For the first time ever BMW will offer all-wheel drive on the 7 Series, starting this Fall. The xDrive system will be optional on both the 750i and 750Li models, increasing BMW’s range of 7 Series cars to five.

The xDrive system as found in the 7 Series will give sure-footed stability while also delivering performance, as it will be able to send up to 80 percent of the power to the rear wheels, which should help limit understeer significantly. BMW’s Integrated Chassis Management system will then work to control throttle input while adding brake in the rear (somewhat like a limited slip differential) to give “perfectly neutral handling.”

BMW promises that additional enhancements will help the all-wheel drive 7 Series models be some of the most nimble AWD sedans in the market.

Additionally, BMW has officially announced the introduction of an M Sport Package for the 7 Series which includes an M steering wheel, a lift-reducing aero kit, 19- or 20-inch wheels and Active Roll Stabilization (on rear-wheel drive models only). A special Carbon Black Metallic color will also be offered.

Official release after the jump:

BMW 7 SERIES XDRIVE MODELS TO DEBUT THIS FALL.

Enhanced xDrive All-Wheel Drive System Available for the First Time on BMW’s Range-Topping Sedan.

In the continuing development of BMW’s flagship 7 Series line, BMW today announced xDrive all-wheel drive versions of the 750i and 750Li. When combined with the previously announced V12-powered 760Li, the 7 Series range grows to five variants for model year 2010.

BMW’s acclaimed xDrive all-wheel drive system has been enhanced for these new models to ensure that the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive set a new benchmark for handling characteristics among all-wheel drive sedans. BMW’s Integrated Chassis Management, using the remarkable speed of its FlexRay on-board network and the quick-responding xDrive hardware, is able to identify and limit understeer by shifting torque rearward (up to 80% to the rear axle) while preserving the stability for which xDrive has been so widely recognized.

As a second step, the Integrated Chassis Management system can then apply a precise combination of throttle and individual rear-corner braking in order to maintain perfectly neutral handling in a corner – regardless of road surface conditions.

These key enhancements to xDrive ensure that the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive will be two of the most nimble all-wheel drive sedans available in any vehicle segment.

For driving enthusiasts, model year 2010 also marks the debut of the M Sport Package for all 7 Series models. The M Sport Package includes an M steering wheel, lift-reducing aerodynamic kit, Active Roll Stabilization (RWD only), Shadowline trim, Anthracite headliner and 19″ wheels with ultra-high performance tires. 20″ wheels with ultra-high performance tires are available at additional cost. Carbon Black Metallic exterior paint is available with the new M Sport Package.