BMW's most powerful electric car! 2023 BMW i7 M70 EV steps up Munich's luxe limo game, confirmed for Australia

Just a couple of months have passed since BMW launched its luxury electric upper-large sedan, the i7, and already a much more wicked version has made its debut at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.

The 2023 BMW i7 M70 xDrive marks not only the first time BMW has applied an M70 badge to a model, but also launches as the most powerful electric model released by the Munich brand.

With a rear electric motor producing 360kW alone, and a front motor making 190kW, the total system output of the i7 M70 is rated at 485kW. The rear electric motor is the most powerful the company currently uses on any of its models, with a power density 25.5 per cent more than that in the i7 xDrive60.

The maximum total torque generated by its electric motors is claimed at 1100Nm when launch control is active, while its peaks at 1015Nm under normal driving in Sport Mode.

BMW says it will hit 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.7 seconds, about the same time as a Porsche 911 Carrera S - except the i70 M70 weighs over a tonne more, at 2770kg.

Its electric driving range reaches up to 560km, tested under the WLTP cycle, with fast charging (up to 195kW) claimed to be able to add 170km of range in a 10 minutes stop.

The M70 also comes with a new drive mode called ‘Max Range’ which pretty much does what it says on the tin - reduces performance to save battery and help hit that high-mark for the claimed range.

BMW Australia has confirmed the i7 M70 will arrive here by the end of the year, with a fourth-quarter launch planned and a starting price of $344,900 before on-road costs.

For reference, the 'lesser' i7 M60 starts from $297,900 in Australia, but both variants come with plenty of features like a rear-seat 31.3-inch theatre screen and 39-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.

The LED daytime running lights feature Swarovski crystals, and the grille surround can illuminate while driving. Also featuring are M logos and more aggressive M styling to set the pair apart from other 7 Series variants.