2024 BMW i7 M70 performance electric car unveiled, priced for Australia

UPDATE, 18 April 2023: BMW Australia has confirmed local pricing for the 2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive, announcing the performance electric car will start from $344,900 plus on-road costs.

Due in BMW's Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2023 (October to December inclusive), the i7 M70 xDrive is $38,000 more expensive than the i7 xDrive 60 and $72,000 more than the petrol-powered 740i.

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is also set to become BMW’s third-most expensive new car on sale in Australia – behind the M8 Competition sedan ($371,400) and coupe ($374,400) – based on current pricing.

Our original story has been amended to include Australian pricing and features.

17 April 2023: The 2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive has been unveiled ahead of the Shanghai motor show, as the company's most powerful electric model to date – and the fastest version of its new i7 limousine.

Expected to reach Australia in the second half of 2023 (though exact timing is yet to be locked in), the flagship i7 arrives with a newly-developed dual-motor drivetrain offering a combined 485kW – some 30kW more than the similar system used by the iX M60 electric SUV launched in 2022.

At the heart of the latest electric BMW M Performance model is a front electric motor with up to 190kW and a newly-developed rear electric motor with 360kW.

The latter is claimed to deliver a new BMW record for an electric motor's power-to-weight ratio, at 2.41kW per kg. Developments adopted on the new electric motor include a patented six-coil design within the stator.

MORE: Read our full 2023 Shanghai motor show coverage

All up, the two electric motors provide the i7 M70 xDrive with a combined torque output of 1015Nm, with up to 1100Nm available for short periods of full-throttle acceleration when the new model's M Launch Control and M Sport Boost functions are activated.

By comparison, the electric drivetrain used by the standard i7 xDrive 60 on sale now in Australia develops 400kW and 745Nm.

It also compares to the nominal 484kW and 950Nm of the Mercedes-AMG EQS53 4Matic+, although with an optional AMG Dynamic Plus system, the i7 M60 xDrive's closest rival ups its reserves to 560kW and 1020Nm.

While it is yet to provide a kerb weight figure for the flagship i7 model, BMW M says it will hit 100km/h from standstill in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed limited to 250km/h.

A 101.7kWh lithium-ion battery is mounted within the sedan's 'CLAR' platform – the same structure used by petrol-engined 7 Series models.

Equipped with its own uniquely-programmed power electronics system, the battery is claimed to provide the i7 M70 xDrive with a driving range of between 488 and 560km on Europe's WLTP test cycle, with the combined energy consumption put between 23.8 and 20.8kWh/100km.

This is achieved in a new 'Max Range' driving mode that limits the output of the electric drivetrain and top speed as well as providing more efficient operation of the ancillary functions such as the air conditioning.

Up to 228kW of electric energy can be recovered during braking, according to BMW M.

Charging can be performed at up to 22kW on an AC system and 195kW on a DC setup – the latter claimed to provide a 170km extension in range within 10 minutes.

Underneath, the i7 M70 xDrive receives uniquely-tuned air suspension featuring continuously-variable damping control, four-wheel steering, active roll stabilisation and active roll comfort. It also gets uprated brakes and uniquely-designed 21-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Visually, the electric M performance sedan is distinguished from other i7 models by a uniquely-styled grille with illumination, and M badges on the front wheel arches.

Further back, there are 'double arm' exterior mirror housings and wider sills underneath the doors. At the rear, the i7 M70 xDrive receives a revised bumper featuring a new valance and diffuser element.

An optional M Performance Package adds high-gloss elements to the exterior styling. Buyers can also specify a two-tone paint finish via BMW Individual.

Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.