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Report: BMW finally green-lights 5-Series "Progressive Activity Sedan"
Call it V5, 5-Series GT, 5-Series Fastback, Progressive Activity Sedan... call it what you will. Whatever moniker you give it, BMW has evidently crossed the Rubicon and there's no turning back. As expected based upon BMW's previously leaked roster of 2009 reveals, the 5-Series -based hatchback has been approved. Called "one of the bravest designs ever signed off by BMW," it is BMW's take on everything-all-the-time: a flexible, luxury GT. Although it is being referred to as a 5-Series family member, the car is actually expected to arrive on the same platform as the 7 Series. As such, the PAS is coming off as the ultimate tweener car: longer than a 5-Series sedan, yet shorter than a 7-Series; taller than a 5-Series, yet shorter than an X6. Cost is expected to straddle the gap, too: it should cost more than a 5 Series but less than a 7-Series. One description offered was "more of a 'tall 7-Series hatchback than a low-rise X6."
At the very front, the PAS is said to take cues from the CS Concept. That nose treatment flows into a sedan-like lower body topped by an X6 greenhouse, rear hatch, and rear end treatment. Interior design cues will come from the new Z4, and a roomy, semi-raised cabin is promised. Possible engines for the car in Europe include the 3.0-liter turbo diesel, while a 3.0-liter gas could would come to the States.
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
BigMcLargeHuge 10:07AM (12/31/2008)
BMW keeps leaving me speechless, and not in a good way. This jaw drop is painful, not pleasant.
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Jared 10:59AM (12/31/2008)
Agreed. One more ugly and completely pointless BMW.
Other Man 5:51PM (12/31/2008)
I know. I continue to shake my head.
What kind of German thinking is THIS?
BoneHeadOtto 10:08AM (12/31/2008)
I can only hope that BMW makes that car look that good. But its of no matter to me. I cant afford it and even if i could i would be too worried about keeping it looking nice to use its utility. Give me a car like with without luxury ammenities costing considerably less and ill buy.
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dave 10:25AM (12/31/2008)
Uhm ... that would then be a Cirrus. They make 'em right now. Breaking news: not all cars are for everyone.
BoneHeadOtto 9:22AM (1/01/2009)
Uhm.... google search for Cirrus turns up no 5dr hatch cars. And if there is one its not sold in the US. Breaking News: - your reading comprehension sucks. I never said that car would be for everyone or that it shouldnt be made because it is not for me. But car manufacturers in the states think everyone wants a sedan, coupe, truck, or CUV. We have almost no 5dr hatch and sport wagons to choose from.
Coco 10:09AM (12/31/2008)
BMW = Bloated Motor Works = GMC of Germany
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Rick 10:11AM (12/31/2008)
From the physical description, it sounds like the bastard child. Who's at the wheel of BMW design these days?
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Egon 10:15AM (12/31/2008)
I'll take a pass on the PAS. I'm not opposed to innovation, but what's the deal with this apparent need to eek out a new niche?
"Uh, I beg your pardon: It's not a CUV or a SUV...it's a PAS."
"Well, excuuuuuuuse me!"
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Richard 10:22AM (12/31/2008)
Egon - I had precisely your thought re. passing on the PAS.
This is a Teutonic AWD Pacer/ Eagle Sedan (the AMC one)/Subaru Outback Sedan. All very high-selling vehicles (NOT).
But, as BMW proves, if the well-heeled non-too-smarts could be convinced that feces would make their high-protein, non-fat latte's more nutritious, they would buy the sh!#.
Avinash machado 10:20AM (12/31/2008)
"Progressive Activity Sedan" Well if that is progress I would rather be backward.
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Mazda FTW! 10:25AM (12/31/2008)
Sooo the Griswalds in National Lampoons used to own a Progressive Activity Sedan too!!! Because that was a wagon and so is thsi.
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Mark 10:43AM (12/31/2008)
Great. BMW is making SAABs now.
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ugg.tryptophan 4:41PM (12/31/2008)
Saabs have always served up niche cars, this bmw is just a really expensive joke
JD 10:44AM (12/31/2008)
As much as non of this makes sense to us, BMW knows more than we do.
I don't like this idea but I won't bash their decision until I see it fail. Most of their lines have been successful except the new X6 (yes, its new) and the almost-3series-priced 1-series.
They wouldn't do this just for the sake of innovation IF they know it is very likely to fail.
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LouCypher 11:03AM (12/31/2008)
The X6 and the 1-series happen to be their latest attempts at establishing themselves in a new market segment, so BMW's batting record is clearly heading the wrong way. Alas, this one will only confirm the trend.
PA Castaway 10:44AM (12/31/2008)
This, much like the BMW X6, is a college textbook case of sane people not speaking up in product development meetings.
Sometime in 2006...
"So, marketing has determined that we could sell anything we wanted, as long as it has a BMW badge on it. Hans, you look tired."
"I snorted way too much cocaine at Das Klub last night, and when I passed out in the urinal, I had this dream where I was in an oven with an X5. For some reason, a giant crack rock fell from the sky, smashed the back end in, and the rest of it melted."
"BRILLIANT! We'll call it the X6, have it weigh more, seat less, and be MORE expensive than the X5!"
Sometime in 2007...
"Chris Bangle! There's been a horrible accident at the test track! A 5-Series, Z4, X5, 7-Series, and a random Saab 9-5 hatch all crashed together, there was a huge explosion, they all fused together, and all 5 drivers suffered a horrifying and painful deaths!"
"Is the wreck still out there!"
"Yes."
"Go sketch it, then WE WILL BUILD IT AS A NEW MODEL."
*sigh*
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216 11:11AM (12/31/2008)
wow I must be the only person here who likes this?
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Michael 11:51AM (12/31/2008)
Nope.
I like the idea of it, too. It's popular to hate BMW, don'tchaknow?
why not the LS2LS7? 12:39PM (12/31/2008)
Michael, so it's in vogue to hate BMW? Is that why the Mercedes R class (similar design) didn't sell?
How about it's just because people don't like it?