppliers*
• Exact Time Visitors Information*
• Inside digicam incl. anti-theft video recording
• Head-up current
• BMW Contact Command 5.5-inch reveals in rear doorways
• Wi-fi smartphone charging
• 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Embody Sound, 655W
• 6 x USB-C ports, 4 x 12V energy sockets
• Embody View Cameras
• BMW Express specific particular person Merino leather-based upholstery
• Multifunctional Seats, frontElectric adjustment incl. lumbar
• Electrical adjustment of headrests
• Reminiscence perform
• BMW CraftedClarity handmade glassBMW Controller
• Begin/cease button
• Quantity curler
• Gear selector
• Seat adjustment buttons
• Seat heating, entrance and rear
• Heated steering wheel
• Floor heatingFront centre console armrest
• Entrance, rear door armrests
• Instrument panel, decrease half
• Energetic seat air stream, entrance
• Seat therapeutic therapeutic therapeutic massage perform, entrance
• 4-zone native local weather administration
• Distant Engine Begin
• Distant native local weather pre-conditioning
• Consolation Entry
• Auto tailgate operation incl. contactless perform
• Panoramic Glass Roof Sky Lounge
• Instrument panel, larger doorways in Walknappa leather-based
• Constructive-wood inside trim
• Curler sunblinds, rear
• Delicate-close doorways

i7 xDrive60 provides:

• 21-inch M gentle alloy wheels
• Authorities Drive Expert
  • Energetic roll stabilisation
  • Energetic Roll Consolation
• BMW Iconic Sounds by Hans Zimmer
• 5-year Chargefox membership
• BMW Wallbox (excl. prepare)
• BMW Service Inclusive Important (6yr/Limitless km)
• 31.3-inch Theatre Current
  • 32:9 ultra-wide format
  • 8K decision
• 35-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Embody Sound, 1965W
• Automated Doorways
• Multifunctional Rear Seats
  • Ahead/as soon as extra adjustment
  • Seat base inclination
  • Backrest angle, larger adjustment
  • 4-way lumbar assist
  • Head restraint excessive adjustment
  • Loudspeaker in head restraint
• Authorities Lounge Rear Console
• Auxiliary heating, A/C and pre-conditioning

i7 M70 xDrive provides:

• M effectivity tuning
• Authorities Lounge Seating
• Ventilated rear seats
• Massaging rear seats
• BMW Express specific particular person Frozen metallic paint

Selections

M Effectivity Bundle: $NCO

• M Excessive Gloss Shadow Line
  • Grille embody
  • Grille struts
  • Rear spoiler
  • Accent strip
  • Rear apron inlay
• M Sport brakes
  • Darkish Blue Metallic OR
  • Excessive-gloss Black

Is the BMW i7 M70 xDrive secure?

The BMW 7 Assortment and i7 are nevertheless to be crash examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

Commonplace security decisions embrace:

• 7 airbags incl. front-centre
• Energetic Safety inc. Attentiveness Assistant
• Energetic entrance headrests
• Driving Assistant Knowledgeable
  • Adaptive cruise administration with cease/go
  • Lane change warning
  • Lane departure warning
  • Entrance, rear cross-traffic alert
  • Rear collision prevention (AEB)
  • Exit Warning
  • Steering and Lane Administration Assistant
  • Auto velocity prohibit help
  • Evasion Assistant
  • Entrance Brake Intervention (AEB)
  • Ahead collision warning
• Parking Assistant Knowledgeable
  • Parking Assistant
  • Energetic Park Distant Administration
  • Lateral Parking Help
  • Embody View cameras
  • Panorama View
  • 3D View
  • Reversing Assistant Knowledgeable (as quite a bit as 200m)
  • Object and line marking detection
  • Automated Manoeuvre Assistant
• BMW Drive Recorder
• Velocity prohibit recognition
• Velocity limiter
• Tyre stress monitor

How moderately quite a bit does the BMW i7 M70 xDrive worth to run?

BMW affords a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Additional, BMW Australia affords i7 purchasers six years of free scheduled servicing, which has an infinite distance cap.

House owners of the i7 furthermore purchase a five-year subscription to the Chargefox Quick and Terribly-Speedy DC public charger neighborhood, together with a complementary third-gen BMW Wallbox, excluding prepare.

There’s not way more it’s potential you’ll ask for, as you’ve acquired subsequent to no working or repairs prices for at least the primary 5 years of possession.

CarExpert’s Take care of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive

The M70 positively feels extra like a ‘applicable’ BMW than the identical outdated i7 xDrive60.

Whereas the softer, extra sedate character of the identical outdated i7 is correctly aligned with the 7er’s limousine selection, the M70 dials in that extra sprint of driver engagement that BMW is famend for.

The extra communicative controls and tighter physique administration strike an unimaginable stability between enjoyment and splendid, and in some methods it actually feels larger sorted than the i7 xDrive did on Australian roads – although an correct native drive could be the extra applicable comparative take a look at.

BMW’s flagship EV furthermore affords wild straight-line effectivity that not method once more was the distinctive realm of distinctive supercars, although sadly Australia’s strict velocity restrictions means you’ll definitely not precisely expertise this automobile’s full potential on public roads.

Regardless of its effectivity capabilities, it nonetheless retains a sturdy electrical fluctuate declare, which needs to be achievable in frequent driving – i.e. quite a bit a lot much less full throttle, regardless of how addictive.

Its distinctive seems and opulent cabin appointments feel and appear particular, even when the floor is a speaking stage, and the rear Authorities Lounge and Theatre Current are superior occasion methods that counsel you most likely can benefit from driving or being pushed.

Pragmatic prospects couldn’t see the attraction correct proper right here – at this finish of the market selections are made based mostly completely on picture, tech and opulent decisions, no matter whether or not or not or not you propose to make the most of them to their full potential or whether or not or not or not there are inherent compromises.

Fortunately, the i7 M70 is very correctly rounded and serves as a worth quite a few to a minimum of one issue like a Rolls-Royce Ghost or Bentley Flying Spur, neither of which nevertheless current all-electric drivetrains.

This crown jewel of BMW’s halo product line serves as a worthy new flagship that blends crushing effectivity with opulent luxuries and splendid.

Click on on on the pictures for the complete gallery

MORE: All of the items BMW 7 Assortment
MORE: All of the items BMW i7