BMW Adds Three-Seat Rear Bench Option for the X6 and New Equipment Goodies for X5

Starting from April 2011, BMW X6 customers will be able to specify the crossover model with a three-seat rear bench. Up until now, the X6 was offered exclusively with a four-seat layout. The extra accommodation is available for all X6 models with the exception of the X6 ActiveHybrid, and can also be ordered for the X6 M. Besides the third seat that replaces the previous storage unit between the two rear passengers, the five-seat model also gets new leather options.

BMW also announced that the new batch of X6 models will feature shift paddles on the steering wheel whose operating logic follows the principle familiar from the M cars: for manual shifting of the eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, the right paddle is used for upshifts and the left for downshifts.

Furthermore, both the BMW X5 and X6 can be ordered with new Y-spoke design 20-inch alloy wheels shod in 275/40 and 315/35 front and rear tires respectively, plus a Comfort Access system that illuminates the car’s surroundings, and an updated range of ConnectedDrive services. The latter includes the BMW Apps option, which means that iPhone users will be able to access Facebook, Twitter and international radio stations, regardless of the car’s location.

BMW to Celebrate X5's Tenth Anniversary with Limited Edition Model

It's been ten years since BMW rolled out its first ever SUV model, the first generation X5 and to commemorate the occasion, the Bavarian firm will be releasing a special edition version of its second-gen X5.

Highlights of the limited production 'X5 Edition 10' will include a unique gray metallic finish, newly styled 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in beefier rubber, specific trim and upholstery options as well as a panoramic sunroof and of course, an array of commemorative badges inside and out.

More details and photos (the X5 pictured above is the Security model) are expected to be released closer to the special edition model's launch date this fall.