To keep pace with rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi, BMW will offer an all-wheel-drive option for its flagship model for the 2010 model year. Based on the xDrive all-wheel-drive system in the automaker’s X5 and X6 SUVs, the 7-Series will only offer four-wheel motivation with the 4.4-liter V8 in the 750i and 750Li.
The system will normally send about 60 percent of its power to the rear axle, though it will be capable of sending around 80 percent for more aggressive driving.
This will be the first time that BMW has offered an all-wheel-drive variant of the 7-Series; Mercedes-Benz introduced its 4Matic system on the previous-generation S-Class and Audi has long offered a quattro flagship sedan.
The announcement follows up on yesterday’s news that an all-new twin-turbo inline-six diesel will also be offered in the 7-Series. Expect both the diesel and the xDrive-equipped 7 to be unveiled later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
06/24, 9:43 AM
posted by:
05Z88Path
BMW engineers must be among the busiest in the industry. It seems that BMW is constantly adding models, engine variations, or in this case even drivetrain variations. Just an observation….
06/24, 10:30 AM
posted by:
projectzr1
Always just a lil bit behind the rest of the curve
06/24, 11:00 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
now the s-class has definitely left my desire to want it. It’s only down between the s8 and bmw 7!
06/24, 11:01 AM
posted by:
Madcapp
If you live somewhere that AWD is necessary, then you should just get the SUV…in this case an X5 or X6. And really, if you live somewhere that AWD is necessary, you just need to put the “for sale” sign in the front yard and move further south, and quit shivering your balls off.
06/24, 1:25 PM
posted by:
winnipegjets
This was only a matter of time. it will sell well up here in canada, and the northern US, and in europe too. but seriously its about time. Also, Madcapp, not everybody that lives in frigid climates wants to drive SUVs because we can and do have nice summers.