Munich/Cannes. The latest BMW Films production will celebrate its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in France. The short film “The Calm” will offer audiences an enthralling dose of Hollywood action on board the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive. The fully electric range-topping model from the Bavarian premium carmaker will host the most spectacular scenes in the film, which has Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy series) and Uma Thurman (Kill Bill series) in the leading roles.

The premiere of “The Calm” sees BMW writing the next chapter in the history of BMW Films productions. With Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) taking executive producer credits and Sam Hargrave (Marvel Cinematic Universe) in the director’s chair, the seven-minute-long film also boasts the behind-the-camera star quality with which fans of BMW Films will be familiar. But that’s not all: the soundtrack for “The Calm” is the work of film score composer Hans Zimmer, whose trophy cabinet includes two Academy Awards.

“To be able to be a part of BMW Films’ legacy of creative filmmaking was an incredible opportunity,” said “The Calm’s” executive producer, Joseph Kosinski. “What Sam Hargrave has put together with Pom, Uma and the rest of the cast and crew is a perfect evolution of what BMW Films has always strived to deliver to fans. We are honoured to work with BMW for the return of this celebrated franchise.”

Spy thriller brings breathtaking action scenes to the rear of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive.

In “The Calm”, Pom Klementieff and Uma Thurman play a pair of secret agents who have been summoned separately to a meet point in Cannes. But first, the duo have to fight off some mysterious adversaries. Klementieff narrowly escapes a hijacking after an action-packed tussle in the rear of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. And later she discovers that Thurman has had a similar altercation (off-screen) in her hotel room, getting the better of two villains. The two protagonists duly come together in the Hotel Martinez to piece together the story behind their secret mission, which also has the audience gripped by suspense.

“BMW Films is an integral part of BMW’s rich history within the world of cinema,” said Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer & Brand BMW. “With the debut of ‘The Calm’ at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, we welcome back an important part of our legacy. The creative and innovative nature of this short film showcases the cutting-edge approach this series has taken since the beginning. Bringing the franchise back in 2023 with two powerful female leads feels especially poignant. And the fact that our fully electric vehicles are at the sharp end of the world’s first ever completely silent car chase sequence gives “The Calm” an additional relevance.”

“We’re thrilled for all film fans to experience ‘The Calm’”, said Stefan Ponikva, Vice President Brand Communication and Brand Experience BMW. “When we started out with this project, we knew we were working within a set of high standards, and we’re proud to be building on that tradition with this new and compelling storyline. This is a comeback that will give us all a lot of pleasure, I am convinced of that!”

Premiere of The Calm on the BMW Theatre Screen in the BMW i7.

This is a world premiere with a twist: Not only was “The Calm” filmed in a BMW i7 (among other locations), it will also be shown for the first time exclusively in the rear of the all-electric luxury sedan on 17 May 2023. Providing the requisite cinematic experience is the BMW Theatre Screen. This 31.3.inch panoramic display, which extends down from the headliner and spreads out horizontally across virtually the full width of the interior, teams up with the integrated Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 36 speakers to bring an unparalleled entertainment offering to the second row of seats. The Bavarian premium carmaker – which, as an Official Partner of the film festival, is also laying on a shuttle service of more than 200 electrified vehicles for the event – will transform the luxury sedans into exclusive private cinema lounges in Cannes, delivering a very special premiere experience.

“The Calm” is the latest instalment in the long history of BMW Films productions. For example, “The Hire” – a series of short films acclaimed by fans and critics alike – marked its place as a maverick in the digital film space before social media platforms existed. It was released exclusively online at BMWfilms.com and generated over 100 million views in the days before the proliferation of high-speed internet and YouTube. Most recently, “The Escape” captivated audiences with a suspenseful storyline around themes such as love, war, fear and death. And “The Calm” continues very much in the tradition of the original BMW Films productions, which have been directed by some of Hollywood’s best and brightest talents.

Movie fans will be able to enjoy the full-length version of “The Calm” on the BMW YouTube channel from 17 May 2023. Before then, a teaser for the film will be released on BMW’s social media channels, offering a tantalising preview of what’s to come.

