BMW 7 Series Gains xDrive All-Wheel Drive for 2010
BMW introduces xDrive all-wheel drive to the 750i and 750Li saloons for the 2010 model year, pairing V8 TwinPower Turbo power with new traction technology.
BMW has added its xDrive all-wheel-drive system to the 7 Series for the first time, introducing the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive for the 2010 model year. Both models use the 4.4-litre V8 with TwinPower Turbo technology, producing 300kW (407hp), and now send power to all four wheels under electronic control.
BMW 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive: All-Wheel Drive Joins the 7 Series
xDrive System and Technical Highlights
The xDrive system in these saloons uses a power divider with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. This setup constantly monitors driving conditions and splits torque between the front and rear axles as needed to maximise grip. Under normal straight-line driving, the system sends 40 percent of power to the front and 60 percent to the rear. In bends, up to 80 percent can go to the rear axle to support steering response, before reverting to the standard split on exit for optimal traction.
- 4.4-litre V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology
- 300kW (407hp) maximum power output
- xDrive permanent all-wheel drive with electronic control
- Variable torque split: 40:60 front to rear in normal driving, up to 80 percent to rear in bends
- Available in both standard (750i) and long-wheelbase (750Li) saloon versions
Driving Dynamics and Appeal
BMW positions xDrive as a way to combine the traditional rear-drive handling feel of the 7 Series with the added security and traction of all-wheel drive, particularly in poor weather or on uneven surfaces. The system’s ability to respond quickly to changes in grip should appeal to buyers in markets with demanding winter conditions, where rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4Matic and Audi A8 quattro already offer all-wheel drive in their luxury saloons.
What xDrive Brings to the 7 Series Range
Until this point, the 7 Series had been offered only with rear-wheel drive, even as BMW’s xDrive system appeared in other models across the brand’s range. With the arrival of the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive, BMW matches competitors by offering its flagship saloon with all-wheel drive, broadening its appeal in markets where winter traction is a priority. The new variants retain the same engine and core features as their rear-drive equivalents, with the main change being the addition of the xDrive hardware and related electronics.
BMW has not announced any changes to the interior, equipment or exterior styling linked to the xDrive models. Both the standard and long-wheelbase versions are available, giving buyers the choice of rear or all-wheel drive across the high-performance V8-powered 7 Series range.
Market Context and Rivals
By introducing xDrive to the 7 Series, BMW follows the path taken by Mercedes-Benz and Audi, who have long offered all-wheel drive in their S-Class and A8 saloons. The move is expected to help BMW compete more directly in markets with harsh winters, such as North America, parts of Europe and Russia, where all-wheel drive is often a deciding factor in the luxury segment.
| Model | Drivetrain | Engine | Power Output | Torque Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750i xDrive | All-wheel drive (xDrive) | 4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo | 300kW (407hp) | 40:60 front-rear (normal), up to 80% rear in bends |
| 750Li xDrive | All-wheel drive (xDrive) | 4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo | 300kW (407hp) | 40:60 front-rear (normal), up to 80% rear in bends |
