Are you able to think about what it might really feel prefer to journey in an Earth-bound spacecraft? I’ve skilled the closest approximation as BMW’s newest battery blaster – the full-electric i7 M70 flagship – is what I think about flying in a UFO at low altitude should really feel like.
Pushed by ever-tightening environmental laws – particularly in Europe – BMW is embarking on a primarily electrified path, and even the model’s high-performance M-badged fashions might be virtually completely battery-charged by the top of the last decade.
The ballistic i7 M70 is a precursor of what’s to return, because it leverages each ounce of EV experience and chassis-tuning wizardry on the firm’s disposal. The result’s the quickest and strongest electrical car BMW has rolled out up to now.
Herculean outputs of 660hp and 1,100Nm present a clue to the searing acceleration of the luxury-lined limo, however one must expertise the automotive’s jet-fighter thrust first-hand to totally admire what a rocket it’s. BMW quotes a 0-100kph cut up of three.7 seconds and high velocity of 250kph, however numbers convey solely half the story.
The dearth of a combustion engine means there’s no exhaust be aware or sensation of revs rising and falling. What you could have as a substitute is a synthesised spaceship-mimicking soundtrack from the audio system that will increase in depth as you up the tempo and put strain on the throttle pedal. Or you’ll be able to mute the substitute sound and cruise in near-silence, with solely a hint of wind noise and tyre roar disturbing the cocoon-like atmosphere within the cabin.
My drive route on the automotive’s worldwide media launch in Portugal consists of slim, winding roads that seem tailored for a nimble hot-hatch. But, right here I’m, in a 5.4-metre-long chariot that weighs a Toyota Land Cruiser-matching 2.7 tonnes. Even so, sheer mass proves no handicap as the large BeeEm seemingly shrinks round its occupants and devours the sinuous stretch of tarmac at warp speeds in a means that belies its gargantuan girth.
Lotus founder Colin Chapman famously stated weight was the enemy of efficiency, however the i7 M70 makes a mockery of this assertion. That is largely by means of options similar to dual-axle air suspension, adaptive dampers, four-wheel-steering and energetic roll stabilisation. It nonetheless required the deft contact of the M Division engineers to collectively calibrate all this tech to yield such a cohesive and fascinating driver’s automotive.
The query you could ask is: does anybody actually need an ultra-opulent limousine that goes this quick? Most likely not, however since when has logic been a dictating issue within the super-premium finish of the automotive market?
As with different variants of the i7, power for the twin electrical motors is supplied by a 101.7kWh battery pack that sits beneath the passenger compartment. Touring vary on a full cost is quoted at between 488km and 560km, so you possibly can conceivably do a few back-and-forth journeys between Dubai and Abu Dhabi earlier than needing to recharge.
A scintillating driver’s automotive it could be, however the truth stays the i7 is piloted primarily by chauffeurs, whereas the automotive’s well-heeled proprietor basks within the consolation of the cavernous rear compartment with fold-out leg relaxation or Govt Lounge, in BMW-speak.
Including to the attraction of using within the again is a 31.3-inch theatre display that’s complemented by an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system to remodel the rear compartment into an unique personal cinema on wheels.
Distinguishing the M70 from lesser i7 variants are options similar to illuminated M door sill trims, M Merino leather-based upholstery in Black/Atlas Gray, an M leather-based steering wheel and M-specific screens on the expansive BMW Curved Show that sits on high of the dashboard. Computerized doorways that open and shut on the press of a button are additionally commonplace.
There’s loads of scope for personalisation, as non-compulsory extras embody the BMW Particular person Inside package deal, and there’s a alternative of assorted trim supplies and 9 upholstery colors.
On paper, the i7 M70 xDrive looks as if an train in pure extra – virtually the reply to a query no one requested. Even so, it’s a superb – if not lovely – limousine that overdelivers on any expectations one may need had of it.
The actual fact it’s sumptuously geared up and immaculately constructed isn’t any shock, however the true eye-opener is that it’s such laugh-out-loud enjoyable to drive in spirited style.
Up to date: September 18, 2023, 2:02 PM
