BMW i7 M70 xDrive debuts at Auto Shanghai

MANILA: The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is a significant step forward for BMW M GmbH's transition to electric mobility, setting a new record for output for an all-electric vehicle from the BMW Group. 

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the third performance model from the company to include an all-electric drive system, following the introduction of the BMW i4 M50, the best-selling BMW M GmbH model in 2022, and the BMW iX M60.

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive made its global debut at the Auto Shanghai international motor show in China. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive will be manufactured at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, along with all other model variants of the luxury sedan. The worldwide launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive will begin in the second half of 2023.

The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology used by the BMW i7 is continually being improved to increase both power output and efficiency. This applies to the powertrain, power electronics, high-voltage battery and charging technology.

The front and rear axles of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive are fitted with highly integrated drive units that combine the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission into a single, compact housing. The two motors operate in accordance with the electrically excited synchronous motor principle. With this design approach, it is possible to produce the rotor entirely without using rare earth metals, which are necessary for magnetic components.

The drive system's M-specific configuration allows the BMW i7 M70 xDrive's rear-axle motor to generate unprecedented levels of power density. The drive unit has  a six-phase layout with a dual inverter. This serves as the foundation for an extremely significant boost in peak output that is still usable at high speeds, giving the BMW i7 M70 xDrive the power delivery style of M models. The motor's power density of 2.41kW/kg, which is a 25.5% increase over the unit driving the rear axle of the BMW i7 xDrive60, gives the BMW i7 M70 xDrive the most potent electric motor currently available from the company.

This new record-breaking figure is the result of a BMW Group-patented innovation created by BMW EfficientDynamics, which utilizes six excitation windings in the motor's stator instead of the usual three. The resulting “double excitation” makes the electric motor capable of producing an incredibly high output despite being unusually light and compact.

The motor driving the rear axle can produce a maximum of 360kW. Its precisely coordinated interaction with the front axle's 190kW motor results in an electric all-wheel-drive setup that can produce 1,015Nm of system torque in Sport mode and up to 1,100Nm when M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost function are engaged. Thus, the drive system of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive provides exceptional pulling power. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the fastest BMW model to run entirely on electricity, as it can accelerate from a standstill to 100kph in just 3.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250kph.

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive offers incredibly dynamic performance along with outstanding long-distance capabilities. This is due to  a variety of power consumption reduction strategies, which  include the heat pump technology utilized in the integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and engine and adaptive recuperation of braking energy. In the WLTP test cycle, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive records a combined electric power consumption of 23.8kWh to 20.8kWh per 100km.

The high-voltage battery's outstanding energy density is another factor. The battery, which is housed underneath the vehicle, offers 101.7kWh of usable energy. This gives the BMW i7 M70 xDrive a range of 488km to 560km . The Combined Charging Unit has advanced charging software that is intended to charge the high-voltage battery more quickly and efficiently. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is capable of AC charging at up to 22kW as standard, while up to 195kW of DC power can be taken on board. This means that a mid-trip break at a high-power charging station can increase the range by up to 170km in just 10 minutes.

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive's bold design is an accurate representation of its superior performance, which comes from the most potent drive system ever created using BMW eDrive technology and from M-specific chassis technology. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive leads the way for a new era of all-electric mobility in the luxury segment, with M-specific design elements 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. Its flashy looks represent another significant step in the electrification of the BMW M brand.

Just like the other models in the new BMW 7 Series model lineup, the i7 M70 xDrive symbolizes the exceptional innovative power of the brand. Aside from its  groundbreaking drive system technology and design, the vehicle also has a number of cutting-edge equipment that help it set new benchmarks in the premium segment. The BMW Interaction Bar in the cockpit and the Executive Lounge with optimized reclining function in the rear are two features that add a sense of progressive luxury to the top-of-the-line model and enhance wellbeing during long trips. The rear compartment is transformed into a luxurious mobile theater thanks to the exclusive BMW Theatre Screen and Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with optional in-seat exciters.

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is one of the first models to be equipped with the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 8.5. The latest version of BMW iDrive features a newly designed home screen and QuickSelect function to make selecting and using a variety of functions and digital services even easier and more convenient. This introduces an improved menu system inspired by consumer electronics devices. The new BMW iDrive aids in providing a focused, secure driving experience by displaying the right information at the right time.

Photos from BMW

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