To chonkoa:

1. Yes, F01/2 platform will be able to carry xDrive system.

2. E87 1er platform is also not capable to carry xDrive due BMW want to stress RWD character of 1er - the only car in a segment with RWD.

3. 550i is a top-end non-M 5er model and therefore a low-volume seller with highest sales in US & Middle East - total global sales of 550i in whole 5er global sales portfolio are marginal so BMW decided not to offer xDrive & save some development money (winter testings, Ring testings, fine tuning etc).


To martinbo:

1. Have no details on Dynamic xDrive (DPC + SCI), yet I'm very interested to see them.

2. Yes, quattro is much more holistic AWD approach, while xDrive is an AWD add-on to RWD. Also Quattro has a lot of history, while xDrive is a new TM, and therefore there is a need to heavily advertise it. BMW want to prove xDrive is just as good as Quattro (if not better) in on-road driving.

3. Very limited understeer & knife-sharp steering is one of the core virtues of BMW RWD vehicles. So BMW try to develop such AWD system to be as similar as possible to RWD vehicles - regarding steering. But with better handling - due better traction.

Mind that xDrive is still a fresh tech. Next generations of cars will be developed more with xDrive in mind so the system will be much better integrated in a car - to be more compatible with other car's characteristics (engine, chassis, tires, gearbox, suspension etc).

BMW invested a lot in xDrive development (new testing center in Arjeplog), hired many new drivetrain engineers, etc. They are taking AWD very seriously. Mind that MB is doing the same - for the first time 4-Matic is developed in-house, not in Magna Styer.

Quattro was one of the Audi's main advantage a while ago, while no it's "just" one of the many AWD systems, and Audi is only one of the many premium car makers offering AWD cars.

Audi are aware of that so they are "forced" to offer something else - just like Lexus they bet on excellent fit & finish. And on classical aesthetic design. But mind such advantages can be diminished very easily - just look at MB case: they improved fit & finish very quickly, and by a great degree.