BMW took the opportunity in Shanghai to debut a couple of cracking cars that will be making their way to Australia – the all-electric i70 M70 xDrive and the XM Red Label.

The i7 M70 xDrive is a mighty all-wheel-drive beast, and the third all-electric offering from BMW’s M performance division (following the i4 M50 and the iX M60).

With a 190kW electric motor at the front axle and a 360kW motor at the rear axle – both integrated into drive units that include the motor, power electronics and transmission into a single housing – the i7 M70 xDrive is, BMW says, its most powerful all-electric vehicle yet.

Maximum system output is 485kW and the all-wheel-drive set-up generates 1015Nm of torque in Sport mode and as much as 1110Nm when M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost function is activated.

BMW says the i7 M70 xDrive can reach 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and top out at an electronically limited 250km/h.

A 106kWh battery pack ensures decent range, which BMW claims is up to 560km (WLTP). AC charging up to 22kW is available, as is DC fast charging up to 195kW. BMW says as much as 170km of range can be added in 10 minutes at that fast-charging rate.

Driving range can be given a stretch thanks to a Max Range mode, which debuts on the i7 M70 xDrive. 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.

BMW says the Max Range mode was devised for situations where drivers are unable to recharge mid-journey. Switching to My Mode Efficient and activating Max Range sees the car’s top speed limited to 90 km/h, and the climate control system, heat seating, seat ventilation and steering wheel heating disabled.

Standard specs for the i7 M70 xDrive includes M-specific adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and automatic self-leveling. M-specific air springs and hydraulics are also fitted. Integral Active Steering and the Executive Drive Pro chassis package including active roll stabilisation with Active Roll Comfort help to increase comfort and handling dynamics.

Interior standard equipment includes the BMW Interaction Bar in the cockpit and the Connoisseur Lounge with reclining function in the rear, where there is also the massive Theatre Screen and Surround Sound System.

The control of numerous functions and digital services is done through the BMW Operating System 8.5 and the BMW Curved Display. Features available include the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and other voice-controlled assistants, BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades, BMW Remote Software Upgrades, video streaming on the control display, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and My Modes.

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is priced at $344,900 and set to launch in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year.

Along with the i7 M70, BMW also put the spotlight on the XM Label Red that features an M Hybrid system with additional power and bespoke design accents.
Production of the XM Label Red is set to begin in August in the USA and an exclusive edition of the model, limited to 500 cars globally, will go into production at the same time. Just 30 units of this model will arrive in Australia.

System output for the Label Red reaches 550kW – 70kW more than the regular XM – thanks to a combination of a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 430kW and an electric motor kicking out 145kW. The motor draws its energy from a 25.7kWh battery. This combination, BMW says, makes the Label Red the most powerful M model ever. BMW says the XM Label Red can sprint to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h. An electric-only range of 83km (WLTP) is possible.
AC charging of the battery is possible up to 7.3kW, meaning a battery can be charged from 0 to 100 per cent in 4.25 hours.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system channels power between all four wheels. It has a rear-biased set-up, and the SUV also comes with adaptive suspension featuring electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilisation, and Integral Active Steering. The M Sport braking system comprises six-piston brakes at the front and single-piston brakes at the rear.

Special design accents on the Label Red include a red metallic accent band, although a black accent band can be specified. Red is also used on the model badges and the wheel inserts. The model destined for Australia is to be fitted as standard with 22-inch light-alloy wheels and can be fitted with 23-inch wheels as a no-cost option.

The limited-edition variant of the Label Red will get a few extras, including Toronto Red metallic for the kidney grille surround and rear diffuser insert and Frozen Carbon Black metallic body paint finish.

The black/red colour scheme flows into the interior where, amongst other accents in red, there is red stitching for the seats, instrument panel, door trim and centre console.

In the cabin there are M multi-function seats, M-specific content for the BMW Curved Display and a head-up display, M gear selector lever and an M-specific control panel on the centre console.

An M Hybrid button can be used to select the operating mode for the drive system, while a Set-up button provides access to the configuration of the powertrain, chassis, steering, braking system and M xDrive, as well as allowing the level of brake energy recuperation to be adjusted.

Driving Assistant Professional which brings Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function together with features such as the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, automatic Speed Limit Assist and Active Navigation, is standard equipment on Australia-bound models.

Price for the BMW XM Label Red is $344,200 with the special edition variant priced at $349,900.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (May 2023)

14 May 2023