Rumors for 2009 X6 production - optional rear bench seat...

[morty]

I just spoke with a dealer that had heard BMW may offer a no-cost option for a rear bench seat for the X6. Seems they feel they are losing a few potential customers that want the X6 over the X5, yet need attach-points for three kids in the back seat.

I personally love the two bucket seats with the nice center console as it is now, but I’m sure there are some that would opt for the bench back there… they just better plan on putting a very small person in the middle, because I just don’t see much head-room available for that middle spot. The two side seats have the recess in the head liner; but I doubt they can do that for a center position. Also, a dedicated head rest in the middle will kill what little rear window visibility there is now…

Anyone else heard anything different for the 2009 production? Sounds like the revised I-drive may arrive later in the production year, but I have not heard that it will appear on the first run of ’09 cars.

[dmlgc]

If you have three kids to haul around ( and as any parent knows and all their stuff) the X6 will not be big enough. BMW should leave the X6 alone, they hosed the X5 by wussafying it to be able to add third row seating.

[shenard]

I think having as an option a three row bench is very smart because they are definitely losing customers over this option. I know of at least one customer at my dealer who ordered an X6 and when it came in he did not realize it was only two seats in back and canceled order and bought X5. I would probably like to order a bench seat because we just had a baby and I would like to put baby seat in middle and retain two regular seats

[dmlgc]

Originally Posted by shenard

I think having as an option a three row bench is very smart because they are definitely losing customers over this option. I know of at least one customer at my dealer who ordered an X6 and when it came in he did not realize it was only two seats in back and canceled order and bought X5. I would probably like to order a bench seat because we just had a baby and I would like to put baby seat in middle and retain two regular seats

I will not say what I think about someone that orders a car without ever looking at it. In your case is it that you want to haul baby and two people around or car seat will not attach to regular seat ?

[WEAPONX]

I'm interested in the X6 but the rear seating is discouraging- no kids but the bench option would be good .

[chuck92103]

If I had 3 kids I would not even get an X6 to haul them. X5 or something else.

[garbagejunk]

This would be awesome! Usually only me and the wife in the car. But when family and friends from out of town come to visit, I totally need a bench in the back. I was settled on not getting an X6 even though I really want one but if the bench rumor comes true I will totally re-consider getting one.

[Palbay]

Probably pretty smart thing for BMW to do if it's true.The 4 only seating is apparently one of the more polarizing items on the X6.I think BMW could add a bench in the back.....and still not ding the "Coupe" cache that goes with the X6.I would guess the availability of a bench would deepen the pool of potentional customers who have X'ed it off the list because of the 4 seats.I'll see what I can find out about that on my end.Thanks! PalBay

[Deda]

Originally Posted by Palbay

Probably pretty smart thing for BMW to do if it's true.The 4 only seating is apparently one of the more polarizing items on the X6.I think BMW could add a bench in the back.....and still not ding the "Coupe" cache that goes with the X6.I would guess the availability of a bench would deepen the pool of potentional customers who have X'ed it off the list because of the 4 seats.I'll see what I can find out about that on my end.Thanks! PalBay

I can not see why they will do that..if you want 4-seater coupe you will buy x6 if you want 5 seater than you will go for x5...it doesent matter, buyer stays at BMW dealership,just buying diffrent car,but same bmw production.

[shenard]

Originally Posted by Deda

I can not see why they will do that..if you want 4-seater coupe you will buy x6 if you want 5 seater than you will go for x5...it doesent matter, buyer stays at BMW dealership,just buying diffrent car,but same bmw production.

I would normally agree but I think a lot of people buy the X6 for the great styling and looks as well as performance and it makes a lot of sense for many people to have that extra seat. I would love to have that extra seat so I could put baby seat in middle and still carry two passengers in back.

[WEAPONX]

Originally Posted by Deda

I can not see why they will do that..if you want 4-seater coupe you will buy x6 if you want 5 seater than you will go for x5...it doesent matter, buyer stays at BMW dealership,just buying diffrent car,but same bmw production.

If I want a 4 seater coupe I'd buy a 3 series and save $ on gas and this is what I've been debating

[KJ]

Thing is, most Coupe's are FIVE-seaters. Sure the 5th seat may not be comfortable, but you can use it in a pinch. Or if you have a kid, it's an option.

