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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.

Following a teaser announcement back in March, German tuning specialist Vorsteiner has launched its new VRS Aero Package for the BMW X6 M crossover. Trying to improve the X6 M's appereance ain't an easy task, though Vorsteiner seems to have pulled this one off with its new kit.

At the front, the Germans opted for a carbon fiber front spoiler, which increases downforce on the front axle while also channeling more air towards the engine and brakes. The new hood is also made from the same lightweight material and features vents that extract the heat produced by the stock 555 hp twin-turbocharged V8.

BMW's North American division has issued two separate voluntary recalls of some 151,000 vehicles sold in the USA to fix fuel-pump defects that may reduce engine performance and in some models, even a loss of power assist for the steering and brakes.

The first recall concerns certain model year BMWs equipped with twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engines, including the MY2007-2010MY 335i, MY2008–2010 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupes, and MY2009 – 2010 Z4 Roadster sDrive35i. The Bavarian company said approximately 130,000 vehicles are potentially affected from this recall with about 40,000 expected to require a new high pressure fuel pump.

Driving in the snow can be a lot of fun if you know what you're doing. But not everyone is an ace behind the wheel and even if they are, there's always room for improvement. Enter BMW's Winter Driving Experience event that offers special training courses all over Europe, in a variety of road conditions.

For starters there's the BMW Snow Intensive Training course in Sölden (Austria), where you can fine tune your braking and steering technique driving the new BMW X3, 5-Series and the M3, on both uphill and downhill routes.

After mastering the basics, you can switch to the BMW Snow Drift Training, also held in Sölden, where you can drift for a half a day in a 420 hp M3, yodeling all the way.

Starting from late October, BMW will begin offering to North American buyers a suite of parts from its 'Performance Accessories' division for the X6 crossover. The range includes a power kit, styling package, unique alloys and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The power kit will be available for xDrive35i and xDrive50i models built between 2008 and 2010. New engine software is claimed to increase engine output and responsiveness without increasing fuel consumption or exhaust emissions.