I drove the BMW i7 M70 for a week — this is what $192,000 buys you

I thought I knew what it took to be a luxury vehicle, but I was mistaken. While there is no shortage of luxury EVs on the market right now, if you’re looking for the one that makes a serious statement, you need to check out the BMW i7 M70.

After driving the 2026 BMW i7 M70 for a week, I've realized it makes many of the best electric cars look and feel ordinary. I say this with confidence as the automaker's high-performance flagship, this top-of-the-line trim indulges in features that put it a cut above the rest, making it feel years ahead of its time.

Naturally, its $192,075 as-tested price is like a mini-mortgage for most people — but if you have the disposable income to indulge, you’ll be driving something unlike anything else on the road. It really is the limousine of EVs. Here’s why.

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BMW i7 M70: Specifications

BMW i7 M70: Testing summary

I drove a total of 290.9 miles during my week of testing the 2026 BMW i7 M70 xDrive, averaging an efficiency of 2.3 mi/kWh — which, by industry standards, is quite poor. That is lower than the 2.56 mi/kWh average I recorded with the Porsche Taycan, and nowhere near the Lucid Air Touring’s class-leading average of 4 mi/kWh.

Then again, buyers eyeing the i7 M70 aren’t likely prioritizing efficiency. Based on this average, the car would yield a total range of roughly 233 miles on a full charge—significantly lower than its 285-mile estimate. However, I attribute this drop to the frigid conditions brought on by the Blizzard of 2026.

Furthermore, home charging is slow on Level 1 charging at home. I recorded a rate of just 2.31 miles per hour. While the i7 managed to recoup 29 miles of range over 12.5 hours of charging, I highly recommend installing a Level 2 charger to ensure the battery is sufficiently topped off during overnight charges.

2026 BMW i7 M70 : What I Like

Stunning Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof

Nothing makes me feel more like an executive inside the BMW i7 M70 than looking up at the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof. The all-glass rooftop appears unassuming at first glance, but it dazzles at night when the intricate, etched light patterns glow throughout the glass. Depending on which ambient lighting mode I select, the roof changes color to match the rest of the cabin’s interior aesthetic.

Over-the-top ambient lighting system

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Speaking of ambient lighting, the i7 M70 isn’t shy about being flashy. Everywhere you look, you’re immersed in light emanating from the BMW Interaction Bar. While some might find it gaudy, the faceted, crystalline structure — which spans the entire width of the dashboard and bleeds into the door panels — certainly commands attention. When these ambient lights are active, they transform the cabin into an entirely different world.

Clean aesthetics meets luxury cues

One of the reasons this i7 M70 costs a fortune is the inclusion of premium packages that drive up the total, with the Frozen Deep Grey paint adding $5,000 alone to the bottom line. Yet, the matte finish gives the traditionally sporty design a stealthy look that perfectly complements its aggressive lines — and I find myself particularly drawn to the iconic glow of the blacked-out front grille.

Self closing doors

Another feature that defines this as a luxury EV is the inclusion of Automatic Doors. While they certainly scream luxury, what sets them apart from other self-closing systems I’ve tested — like on the Cadillac Escalade IQ — is that I immediately close all the doors by stepping on the brake.

If you’re worried about accidental damage when it’s swinging open or close, like the door slamming against another car or a foot getting in the way, the system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstructions. I actually tested this with my own foot, and true to its promise, the door stopped immediately when it sensed an obstruction.

Rear seat lounge experience

I thought the driver’s seat was where all the action happened, but I was mistaken. Stepping into the back feels like entering an immersive, lounge-like sanctuary, complete with 5.5-inch touchscreen panels built into the door handles that allow you to customize the ambient lighting and control the media.

The experience is further elevated by the outstanding Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system and the near-total blackout effect created when the power sunshades cover the side and rear windows. And if that's not enough, you can relax in style with the massaging function of the seats.

Adaptive cruise control is very responsive

BMW’s $2,000 Driving Assistance Professional Package adds a significant layer of confidence with its superb adaptive cruise control. In practice, the i7 M70 essentially drives itself, utilizing smooth automatic braking and acceleration to maintain cruising speeds while responding flawlessly to changing road conditions.

Much like the BMW M5 and the iX xDrive45 I previously tested, I can initiate a lane change simply by glancing at the corresponding side-view mirror. Additionally, I still have the option to manually trigger a maneuver just by activating the turn signal.

A fun drive for a full-size sedan

For a full-size sedan, I have to say the 2026 BMW i7 M70 offers a surprisingly fun, sporty drive. Its dual motors deliver a peak performance of 650 hp, allowing it to rocket instantly from a complete stop. Overtaking is effortless thanks to the instant torque, while tight curves pose no challenge for this flagship.

2026 BMW i7 M70 : What I Don't Like

It’s obscenely expensive

As I mentioned, the BMW i7 M70 is obscenely expensive — positioning it more as a status symbol than anything else. I can’t deny that its unique features are atypical for most luxury EVs, but that extra premium still feels like a stretch.

Personally, I find that the Porsche Taycan offers a much more engaging driving experience, while those seeking a more reasonably priced luxury EV should look at the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron, which came with a $75,240 as-tested price.

Long hood makes for a challenging drive

With such a long hood, the BMW i7 M70 can be challenging and somewhat intimidating to maneuver. I’m rarely apprehensive about driving a sedan, but I have to admit this one took some time to get used to.

Thankfully, the front sensors and 360-degree cameras notify me when I’m getting close to an object, ensuring I’m not relying solely on my own visual perception of where that front bumper ends.

2026 BMW i7 M70 : Verdict

There were a lot of firsts for me with the 2026 BMW i7 M70, and they collectively show how this flagship stands apart from every other luxury EV I’ve tested. The convenience features are on an entirely different level, which is precisely why I’ve insisted that driving it feels like a true executive experience.

Ultimately, while its efficiency and eye-watering price tag might not make it the most practical choice for everyone, the i7 M70 is a prime example of how infusing futuristic tech into a vehicle can set it apart. It isn't just a car, it’s a $192,000 luxury lounge on wheels. If you have the means to indulge, you’ll find that standard luxury just won’t cut it anymore — it needs to be a step above, and that is exactly what’s presented here.

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