The BMW i7 M70 emerges as a beacon of innovation. This extraordinary electric vehicle offers enhanced performance and a sleeker design compared to its standard i7 counterpart. However, it comes at a premium price. In this comprehensive review, we look into the upgrades, exterior and interior modifications, chassis improvements, and powertrain enhancements.
Performance Revamped
Underneath the imposing hood, you might expect to find a traditional combustion engine, but instead, you’ll discover an electrifying surprise. The BMW i7 M70 boasts a dual-motor setup. On the front axle, a 258-horsepower electric motor, the same as the standard i7, awaits. However, the rear axle houses a more potent 489-horsepower electric motor. When these two motors work in harmony, they churn out a formidable 660 horsepower – an impressive 116-horsepower boost over the standard i760. While this falls slightly short of the raw power offered by competitors like the AMG EQS 53 and the Tesla Model S Plaid, it’s still nothing to scoff at.
Now, the real test of performance lies in the 0 to 60 mph sprint. BMW claims the 2024 BMW i7 M70 can achieve this feat in just 3.7 seconds. but how does it compare to the competition? The Mercedes AMG EQS 53 manages the same sprint in 3.16 seconds, while the Tesla Model S Plaid outshines them all with a jaw-dropping 2.4 seconds. It’s clear that the i7 M70 offers commendable performance, but it might not be the ultimate speed demon.
Chassis and Handling Upgrades
To complement its increased power, BMW has made several changes to the BMW i7 M70’s chassis. Upgraded M Performance brakes, modified suspension with smaller air chambers for added stiffness, recalibrated dampers for enhanced responsiveness, and rear-wheel steering are some of the key enhancements. These refinements aim to make the i7 M70 a more agile and stable performer on the road. Additional improvements include reinforced front bracing between the shock towers and active anti-roll bars to minimize body lean during cornering. The vehicle also sports slightly lighter alloy wheels to reduce unsprung mass. For those seeking even sportier performance, the option to upgrade to sporty tires is available.
All these chassis upgrades culminate in a vehicle that handles admirably. It exhibits minimal body lean through corners, thanks to the active anti-roll system, offering excellent grip and traction from the four-wheel drive setup. While it excels in terms of performance, it may not elevate the i7 M70 to the level of a true M Performance car, as the handling improvements may not be substantial enough to differentiate it significantly from the standard BMW i7.
Uncompromising Power and Luxury
The hallmark of the i7 M70 is its prodigious performance. The acceleration is nothing short of brutal. The power delivery is almost neck-snapping and can be, at times, uncomfortable. However, the question that arises is whether such raw power is a necessity in a luxury limousine. Historically, models like the M760Li, with their 12-cylinder engines, were not only powerful and fast but also exuded a sense of sophistication, tranquillity, and opulence. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, offer a smooth and refined driving experience regardless of power output. With more power, they can become less comfortable, as abrupt acceleration can make passengers uneasy. Therefore, the need for such immense power in a luxury electric car is debatable.
Aesthetic Enhancements
BMW has made noticeable exterior changes to the i7 M70 to infuse a sportier vibe. The most conspicuous alteration is the blacked-out grille, accentuated by the black surround. Additionally, when equipped with the M Performance package, the grille features LED illumination, which adds a distinctive touch during nighttime drives. The i7 M70 also exhibits a recess in the bonnet, reminiscent of BMW’s M3 and M4 models, which guides your gaze to the emblem. Other exterior enhancements include a more aggressive front bumper, larger air breathers along the sides, 21-inch M alloy wheels, and blacked-out door handles. The rear sports a sportier bumper with a diffuser and, of course, the iconic M badging. Those opting for the M Performance pack receive a rear spoiler on the boot lip.
Interior Elegance
Inside the BMW i7 M70 interior, the basic design retains the aesthetic appeal of the standard i7. The dashboard boasts a sleek, glass-effect finish, accentuating the widescreen, curved high-definition infotainment display. Quality materials and robust build are evident throughout the cabin, alongside generous storage options. The M upgrade introduces a flat-bottomed M Sports steering wheel with distinctive M badging and tricolor stitching. The Alcantara headlining, aluminum pedals, and illuminated M badging on the door sills further enhance the cabin’s sporty ambiance. The M Sport seats prioritize comfort while offering a tasteful combination of leather and tactile wool. Additional customization options, such as carbon fiber accents and Alcantara-wrapped interior surfaces, are available to cater to individual preferences.
Spacious and Comfortable Rear Seating
The rear cabin of the i7 M70 is synonymous with the standard i7, featuring ample legroom and headroom. Illuminated M-branded door sills add a unique touch, and optional trim choices help differentiate the M70 from its sibling. The carbon fiber trim option also brings a subtle but distinctive flair to the interior. Notably, the rear passengers enjoy an unobstructed view of the M branding on the front seat headrests. The seating configuration remains comfortable, and a new trim combination introduces leather and premium wool upholstery, although full leather remains an option. It’s worth noting that the combination with tactile wool may cause slight discomfort for passengers wearing shorts.
Practicality and Boot Space
The BMW i7 M70 offers a generous boot capacity of 500 liters, on par with its standard counterpart. However, it falls slightly short of the Mercedes EQS 53, which provides a more spacious trunk. The Tesla Model S Plaid, with a boot capacity of 793 liters, reigns supreme in this aspect. It’s worth mentioning that the Model S Plaid also boasts an additional 150 liters of storage space in the front trunk, a feature not available in the i7 M70.
Five Considerations to Keep in Mind
While the BMW i7 M70 is an exceptional vehicle, there are a few aspects that potential buyers should be aware of:
- Weight: The i7 M70 is notably heavy, weighing in at 2.7 tons, making it heavier than some of its competitors, such as the Mercedes AMG EQS 53 and the Tesla Model S Plaid.
- Limited Interior Choices: Unlike the standard i7, the M70 version does not offer a fully vegan interior option, which might be a drawback for environmentally conscious buyers.
- Price: The i7 M70 is positioned at a premium price point, with options that could potentially escalate the cost to around £188,000.
- Depreciation: Historically, large luxury BMWs have not held their value well. The depreciation factor is compounded by the rapid depreciation often seen in electric vehicles.
- Regen Noise: The i7 M70 exhibits regenerative braking noise when slowing down, which might be surprising in a vehicle of this caliber.
Innovative Features to Counterbalance
BMW’s i7 M70 compensates for the above considerations with several remarkable features:
- Increased Top Speed: The M70 offers a higher top speed of 155 mph, outpacing the standard i7’s 149 mph. This places it ahead of competitors like the AMG EQS 53.
- Launch Control: Engaging launch control creates a suspenseful atmosphere with vibrating rear wheels, adding an exhilarating touch to the driving experience.
- Enhanced Navigation: The rear guidance system now offers more information on charging stations along your route, making long journeys more convenient.
- Automated Doors: With the BMW app, the i7 M70’s doors automatically open as you approach the vehicle and close when you walk away, adding convenience to your daily routines.
- Massage Seats: The massage function provides a genuinely relaxing experience, enhancing the luxury and comfort of the interior.
- Regen Braking Control: The i7 M70 allows you to customize the regenerative braking level, catering to your driving preferences.
BMW i7 price
In terms of pricing, the 2024 BMW I7 M70 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), which includes the destination fee, is around $168,500.
The Verdict
The BMW i7 M70 is undoubtedly an exceptional vehicle, showcasing the best of BMW’s engineering and innovation. It offers an exquisite blend of power, luxury, and advanced technology. However, it may not be the ideal choice for those seeking unmatched speed in an electric luxury car, as the Tesla Model S Plaid provides a more economical and quicker alternative.
