Hey Audi! All those A8s and S8s you’ve been selling from under us haven’t gone un-noticed. At least that’s what I imagine the board of directors at BMW has been thinking for the last 10 years. Whereas a brand like Mercedes always holds a certain elite cache with the S-class sedan, BMW, Audi and Jaguar continue to fight for drivers in search of a more sporting ride. Jaguar and BMW have held the rear wheel drive trophy and Audi has taken the sub-set of those buyers who were either living in Colorado, Alaska or wanted the extra safety of the Audi quattro system. Well, no longer will BMW let Audi steal all those cars without a fight.

The xDrive system has been in use (at least under that moniker) for a few years now and is now as robust as any other system out there (4Motion, 4Matic, etc.). It’s transition to the 7 series is an obvious evolution from the 3, 5 and X series cars. As such, the offering will be available in both short-wheel base and of course, long-wheel base, but it will not be available in the low-end petrol and diesel models.

With a 30:70 front:rear bias, the typical RWD driving feeling will stay, while the xDrive contributes to better traction & handling in slippery conditions. The new 7 Series is showing that in areas of design, engineering and innovation that will show evolution above and beyond most other full sized luxury sedans. It’s design goes back towards the mainstream with a lack of such dramatic “flame surfaces” in the previous model and a more agressive look and stance. No doubt, this will be the best 7er we’ve seen from BMW.

The 750i xDrive will be available at the Frankfur Auto Show next year. See below for pictures of the new 7 series chassis as well as pictures of the 4wd version thrashing around some snow banks.