• The fastest and most powerful model in BMW’s all-electric range.
• 650 hp and up to 811 lb-ft of torque translates to 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.
• Preliminary estimated EPA range up to 474 km.
• iDrive with BMW Operating System 8.5 featuring M-design content.
• Canadian market to also receive the 750e xDrive as of July production.
• MSRP for the 2024 750e xDrive will start at $142,500 CAD, while the 2024 i7 M70 xDrive will start at $185,000 CAD.

Richmond Hill, ON.  Today, BMW M introduces the most powerful purely electric model in the BMW portfolio – the 2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive. With two electric motors generating a maximum system output of 650 hp and an M-tuned chassis, the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive delivers a captivating blend of electric mobility and performance. The range-topping model of the new BMW 7 Series line-up will accelerate from  0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, making it the quickest fully electric BMW model.

The BMW i7 M70 xDrive marks another milestone for BMW M GmbH in its transformation to electric mobility. Following the launch of the BMW i4 M50 xDrive – BMW M GmbH’s best-selling model worldwide in 2022 – and the BMW iX M60 xDrive, the i7 M70 xDrive is the company’s third performance model to have an all-electric drive system.

The new i7 M70 xDrive will make its global debut at the Auto Shanghai international motor show in China and will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing – the competence centre for electric drive system production where both the electric motors and the high-voltage batteries for all variants of the BMW i7 are manufactured on site. The worldwide market launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive will start in the second half of 2023.

Rounding out the 7 series offering, the new 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid will be added to the portfolio as a 2024 model-year and will begin production in July of 2023.

The most powerful electric motor from BMW.

An M-specific configuration of the drive system technology enables the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive’s rear-axle motor to achieve new levels of power density. The drive unit has a six-phase design with a dual inverter. This forms the basis for a substantial increase in output that remains consistent as speed builds, endowing the BMW i7 M70 xDrive with the power delivery characteristic of M models. The motor’s power density of 2.41 kW/kg represents an increase of 25.5% over the unit that drives the rear axle of the BMW i7 xDrive60, resulting in what is currently the company’s most powerful electric motor.

This new benchmark figure can be attributed to using six excitation windings in the motor’s stator instead of the customary three. The resulting “double excitation” compared with conventional units allows the electric motor to generate an extremely high output, despite its exceptionally light and compact design, and to maintain it continuously at higher vehicle speeds.

Developing maximum power with the M Sport Boost function and M Launch Control.

The motor powering the rear axle produces a peak output of 483 hp. Working in coordination with the 255 hp motor at the front axle, the resulting all-wheel-drive set-up generates a maximum system torque output of 749 lb-ft in Sport mode and as much as 811 lb-ft when M Launch Control or the M Sport Boost function is activated. The drive system therefore offers outstanding thrust, capable of launching the i7 M70 xDrive from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

With the M Launch Control function, both drive and traction control are integrated into the motor control unit. This ensures the power generated by the electric motors is instantly converted into stunning acceleration without any loss of traction.

The M Sport Boost function is activated with the shift paddle to the left of the steering wheel and is visualised by Performance-specific graphics in the instrument cluster. At the same time, the standard BMW IconicSounds Electric by Hans Zimmer provides a fitting acoustic accompaniment by switching to an exhilarating, M Performance-specific tone.  The soundtrack’s character varies according to the vehicle setting selected, with distinctly different sounds in My Mode Personal and Sport.

Extremely dynamic performance, excellent long-distance capabilities.

The highly dynamic performance of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is complimented by excellent long-distance capabilities. Credit here goes not just to the efficiency of the highly integrated drive units, but also a wealth of measures for reducing power consumption. These include adaptive recuperation of braking energy and the heat pump technology used in the integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and powertrain.

Another factor contributing to optimized efficiency is the high-voltage battery’s impressive energy density. Located in the vehicle’s underbody, the battery provides 101.7 kWh of usable energy. This gives the BMW i7 M70 xDrive a preliminary estimated range of up to 474 km (estimated range of up to 474 km according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards), making it eminently suitable for everyday use. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is capable of AC charging at up to 9.6 kW, while DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 195 kW.

MAX RANGE operating mode.

The i7 M70 xDrive’s range can be moderated by activating a new drive system function; MAX RANGE. In this mode, drive power and top speed are carefully restricted and comfort functions scaled back, conserving battery power.

