Rovaniemi, Finland - German carmaker BMW plans to introduce a four-wheel drive version of its flagship 7 series limousine, the company revealed during winter testing in Finland.

The rugged variant of the 7 series will use BMW's Xdrive four-wheel drive system which features in the X3, X5 offroaders and in the xi 3 Series and 5 Series saloons. The new 7 will ride higher than the standard car and be fitted with underbody protection in the form of sump and transmission guards. The new car is likely to be unveiled in late 2009.

The 4x4 7 will also get BMW's Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) system which allows drive to be varied between the front and rear axles dependent upon traction, and between the left and right wheels in order to boost agility. The feature was first seen this year on the new X6 crossover, sports utility.

The new 7 will compete with the Audi Quattro A8 and the 4Matic S-class from Mercedes which currently dominate the market for high-performance four-wheel drive cars.

First prototypes of the four-wheel drive 7 have harnessed the beefy, 407-horsepower V8 engine from the current 750i but other power options are likely to be become
available.

BMW said the four-wheel drive 7 series weighs just 50 kilogrammes more than the standard limousine and uses only slightly more fuel in both urban and rural cycles. (dpa)