Facelifted 5 series and E70 X5 - a new option?

[xdrive]

Not sure whether you guys have seen the latest update on the 5 series (http://www.bmw.com/com/en/index_highend.html). The updated 5 series will be using the E70 transmission and shift lever and guess what, it will have an additional function - the PADDLE SHIFTERS on the steering wheel! Is this going to be an optional item for the E70 X5 as well? Why do they put it in the facelift 5-series and not the E70 X5 .... this is frustrating!

[LeMansX5]

http://www.xoutpost.com/other-bmws/25...ring-pics.html

[xdrive]

Oops! just realise that you have posted that in the "Other BMWs" section. You are the best! Btw, any comment on the paddle shifters that is going to be available for the 5-series but not on the E70? Will they be available in April as with the auto tailgate? I really hope that they will add the paddle shifters as an option to the E70 soon?

[xdrive]

I was looking at the pics of the new facelift 5-series and saw that there were two different version of the new gear shift lever. Is it correct that there will be a new 6-Speed Auto with E-Shift (same as the one used in the current E70 X5) and a new Sport Automatic Transmission (with the paddle shifters) for the new facelift 5-series? In other words, the one now used in the E70 X5 is not the new Sport Automatic Transmission, isn't it? If so, do you think that this new Sport Automatic Transmission will be made available for the E70 X5 later? any chance during 2007?

[xnsf]

I thought the paddle shifters were just optional, like on the 3 series. Although, I think it's included if you pick the automatic.