The MAX RANGE mode is primarily for critical situations where drivers are unable to recharge mid-journey where they had originally planned and must continue to an alternative charging point. To make the most of the available energy, the vehicle’s top speed is limited to 90 km/h, the climate control system is deactivated as are seat heating, seat ventilation, and steering wheel heating. A popup window appears in the control display indicating the recalculated range. The speed and power output gauges in the information display are also modified accordingly and the new energy conservation profile is taken into account in the range forecast.

The MAX Range mode can be selected using the control display’s touchscreen functionality, the iDrive Controller, or voice commands to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. It can also be deactivated by full-throttle acceleration (kickdown), engaging the M Sport Boost function, or switching the window defrost to maximum.

Powertrain and chassis technology in an M-specific application.

In addition to the extraordinary power of the drive system, chassis technology tuned precisely to deliver taut, confidence-inspiring handling contributes to a unique performance experience in the luxury segment.

The electric all-wheel drive, steering, dampers, and stability systems were all fine-tuned with the goal of producing exceptionally sporty handling for a model in this class without sacrificing high comfort over long distances. Helped by the almost silent drive system, passengers in the rear seats in particular enjoy sumptuous levels of comfort. On the other hand, when the road begins to twist and turn, the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive displays the blend of power, agility, and precision with which BMW M models are synonymous. The My Mode Sport activates powertrain and chassis settings geared to dynamic performance for an exhilarating driving experience. 

Standard on the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is an M-specific adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and automatic self-levelling. M-specific air springs with reduced-volume hydraulics are also used to optimize damper response.

An additional shear panel between the bulkhead and spring strut towers produces a substantial increase in body rigidity at the front of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. Also present are Integral Active 4-Wheel Steering and Active Roll Stabilization (part of Active Comfort Drive Pro). As well as helping to increase comfort, these two systems – together with the stiffer body – hone the vehicle’s handling dynamics.

The dark blue M Sport brakes with M logo fitted as standard come with large brake discs for increased stopping power. Brake calipers painted in black are available as part of the optional Dark Optics Package. The standard 21-inch M light-alloy wheels on the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive feature an exclusive, aerodynamically optimised design with a Jet Black burnished finish and matte black metal inserts. And for the first time on the i7, high performance tires (on 20-inch wheels) are offered as an option.

Sporting presence, luxurious elegance, stylish individuality.

The superior performance of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is reflected in its confident design. The imposing presence of the front gains additional visual impact with the contour lighting for the BMW kidney grille. On vehicles specified with the optional Dark Optics Package, the illuminated grille is fitted with a surround in high-gloss black for the first time.

M-specific design features along the flanks and at the rear of the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive distinguish the performance variant of the i7. Sculpted M side skirts, M logos with embellished borders on the front side panels, black window surround, and black M exterior mirrors with the traditional twin-stalk design add sporting flourishes.

A model-specific rear apron with diffuser insert rounds off the vehicle's expressive appearance. Vehicles specified with the optional Dark Optics Package feature a black M rear spoiler, a black accent strip between the rear lights, and an inlay – also in black – for the rear apron. 

New variants of the BMW Individual two-tone paint finish. 

A vast selection of exterior paint shades is available for the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive, including variants reserved exclusively for BMW M models and striking matte-finish Frozen paint options. Owners can add an extra layer of visual impact with BMW Individual two-tone paintwork, which can now include BMW Individual special paintwork colours. Available from the launch of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the combination of Liquid Copper Metallic for the lower section of the body and Black Sapphire Metallic for the upper section. An exquisite, precisely drawn coach line separates the two colour zones like a delicate signature.

In addition, the range of exterior colours offers customers broader scope for personalization. For example, two-tone variants and over 100 BMW Individual special paintwork colours allow them to find a design that precisely matches their taste, bringing a very personal touch to the appearance of their BMW i7 M70 xDrive.

750e xDrive comes to Canada as fourth variant of the new 7 series. 

Rounding out the 7 series offering, the new 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid will be added to the portfolio as a 2024 model-year and will begin production in July of 2023. The 2024 BMW 750e xDrive will join its stablemates, the new i7 M70 xDrive, as well as the i7 xDrive60 and the 760i xDrive, which were both available from launch in late 2022.

