Even in this SUV-addicted market, big sedans are still big business. Their price tags put them beyond the grasp of most buyers, but at the same time, they’re a rolling showcase of the latest technology and design that will eventually trickle down the lineup. The 2024 BMW i7 M70 is no exception.
BMW knew from the get-go that the current 7 Series would have both gas and electric powertrain options. There’s a fully gas-powered version for those not ready to move into an electric car, a plug-in hybrid for those who want the best of both worlds, and a couple of all-electric versions. This one is the i7 M70, a new top-of-the-line model that trades a bit of range for much more power, physics-defying performance, and a truly first-class cabin—all with a price tag to match.
There are two major challenges facing the i7 M70 that may impact its success among flagship sedans. First, the looks. It attracted a lot of attention anywhere I went. I caught more than a few double-takes and long stares, but anyone I actually spoke to didn’t have the kindest words about its exterior styling. BMW has been steadfast in defending their design shift, but everyone still seems to have something to say about the front grille. Personally, I slowly grew to appreciate the overall look; the big wheels and two-tone paint gave our tester a striking presence. But I can also see why people prefer the S-Class, at least in the looks department.
Second, the price. When the same people followed up their comments on the styling with how much this particular i7 cost, they turned up their noses instantly. The 2024 7 Series starts at an almost reasonable $151,500 for the base, gas-powered model, but our tester worked out to a heart-stopping $225,400 as-tested. I can understand their reactions; this is a hard sell even with all the goodies. But look at it this way: the i7 M70 costs a lot less than the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance, and for the fortunate few who can afford a car like this, it’s all worth it once you step inside.
The i7 M70’s first-class cabin is truly special. Build quality is rock-solid here, especially compared to Mercedes’ current offerings, where even the S-Class suffers from rattles and creaks. The design is clean and modern, BMW is arguably more tasteful about their ambient lighting than Mercedes, and everything is placed within reach of the driver. And the seats? While others boast about only the finest of leather, BMW went a different route with a two-tone black Merino leather with dark grey cashmere inserts. They look and feel amazing, they’re super comfortable, and they’re more breathable than leather. Comfort and coddling is the name of the game here.
And since the i7 is an EV, it’s especially quiet and serene inside. The sound deadening and insulation from the outside world allows anyone inside to fully experience the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system. It’s crisp and clear no matter what you’re listening to. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The infotainment does seem overwhelming at first, what with all the apps and visual themes, but it’s snappy and you’ll quickly get used to it, especially now that the massive 14.9-inch can be used as a touchscreen. The Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof covers a majority of the roof, and the dynamic ambient lighting adds a downright cool overall effect.
Speaking of snappy, BMW somehow made this i7 M70—a fully electric full-size sedan weighing nearly 6,000 pounds—run swiftly from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. It helps that the two electric motors, working with a 101.7 kWh battery pack, pump out 650 horsepower and 749 pound-feet of neck-snapping instant torque. There’s even a Boost mode, which bumps torque to 811 lb-ft for a 10-second window. With its massive overall size and weight, you’d expect the i7 M7 to suffer in performance and handling, but this thing is a rocket for the street.
Not only is it fast, the i7 M70 is quite nimble for its size. This big sedan dances almost as well as an M340i, and soaks up road imperfections with ease. The M-specific adaptive air suspension, with electronic dampers and automatic self-levelling, play a big part here. Rear-axle steering allows the back wheels to turn up to 2.5 degrees, adding to that nimble feel at speed and assisting with squeezing through tight quarters, like my condo’s parking garage.
The biggest question with any EV, even cushy flagship sedans, is range. Here, the i7 M70 takes a hit to its numbers, but it’s still plenty usable. BMW claims 459 kilometres in ideal conditions, but we saw closer to 380 on a full charge in cold, but not too-cold winter temperatures. If you don’t mind trading some of that performance for more range, the i7 xDrive60 is rated at 512 kilometres on a full charge. Hooked up to a Level 2 charger, expect a full charge in the i7 M70 to take about 11 hours. Use a Level 3 fast-charger and BMW says you can see a 10-to-80 per cent charge in around 34 minutes at a maximum charging speed of 195 kW, though your real-world experience may vary.
The 2024 BMW i7 M70 may not be relevant to most buyers, but for the fortunate few who can stomach the price tag, it does many things rather well. Its driving dynamics nearly defy physics, its tech is cutting-edge, its interior is truly special, and its sense of comfort and coddling can’t be beat. Not everything needs to be an SUV, and I’m here for it.
