Electric BMW 7-Series gets some M treatment

BMW is currently attending the Shanghai Auto Show with an SUV named the i7 M70 xDrive. The model will go on sale in the second half of the year.

The rear-axle motor is new and 25.5% more powerful than that of the i7 xDrive60 spec, hitting the wheels with 489 PS (482 hp / 360 kW). The front-axle motor churns out 258 PS (254 hp / 190 kW).

The whole comes up to 660 PS (651 hp / 485 kW) and 1,015 Nm (749 lb-ft) of torque. You can activate boost mode to get 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft) over a brief period. With a sprint time of 3.7 seconds, the i7 M70 xDrive is the Bavarian marque’s fastest electric vehicle to date. It still maxes out at 250 km/h (155 mph) by default, though.

Having 101.7 kilowatt-hours of power storage enables the SUV to cover between 488 and 560 km (303–348 miles) on a charge. The wiring on board supports chargers rated up to 195 kWh, and plugging into one gives you enough juice for 170 km (105 miles) of driving within 10 minutes.

The standard trim level includes an aero kit, adaptive suspension with air-ride components, active roll suppression, M Sport brakes and original 21-inch wheels. Buyers can also consider new two-tone exterior paint options.