BMW’s largest saloon, the 7-series, will soon be available with the four-wheel drive ‘xDrive’ system. The 750i and 750Li will be the first to receive the xDrive treatment, but there has been no announcement as yet of the V12- powered 760Li being fitted with the system.

BMW claim that xDrive is able to identify and limit understeer by shifting torque to the rear axle whilst also applying a combination of throttle and rear-corner braking to maintain grip on any surface. There is a front-to-rear power ratio of 40:60 but BMW have allowed for as much as 80 per cent to be sent to the rear axle.

Also recently announced was the debut of an M-Sport 7-series. The M Sport package, available on all 2010 7-series cars, adds an M steering wheel, new body kit, high performance tyres and the BMW Dynamic Drive system.

750i and 750Li M Sport models will have an anthracite roof liner finished with aluminium and wood trim.