Audi is famous for its quattro AWD systems, but arch-rival BMW is cutting in on the action with a high-performance all-paw coupe of its own. An AWD option will be added to the 335i coupe when it launches the 335xi in the first half of next year.

The 300hp twin-turbo straight six will remain unchanged but with the added traction can beat the manual transmission and automatic versions of the RWD 335i coupe (pictured) to 60mph from rest by 0.1 seconds and 0.2 seconds respectively. Manual 335xi coupes take 5.2 seconds to reach 60mph, while auto models take 5.3 seconds.

The xDrive AWD system allows infinitely variable distribution of drive forces between the front and rear wheels, reacting in an instant to information gathered from sensors that can predict if a wheel is about to lose traction.

BMW has also announced plans to introduce a new torque vectoring rear axle for some of its RWD cars, designed to distribute drive torque individually between a car’s rear wheels to improve agility and stabilize the vehicle, while also providing better handling in critical situations.