In the new BMW 750e xDrive, the new electric drive system is linked to a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, developing a rated output of 308 hp and rated torque of 332 lb-ft. Working in tandem, the two power sources produce system output of 483 hp (with temporary boost) and system torque of 516 lb-ft. This allows the new BMW 750e xDrive to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and from 80 – 120 km/h in only 2.7 seconds.

The drive system fitted in the plug-in hybrid model brings together a six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The power generated by the two drive units is channelled to the road via the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

The electric motor features the latest generation of BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid models. The synchronous motor with a specific power output of more than 5.0 kW/kg has a rated output of 194 hp and its rev band has been stretched to a maximum 11,500 rpm.

In addition, a pre-gearing stage is used to increase the torque produced by the electric motor at the transmission input on the engine side. This innovation, patented and used for the first time by BMW, enables the electric drive system integrated into the transmission housing in a compact, weight-saving design to generate drive torque available either on its own or in addition to the power developed by the combustion engine that could normally only be achieved using a far larger and heavier electric motor. The optimised power delivery achieved with the pre-gearing stage between the electric motor’s rotor and the transmission’s input shaft makes a clear difference both when accelerating off the line and putting in a quick burst of speed.

The electric motor for the plug-in hybrid models sources its energy from a lithium-ion high-voltage battery installed in the vehicle floor, which is likewise the product of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. At 14.4 kWh, the battery’s usable energy content is more than 50 per cent higher than that available with the previous generation of the technology. Maximum AC charging power is 7.4 kW. 

Updated BMW Operating System 8.5 with QuickSelect.

The new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is one of the brand’s first models to feature the updated version of the control/operation system BMW Operating System 8.5 with QuickSelect. In order to make selecting and operating numerous functions and digital services even more intuitive and comfortable, the latest generation of BMW iDrive offers a newly designed home screen and QuickSelect functionality. This brings an improved menu structure that takes its cues from consumer electronics devices. By showing the right information in the right place, the new BMW iDrive helps to deliver a focused, assured driving experience.

The BMW iDrive update also enables a broader offering of digital content for information and entertainment, shorter function update cycles, better information on charging points for electric vehicles, and improved access to a host of specific online services. BMW iDrive with QuickSelect along with the BMW Curved Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, focuses squarely on operation using the touchscreen and natural language.

BMW Operating System 8.5 will be introduced to all 2024 model-year 7 series and i7 variants as of July 2023 production and will be available via remote software update for all model-year 2023 7 series and i7 vehicles.

Functions are shown on a single level and can be activated using rapid-access tech.

The new home screen displays the navigation system’s map view or other individually configurable graphics at all times. On the same level, function icons appearing in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the user interface can be selected with a swipe of the finger. QuickSelect allows the associated functions to be accessed directly and without having to pass through a submenu. And once the relevant settings have been chosen, a quick tap on the home icon at the lower edge of the display is all it takes to return to the home screen.

The new menu structure makes activating functions and settings much faster and simpler. The on-board digital content – just like the hardware, in the form of the BMW Curved Display – is designed to enhance the driver’s focus. BMW iDrive provides the right information in the right place and at the right time.

The emotionally engaging performance experience on board the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is further enhanced by M-design content in the BMW Curved Display. In key areas, the typeface and presentation of graphics reflect those in the cockpit of high-performance models from BMW M GmbH. The numbers in the speed read-out on the information display appear in a platinum/silver colour.

BMW Maps with new charging-optimised route guidance.

Other highlights of the new BMW iDrive include the extended functionality of the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps. It now offers not only Augmented View on the information display behind the steering wheel, but also improved functions for even more precise charging-optimised route planning. This helps to make long journeys in the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive more relaxing as well as quicker and more efficient.

Added to which, the services and apps already introduced in the new BMW 7 Series are also available with BMW Operating System 8.5. For example, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and other voice-controlled assistants, BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades, BMW Remote Software Upgrades, video streaming on the control display, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and My Modes can also be used in the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive.

Specifications.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 50 BMW automobile retail centres, 21 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca