BMW’s M division is to introduce an all-electric performance model to spearhead the new i7 range with a whopping 650bhp.

The M70 xDrive will be the most powerful model with an all-electric drive system in the BMW Group. Equipped with an electric motor on both the front and rear axles, it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, making it the fastest all-electric BMW model. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The battery is carried over from other i7s, providing 101.7 kWh of usable energy. This gives the BMW i7 M70 xDrive a range of 303 – 348 miles on the WLTP cycle. It is capable of AC charging at up to 22 kW as standard, while DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 195 kW.

The i7 M70 also sees the introduction of a MAX RANGE mode for the all-electric models in the new BMW 7 Series range. In this mode, drive power and top speed are restricted and comfort functions scaled back, allowing range to be increased by 15 to 25 per cent.

Switching to the MAX RANGE mode limits the top speed to 56 mph. At the same time, the climate control system for the cabin is deactivated and the rear window heating switches to a lower setting, while seat heating, seat ventilation and the steering wheel heating are all initially deactivated too.

The M70 will be available in the Autumn of 2023.

Not in a hurry? The new MAX RANGE mode increases efficiency by 15 to 20%