About BMW i7 M70 xDrive

Choosing a new car, especially a luxury one, involves a lot of thought. You are probably thinking about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what the monthly maintenance will look like, the latest features you can get, and of course, the reliability of the company's service network. Well, if you are eyeing the pinnacle of electric luxury and performance, then the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is definitely on your radar. Let us dive deep and see if this electrifying sedan ticks all your boxes.

Engine Specifications

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is not just any electric car, it is a performance beast. It comes with a powerful dual-motor setup:

• Total Power Output: A staggering 660 hp (485 kW)

• Maximum Torque: An incredible 1100 Nm, available instantly.

• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): A blistering 3.7 seconds, making it one of the quickest luxury sedans out there.

• Electric Range (WLTP): Up to 560 kilometres on a single charge, perfect for long drives.

Design Overview

Exterior

The i7 M70 xDrive makes a grand statement. It combines classic BMW elegance with a futuristic electric vehicle (EV) appeal. Key design elements include:

• Illuminated Kidney Grille: A signature BMW touch, now with added sparkle.

• Swarovski Crystal Headlights: Split headlamp design with stunning crystal elements for a truly premium look.

• M-Specific Styling: Aerodynamic enhancements, exclusive M badges, and unique alloy wheel designs that hint at its performance.

• Sleek Lines: A commanding presence with smooth, flowing lines that give it a sophisticated and dynamic stance.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that redefines luxury and technology:

• BMW Curved Display: A seamless unit combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch control display.

• BMW Theatre Screen: A massive 31.3-inch 8K resolution screen that folds down from the roof for an immersive cinematic experience for rear passengers, complete with Amazon Fire TV built-in.

• Luxury Materials: High-quality leather, cashmere wool, crystal glass elements, and fine wood trims elevate the cabin feel.

• Executive Lounge Seating: Offers exceptional comfort and recline options for rear passengers, making long journeys a pleasure.

Key Features

The i7 M70 xDrive is packed with technology and comfort features:

• Infotainment: The BMW iDrive 8.5 operating system, with the large Curved Display, offers intuitive control and stunning visuals.

• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 5G connectivity keep you constantly connected.

• Sky Lounge Panoramic Glass Roof: Features LED light threads that create a magical atmosphere.

• 360-degree Surround View Camera: Makes parking and maneuvering this large sedan effortless.

• Wireless Charging: Convenient charging pad for your smartphone.

• Four-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Ensures personalised comfort for all occupants.

• Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System: Delivers an unparalleled audio experience.

• Automatic Doors: Power-operated doors for elegant entry and exit.

• Heated and Ventilated Seats: Available for both front and rear passengers.

What is the Ground Clearance of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive?

While BMW does not always widely publicise a specific static ground clearance figure for its luxury sedans, the i7 M70 xDrive comes with an adaptive air suspension system. This system allows the car to adjust its ride height for optimal comfort and handling. It is designed to comfortably navigate various road conditions, including those in India, ensuring a smooth ride over bumps and undulations, typically providing sufficient clearance for its segment.

What is the Boot Space of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive?

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive offers a generous boot space of 500 litres. This is ample room for multiple suitcases, golf bags, or your weekly shopping, making it practical for both daily use and longer trips.

What are the Dimensions of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive?

The i7 M70 xDrive is a substantial luxury sedan, offering immense cabin space:

• Length: 5391 mm

• Width: 1950 mm

• Height: 1544 mm

• Wheelbase: 3215 mm

Powertrain Options

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is exclusively available with its top-tier, high-performance electric powertrain, as detailed in the engine specifications. It features two powerful electric motors, one on each axle, providing intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive for superior traction and handling in all conditions. There are no conventional internal combustion engine options for this specific i7 variant.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount in a luxury vehicle, and the i7 M70 xDrive is loaded with advanced safety systems:

• Airbags: Multiple airbags, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags, to protect occupants.

• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and parking assist.

• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for optimal stopping power.

• Traction Control and Stability Control: To maintain vehicle stability in challenging driving conditions.

• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC): BMW's sophisticated systems for enhanced driving dynamics and safety.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings provide peace of mind. Here is what we know:

Rating Body	Rating	Details
Euro NCAP	5 Stars	The BMW 7 Series (on which the i7 is based) achieved a 5-star rating in Euro NCAP testing (2022). This reflects excellent protection for adult occupants, child occupants, and a high score for safety assist systems.
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated	As of now, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive has not been tested by Bharat NCAP. Given its Euro NCAP performance and advanced safety features, it is expected to perform very well.

Rivals of BMW i7 M70 xDrive

In the ultra-luxury electric sedan segment, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive faces stiff competition:

• Mercedes-Benz EQS AMG 53: A direct and formidable rival, offering similar levels of luxury, performance, and advanced technology.

• Porsche Taycan Turbo S: Known for its incredible sports car dynamics and performance, though perhaps slightly less focused on ultimate rear-seat luxury than the i7.

• Audi e-tron GT RS: Another high-performance electric offering that blends luxury with sporty appeal.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Here is a balanced view to help you decide:

Pros:

• Exhilarating Performance: Blistering acceleration and power from the dual-motor setup.

• Unmatched Luxury: The interior is a private jet experience, especially with the Theatre Screen.

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Packed with the latest infotainment, connectivity, and driver-assistance features.

• Whisper-Quiet Cabin: Electric powertrain ensures a serene and tranquil driving experience.

• Exceptional Comfort: Adaptive air suspension and luxurious seating provide a cloud-like ride.

• Strong Brand Image: The prestige and reliability associated with BMW.

Cons:

• High Price Tag: This level of luxury and performance comes at a premium, making it exclusive.

• Large Size for Indian Roads: Its considerable dimensions can make it challenging to navigate tight city streets and parking spots.

• Charging Infrastructure: While improving, access to fast charging stations can still be a concern outside major cities.

• Complex Technology: Some users might find the sheer number of features and controls overwhelming initially.

• Potentially Higher Maintenance Costs: While EVs generally have lower running costs, complex luxury features and high-performance components can lead to expensive repairs if needed.

Conclusion

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is more than just an electric car; it is a statement. It is for the discerning buyer in India who seeks the absolute pinnacle of electric luxury, performance, and advanced technology, without compromise. If your budget allows for such an indulgence, and you prioritize a silent, powerful, and feature-rich driving experience with an interior that rivals a private lounge, then the i7 M70 xDrive stands out as an incredibly compelling choice.

It perfectly blends BMW's M performance heritage with the silent, efficient future of electric mobility. While its size and the evolving charging infrastructure in India are points to consider, its sheer luxury, groundbreaking features, and thrilling performance make it a truly aspirational vehicle. Test drive it, experience the Theatre Screen, and then decide if this ultimate electric luxury sedan is the one for you.