Restaurateur Sam Chua is all revved up in BMW’s newest and fastest all-electric M model

Melding intelligent engineering, serious—but impeccably silent—torque, innovative technology and earth-conscious guarantees, this automotive masterpiece is one for the books. It also helps that it can go from zero to 100-kilometres per hour in 3.7 seconds, making it the fastest all-electric BMW model, which comes in real handy when having to zoom from one place to another—as does Chua does, albeit in safe, swift fashion. A typical day for Chua starts as early as 6am for a high-intensity workout at Barry’s where she’s a—read: daily—regular; before she zooms straight into the office or kitchens for research and development with her teams; full breakfast-to-dinner operations at her two outlets; plus a number of meetings, calls and events peppered throughout the day. This shoot day was no different—though she squeezed in two workouts instead; one of which was on camera, filmed at noon with her friends for the scene at Barry’s.

So stealth it almost feels like you are floating on the road, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive’s all-electrive drive system is powered by an electric motor at both the front and rear axle, generating a maximum system output of 485-kilowatts per 660-horsepower when what the brand calls the M Launch Control or M Sport Boost function is activated.

This M-specific configuration achieves unprecedented levels of power density that’s a 25.5 per cent increase over the previous BMW i7 xDrive60; and marks another milestone for BMW for producing the highest output ever for an all-electric car from the German automobile group. This, on top of excellent long-distance capabilities, buoyed by a wealth of measures for reducing power consumptions. The list includes adaptive recuperation of braking energy; the heat pump technology used in the integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and powertrain; and its high-voltage battery’s optimised energy density. The battery, which is a top priority for electric vehicle manufacturers and drivers alike, provides 101.7-kilowatthour of usable energy. Besides an extended drive performance and range, its charging potential boasts an extended range of as much as 170-kilometres after just ten minutes plugged at a high-power charging station.

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Technicalities under the hood aside, on the design front, this is a work of art too. This new top-of-the-range model matches its sporting potency with an outstanding presence. On the road, the car immediately stands out for its generous length and width, and its superior sporty aura armoured by sharp angles and decidedly imposing lines in the form of exclusive BMW M exterior design features. At the heart of its front-end design is the new interpretation of the hallmark BMW twin crystal headlights Iconic Glow, which now comes in magnified contour lighting, and the impressive kidney grille that now comes in black high-gloss for a contrasts of bright and dark gleaming surfaces. The BMW group is also the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to use matte paints made fro biomass instead of crude oil at its European plants, as seen in this Alpine White reiteration.

Whether behind the wheel or in the back seat, Chua thoroughly basked in the expressive interiors of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive in the comfort of M model-specific luxury trimmings and certain high-tech features only such a car can provide. We’re talking about the curved BMW Interaction Bar for immersive navigation or high-definition entertainment on-the-go; Executive Lounge wears with optimised reclining functions in the rear; the sprawling Panoramic Sky Lounge LED glass roof; and a number of My Modes that offer customisable “auras” from mood lighting to display colours throughout the screens in the front dashboard and all four doors. 

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Both the physical key and BMW Digital Key Plus feature on the My BMW App provides contactless control of doors, which automatically open or close from the inside or outside of the car and from up to a distance of six metres. The car also features Dynamic Cruise Control, as well as Parking and Manoeuvre Assistants that can be controlled remotely using the My BMW App.

From its powertrain and its high-voltage battery and charging technology, to its comfort- and control-focused features, this delivers the optimum combination of electric mobility and superior sport performance for a driving experience that stands out in the luxury segment.

For more information on the BMW i7 M70 xDrive, visit www.bmw-m.com. 

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