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.

BMW Z4M Roadster Cancelled?

If we are to believe a report from UK digital car magazine i-Motor, BMW has cancelled the development of an "M" version for the new Z4 roadster with the retractable hardtop because of the "ongoing financial crisis" and "lack of customer demand". Here's what the BMW spokesman -whose name was not disclosed- revealed to the British magazine: "Given the current economic crisis there is no business case for a full-on M version of the Z4".

If that's the case, then how can one explain the introduction of the X5M and X6M crossovers that are due to be unveiled this April?

Well, according to the unnamed spokesperson, the M-prepped variants of both the X5 and X6 were already under development and had been given the green light from the company's officials before the car market crashed down.

While we'll have to wait for some sort of official announcement from BMW to see whether or not the car has been truly canned, we must say that even though the X5 and X6M's development (may have) proceeded that of the Z4Ms, we fail to see the logic behind a decision that prefers two (totally unnecessary) M crossovers over an M roadster model, especially since the X5 and X6 are already offered with a mighty 408HP twin-turbo V8 engine.

Video: BMW X5 M and X6 M Prototypes with 500HP+ Bi-Turbo V8

As we have been officially informed from BMW's dedicated minisite, in less than three weeks time, on April 4, the Bavarian automaker will take the covers off the first ever 'M' variants of the X5 and X6 crossovers. While we've already seen official video clips of both prototype models, in one of the latest episodes of Grip, a German TV car show on RTL 2, we get the chance to see new footage of the X5 M and X6 M during the development phase of the two vehicles.

Both the X5 M and X6 M will be powered by a twin-scroll turbocharged V8 engine developing somewhere north of 500-horsepower. It should be noted that the same engine will replace BMW's naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V10 unit on the next-generation M5 and M6 models.

Via: Motor Spain

G-POWER X5 M and X6 M TYPHOON with 600hp

G-POWER's a well known BMW has released performance and equipment package for the new BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M. The aerodynamic kit is largely derived from the G-POWER Widebody-Kit TYPHOON.

Both SUVs feature a full carbon fibre front skirt with striking air inlets, a bonnet made of Kevlar hybrid or carbon fibre, and wide carbon fibre side skirts. A rear diffuser compliments the bragging four tailpipes. G-POWER says they emit a powerful deeptone sound. The X5 M is fitted with one-piece aluminium wheels measuring 11x23 and 12x23 inches while the X6 M's three-piece versions also have the same dimensions. Additionally the X6 M can be had with 22-inch wheels. Tyres are 315/25 ZR 23 high performance Michelins. The suspension systems can be lowered by 30mm.



The twin turbo engines were boosted from 408kW (550hp) to 441kW (600hp) at 6,000rpm and peak torque is 700Nm at 2,000rpm. Acceleration from 0 - 100km/h (62mph) happens in 4.5 seconds, 0 - 200km/h (124.2mph) in 16.2 seconds and top speed is beyond 300km/h (186.4mph).

Interior enhancements include a sports steering wheel, a G-POWER design speedometer, carbon fibre inserts and more.