Whether you call it a wagon or hatchback, BMW has been long working on a more spacious “Progressive Activity Sedan”. Although our spy photographers have spotted such a prototype testing, BMW has never official confirmed the project. However, the German automaker is coming clean and has announced that a PAS is indeed in the works.
A concept version — which will bear the Progressive Activity Sedan name — is expected to debut in the next few months, with a production version slated to make an appearance in late 2009, according to Autocar. The currently unnamed production version — possibly 5-Series GT — should start rolling into BMW dealerships in either late 2009 or early 2010.
The roomy sedan is said to have four large, fully adjustable seats and, as sources are telling us, small tables as well. Depending on the options and packages, PAS will be riding on 18- to 21-inch wheels. All-wheel-drive will definitely be an option, as well as several of the bells and whistles from the newest 5- and 7-Series models.
As seen in our spy photos, the car appears to be a pure hatchback with no room for a rear deck-lid — as our renderings show. Overall styling appears to be similar to the X6, but the vehicle spied has a taller roofline arc — allowing for more headroom in back — and the rear hatch looks more cargo-friendly. The PAS will also feature frameless windows.
Earlier reports said BMW’s next MPV would go head-to-head with Mercedes‘ R-class, but BMW instead decided to build a sedan-like crossover. This is probably a good decision for BMW as it better suits the automaker’s values and the R-class has been met with a lukewarm reception at best.
Size-wise, the 5-Series GT will fit between the 5-Series and 7-Series — with a roofline lower than the X6 — and will offer a ride height closer to a crossover than a sports sedan. The front of the car is said to be inspired by the Concept CS, but don’t expect the PAS to be a true sports machine — BMW will be targeting the 5-Series GT at older drivers that need a higher seating position than the normal 5-Series but don’t necessarily need the utility of an SUV or crossover.
No pricing figures have been released, but expect the the 5-Series GT to slot between the 5-Series and 7-Series sedans.
12/31, 1:11 PM
posted by:
inline6
So BMW is building the Malibu Maxx version of their 5-Series.
Will it be replacing the 5-Series Touring, or will they be selling this alongside it?
And seriously…”Progressive Activity Sedan”? Get over yourselves, BMW.
12/31, 1:17 PM
posted by:
atoms
its quite a fitting name, it’ll be exactly what i’ll say if i see one at the local dealership, PAS
12/31, 1:29 PM
posted by:
Borat
I am not marketing guru, but I believe that BMW needs it like hole in the head. They sell plenty of “touring” station wagon models in Europe and US and this deviant is just an excuse for artistic expression. Like all artistic expressions some are understood and some don’t. For their sake I hope that those who will appreciate this artistic expression will have means of acquiring one.
12/31, 1:49 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I like it alot. If BMW wasn’t so rediculously expensive, I’d buy one… for about $25,000. Heck, I think I’d buy any BMW if it were reasonably priced, including the ugly 1 series. BMW are you listening?
12/31, 1:56 PM
posted by:
Borat
JakeK66, BMW rep just called and he wants you to know that they manufacture Mini for you
12/31, 1:56 PM
posted by:
dodgeyaussie
Ghey
12/31, 2:17 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
If I wanted a FWD hatchback that was overpriced, why wouldn’t I just buy a GTI that has more room and doesn’t look like a toy? It at least has a german engine and I don’t get questioned on my sexuality (ok as much, it’s still a hatchback).
I mean a REAL BMW, with RWD that is larger than a matchbox car not loaded but also not a stripper model for around 25k.
12/31, 2:40 PM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
I’m really not looking forward to what what the 5er sedan is going to look like. Based on BMW’s latest styling language, it’s sure to be another mutt. Say bow wow BMW!
12/31, 3:01 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Hopefully it comes with a doppelkupplungsgetriebe.
12/31, 3:27 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
this looks gross… the back reminds me of a mazda 3 5-door
12/31, 3:42 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
Why not just up-date what you have then trying to come up with the next big thing? All the Money they spend in R&D, they could had given us Special Edition Models of there current line up, WTF???
12/31, 3:58 PM
posted by:
A True Gear Head
whatever happened toBMW building normal cars with normally aspirated engines, it was bad enough when they came out with the X5, then the e65 7 series, the X3, now they have an X6 and are coming out with this bull$hit, please stop, it used to be such a focused brand now theyre following MB
12/31, 6:41 PM
posted by:
deneway
Whats the point of this with the X6 already?
12/31, 11:14 PM
posted by:
NismoSentraKen
===>>that’s it deneway, there is none.
01/01, 3:24 AM
posted by:
ozyran
BMW - Boorish Mazda Wannabes
If I wanted a car that looked like a Mazda, I’d get a Mazda.
Congratulations, BMW - you copied a car that’s basically a leftover Ford product.
Shame on you BMW.
01/01, 10:21 AM
posted by:
BayernM
to tell all the truth, im not quite as pessimistic about this car as everyone is suggesting.
for one, the design cues like the lights and bumpers could be successful. But im not quite sure what kind of market BMW is trying to appeal to right now anymore. I mean, ive got an E60 5 series and its as simple as a family sedan, with a decent interior, and an engine.
by the way, please dont compare this car to a mazda….not cuz its untrue, but because it makes me want to cry lol
01/01, 12:24 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Wow.
Their starting to sound like Ford, with a small SUV, a large SUV, a station wagon, a small CUV, a mid size SUV…….
Quit pissing around the bush. It’s a station wagon. Start calling it that. Sounds like your talking about gym equipment, progressive activity my anal.
“What do you have in your driveway?”
“Oh, I have one of those BMW Progressive Activity Sedans!”
“Does it come with a treadmill?”
01/01, 6:14 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Oh, look… it’s an X5 minus the rediculous “offroad stance”.
Can’t people just say the word “wagon” anymore? Let’s all try it together now…
“W A G O N”
wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon wagon
See… there’s nothing horrible here… the world didn’t just come to an end. Just call it what it is and move on. It’s not a CUV or a Crossover or an “Activity Sedan” it’s just a good ol’ wagon.
01/01, 8:32 PM
posted by:
iluvamcars
Thats one really long back door. Thats one wierd WAGON.
01/01, 10:02 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
I liked it when the camouflage a$$, now… not so much.
01/02, 12:09 AM
posted by:
elviososa
FUGLY!!!
01/02, 12:11 AM
posted by:
olds307
whatever
01/02, 10:42 AM
posted by:
Stinky007
I have a hard time understanding the target audience of this car and I have a bad feeling that reading BMW’s “official press release” for this car will just reinforce my initial thought that this is a useless car designed for a make-believed target audience..
01/02, 10:47 AM
posted by:
RaineMan
I think BMW is hoping to catch people who are ditching their Escalades and Hummers for something a bit more sensible. All the cargo space… better performance… better mileage… what’s to lose? But I do agree 007, there isn’t much of a demand for wagons in the USA yet… especially premium ones.
01/02, 7:15 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Audi A4 wagon counts for 10% of Audi A4 sales.
Audi A6 wagon counts for less than 8% of Audi A6 sales.
BMW barely moves any wagon models in the U.S. A few hundred a year.
I like wagons. Apparently, somebody else doesn’t.
01/05, 2:10 AM
posted by:
Got Handling?
Raineman, I think you mean “estate car”
JakeK66, great idea, while we’re at it, wouldn’t a 50k Rolls be huge hit…