I personally want the 3rd-seat for the rear of the X6. I don't have kids and probably won't during my ownership of the X6, but I find the rear centre console to be pretty "useless". It looks nice, but I don't see myself using it, or my rear passengers (who usually only ride on shorter trips) using it.

I think I would get more utility out of a 3rd seat in case I need to take a 5th friend on a trip, or give someone a ride somewhere.

If I had a kid, being able to put a baby seat in the middle and still take 2 friends out would be really nice.

And to the people who say "buy an X5 then!" I say, the X5 can't handle as good, accelerate as good, brake as good or look as good. That's why I would choose the X6 over the X5.

Why should I pay MORE for the X6 and not even have the OPTION for the 5th seat?

- KJ

[garbagejunk]

Originally Posted by KJ

And to the people who say "buy an X5 then!" I say, the X5 can't handle as good, accelerate as good, brake as good or look as good. That's why I would choose the X6 over the X5.

- KJ

And I LOVE the way the X6 looks hands down over the X5. I want the majority of the utility of an X5 but the looks of an X6.

[Palbay]

Originally Posted by KJ

I personally want the 3rd-seat for the rear of the X6. I don't have kids and probably won't during my ownership of the X6, but I find the rear centre console to be pretty "useless". It looks nice, but I don't see myself using it, or my rear passengers (who usually only ride on shorter trips) using it.

I think I would get more utility out of a 3rd seat in case I need to take a 5th friend on a trip, or give someone a ride somewhere.

If I had a kid, being able to put a baby seat in the middle and still take 2 friends out would be really nice.

And to the people who say "buy an X5 then!" I say, the X5 can't handle as good, accelerate as good, brake as good or look as good. That's why I would choose the X6 over the X5.

Why should I pay MORE for the X6 and not even have the OPTION for the 5th seat?

- KJ

Very,very good point that's not talked about enough in the X6 "Coupe" discussion.Most true coupe's DO have the ability to sit 3 people in the back seat.Might be a tight fit or "kid" size,but nonetheless,three seats.The bench,as an option, in the back of the X6 should be a nobrainer for BMW....now that the 35i and 50i are officially launched as "Coupe's".Are you listening BMW????!!!! Thanks! PalBay

[dmlgc]

Originally Posted by shenard

I think having as an option a three row bench is very smart because they are definitely losing customers over this option. I know of at least one customer at my dealer who ordered an X6 and when it came in he did not realize it was only two seats in back and canceled order and bought X5. I would probably like to order a bench seat because we just had a baby and I would like to put baby seat in middle and retain two regular seats

Shenard,
my wife explained it to me , if you have a car seat you want to put it in the middle so you can see the baby in the rear view mirrior. Makes sense to me.

[dmlgc]

Originally Posted by WEAPONX

If I want a 4 seater coupe I'd buy a 3 series and save $ on gas and this is what I've been debating

don't get it, if your debating between 3 series and X6 why does profile say you drive an X6 ?

[shenard]

Originally Posted by dmlgc

Shenard,
my wife explained it to me , if you have a car seat you want to put it in the middle so you can see the baby in the rear view mirrior. Makes sense to me.

That is what our preference is and why I said I would like to either see some kind of bench seat or possibly some kind of adapter later. The only problem I see with this every becoming possibility is that the third seatbelt is missing to secure person or car seat and I can't see there being any kind of aftermarket mod for this. Too many safety concerns and liability issues. I could be wrong.

[JMDHSMIAMI]

We drove the X6 from CT to Boston yesterday and our 20 pound dog had his pick of any spot he wanted...His choice....In the rear center console between the two seats.. ( We did have a towel down for him across the entire back seat..But he really loved it

[WEAPONX]

Originally Posted by dmlgc

don't get it, if your debating between 3 series and X6 why does profile say you drive an X6 ?

Waiting till November to make my final decision, but in the meantime I revised my profile.

[garbagejunk]

Anyone hear anything more on this? Didn't see it as an option in the 2009 ordering guide.

[chuck92103]

Originally Posted by garbagejunk

Anyone hear anything more on this? Didn't see it as an option in the 2009 ordering guide.

There is no rear bench. Defeats the point of a coupe and the rear climate control would get ruined by shoes. There is simply not enough room for a middle rear passenger even with a bench.

I think your best bet is an X5.

[dmlgc]

doubt they will add a bench seat, would think there would be structure/safety issues.