Overview
The newly updated BMW i7 M70 xDrive shows a significant milestone for BMW, undergoing a heavily extensive mid-life overhaul. Rather than moving onto a completely new platform, this updated flagship saloon thoroughly fuses the current luxury platform with BMW's pioneering Neue Klasse design and architecture. Positioned at the absolute peak of BMW luxury, the high-performance M70 xDrive variant combines the ultimate digitalised, chauffeur-driven prestige with immense M-division performance to directly challenge high-end rivals like the Mercedes-AMG EQE and the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT.
Design
The exterior styling moves firmly into the Neue Klasse era, adopting a cleaner and blunter look designed to maximise its road presence. Up front, the signature illuminated kidney grille features slimmer, more vertical proportions with distinctive horizontal slats and an M logo. This is flanked by redesigned individual crystal headlights containing Swarovski elements that create a sharp light pattern. The side retains its imposing, monolithic silhouette with flush door handles. At the rear, the design mimics the upcoming Neue Klasse saloons, featuring minimalist surfaces and ultra-slim, stretched-out LED taillights that wrap deep into the boot lid. As an M Performance model, the M70 variant gains a more aggressive front with larger air curtains, a model-specific rear diffuser spanning almost the entire width of the car, a discreet Black Sapphire rear spoiler, and massive 22-inch light-alloy wheels. A standout feature is the available BMW Individual dual-finish paintwork, a 12-step process that pairs a matt finish on the lower section of the body with a manually applied metallic finish on the upper section, separated by a hand-painted coach line.
Interior
The cabin has undergone a digital revolution, stepping away from traditional luxury in favour of a high-tech lounge feel. The conventional instrument cluster is replaced by the new 43.3-inch Panoramic iDrive display, which projects customisable information along the entire lower edge of the windscreen. The dashboard houses a 17.9-inch slanted central touchscreen running the Android-powered Operating System X, alongside a bespoke 14.6-inch entertainment screen for the front passenger. A newly designed M Sport steering wheel features a red 12-o'clock marker and M-colour stitching. Physical controls are kept to a minimum, replaced by illuminated crystal-glass touch surfaces. In the rear, the vehicle behaves as a private mobile retreat. A roof-mounted 31.3-inch theatre screen with 8K resolution and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system with Dolby Atmos solidifies that.
Performance & Powertrains
Under the skin, the i7 M70 features advanced components from the Neue Klasse models. It adopts a dual-motor, AWD setup with highly efficient motors. The powertrain generates a massive output of 671bhp and 749lb ft of torque, propelling the heavy luxury saloon from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. Energy is stored in a larger 112kWh battery pack utilizing Gen6 cylindrical cells, which significantly improves efficiency to deliver a range of up to 426 miles on a single charge. Charging has also been given a substantial upgrade, with the maximum DC rapid-charging speed rising to 250kW. Dynamic handling is managed by standard adaptive two-axle air suspension, electronically controlled active dampers, and Integral Active Steering with rear-wheel steering functionality to mask the physical scale of the vehicle during cornering.
Practicality
Despite its heavy focus on performance and digital technology, the vehicle maintains the traditional advantages expected of a flagship luxury vehicle. The extended wheelbase ensures that legroom, headroom, and shoulder room in both the front and rear compartments are exceptionally generous. The boot provides a flat, deep loading area with a capacity of 500 litres, easily accommodating multiple sets of golf clubs or large luggage sets, though the rear seats remain fixed for improved structural rigidity. Cabin storage is thoroughly integrated, featuring deep door bins, a chilled central armrest storage box, and dedicated wireless smartphone charging slots built directly into both the front and the rear armrests.
Buying
These updated, Neue Klasse-inspired electric flagships are scheduled to arrive in showrooms from September 2026. The high-performance M70 xDrive model is priced at a massive £164,420. The vehicle is offered in highly customisable trim options, building on the aggressive blacked-out detailing of the M Sport Pro package. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the i7 M70 xDrive if you need a ultra-luxury electric saloon.