Autoblog

Spy Shots: BMW 5-Series GT

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:57:00 EST

A couple of near production-ready 5-Series GTs have been caught on BMW's home turf, and to our eyes they don't hurt the car, but they don't make a case for it either. The last time we were in this situation -- hoping a car's production version would be a huge improvement over it's pre-production form -- was with the Porsche Panamera, and we know how that ended. While we're certain this Progressive Activity Sedan has some purpose, we wonder where are all of these potential buyers are who supposedly demand a little more cargo room than a 5 Series sedan, a little less than a wagon, and one less seat. Check out more photos by clicking the image above.

[Source: 5post]

Spy Shots: BMW 5-Series GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 5 Series Gran Touring Concept

BMW is back at it again with the 5 Series Gran Turismo concept, inventing categories that don't yet exist with a vehicle that isn't quite a sedan, wagon, crossover or SUV. Instead, the Bavarian automaker refers to its new vehicle as a Progressive Activity Sedan, which apparently means that it's a fastback wagon that sits a bit higher off the ground than normal sedans. If you love the shape of the X6 but don't need the ground clearance, you'll probably find little to complain about from the 5 Series GT.

While we're not quite sure we're on board with the new bodystyle, one feature we do admire is the two-piece, double-jointed tailgate. It's a clever take on the classic problem of how to access the rear hatch in tight quarters. Once open, that space can hold a cavernous 58 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seats folded down. Regardless of the total amount of room, we've got to wonder if that oddly shaped opening will severely limit what can fit in the boot.

For such a large vehicle, there's not that much room inside for passengers. Just four occupants will find a spot for their keisters, though it does appear that each of them will be coddled with plenty of room (all four seats slide fore and aft) and electronic gadgetry. The center console extends from the dash all the way to the rear seating area, providing a spot to put elbows and doodads in their respective places. Our guess is that production won't be too far in the future and with only mild changes to this concept's basic design. Check back next month for live shots of the Tourer from the Geneva Motor Show. Complete press release and videos after the jump.

Gallery: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo concept

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept

Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lo-Res Rumormill: BMW PAS concept surfaces

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, BMW

BMW's 5 series-based Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) is due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, but the very low-res image you see above could be the first official shot of BMW's new segment-defying sedan.

Although it's impossible to discern whether the pic is authentic, the design language is clearly an evolution of BMW's current aesthetic and the hatch bears a strong resemblance to the BMW X6. Since the PAS is built atop the 5 series platform, expect a range of both gasoline and diesel powertrains, including variants of the twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline six.

Supposedly, European journalists will get a sneak peak of the concept tomorrow, so expect more details to be revealed as the lead up to the show unfolds.

[Source: CarSpyShots via WCF]

Lo-Res Rumormill: BMW PAS concept surfaces originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW sketches out Progressive Activity Sedan; genre-bender now rumored to debut before Geneva

Noah Joseph — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW

Click on the image above to watch a video teaser of BMW's forthcoming PAS

BMW seems to enjoy confusing us with new cross-segment body-styles. Next up to bat is the Progressive Activity Sedan, a sort of hatchback version of its upcoming 5 Series, positioned in between the 5-Series sedan and touring models. We've seen the PAS (which hopefully won't turn out to be a PoS) in test mule guise racking up the development miles, but sources now suggest that BMW is preparing to give the quirky concept its press debut at a dedicated event on February 11-12 in Munich.

Lending credence to that notion has been the appearance of an odd video sketch centering on the design philosophy behind the PAS. The video gives precious few details, but it does hint at a dual-access hatchback configuration and illustrates BMW's priorities with the model, most of which center around occupant accommodation. (The video makes alarmingly little mention of driving dynamics).

If the rumored debut dates are true, that's almost a month ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, and it could mean that its public debut will be held there in Geneva after the press has had its fill. Alternatively, BMW could decide to launch the conceptual pre-production PAS in February, the conventional new 5-Series in March at Geneva and wait to debut the production PAS until Frankfurt in the spring. With this kind of gradual reveal in the cards, we're starting to understand what BMW means by "Progressive."

[Sources: BMW; World Car Fans]

Continue reading BMW sketches out Progressive Activity Sedan; genre-bender now rumored to debut before Geneva

BMW sketches out Progressive Activity Sedan; genre-bender now rumored to debut before Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW finally green-lights 5-Series "Progressive Activity Sedan"

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rendered Speculation

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]

Report: BMW finally green-lights 5-Series "Progressive Activity Sedan" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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