Anybody know? It will be a big oversight if it's not available.

Yep, look at the recent side crash ratings of the xB... very poor! The Yaris also had a poor rating, but with side airbags option it went all the way to good.

I too am very interested if the new xB will have these as an option or better yet, standard!

Bump as I'm curious about this too. I know it adds to cost but even a lot of entry-level cars like the Fit have this standard now.

I would have paid the $800 or so if they offered it.