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Revealed at Auto Shanghai 2023, the i7 M70 is the second global electric 7 Series model. Interestingly, BMW offers a unique third version in China: the eDrive50L, which drops xDrive and the front-mounted electric motor. This rear-wheel-drive variant acts as the entry-level option, positioned below the xDrive60L. Notably, despite the “L” in their titles, all G70 models share the same wheelbase.
So, how much performance and power are you giving up? The i7 eDrive50L can only muster 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 650 Nm (478 lb-ft). Its power output is 86 horsepower (65 kW) and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) less than the xDrive60. It takes the less powerful electric 7er 5.5 seconds to go from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h), which is 0.8 seconds longer than the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model. Additionally, top speed suffers, dropping from 146 mph (235 km/h) to 127 mph (205 km/h).
Given that the i7 eDrive50L starts at 949,000 ($138,000) and the i7 xDrive60 at 1,459,000 ($212,000), there is a significant price gap between the two. Pricing information for the new i7 M70 will be released closer to the launch. Recall that the M Performance model’s 650 horsepower and 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft) enhance top speed to 155 mph (250 km/h) and decrease the sprint time to 3.7 seconds.
The i3 is an electric vehicle in China, unlike the well-known quirky hatchback. Instead, it’s a fully electric 3 Series, locally built on the long-wheelbase sedan platform. Only eDrive35L and eDrive40L rear-wheel-drive models are available. While China produces the BMW iX3, it also sells in many other countries.
Besides EVs, BMW creates extended 5 Series and long-wheelbase X1 and X5 SUVs in China. Production of the third-generation electric MINI Cooper three-door hatchback will start soon, and the Aceman subcompact crossover will launch in 2024.
