Another useless model from BMW

mercury maid · 20-03-2009, 11:41 AM

http://www.motorauthority.com/previe...dan-pas-2.html

In late 2007 BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed plans for several all-new models including a design study called the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). Then, a couple of weeks back, BMW gave us the first tangible evidence of the new PAS in the form of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle. Today, the carmaker has released a new teaser video for the production version due to go sale in Europe this November.

Clear differences between the video version and the concept are the smaller wheels, regular beige leather interior, rounded exhaust tips and new side mirrors.

The body of the 5-series GT features a mix of elements from crossover, hatchback and wagon bodystyles, melding them together to create something that is relatively unique in the automotive world. While the styling may not be to everyone’s taste, BMW insists there is a market for a premium wagon with a coupe-like profile and plenty of innovative storage solutions. A take on the famous Hofmeister kink can be found at the rear of the window line, turning a very non-classical BMW profile into something more recognizable.

At 4.99m in length, only the flagship 7-series is longer than it. This provides plenty of room inside for passengers but oddly BMW has added seating for only four. One of the vehicle’s standout features will be its new two-tiered tailgate. The design enables owners to partially open the tailgate for small packages or stretch it all the way for bigger luggage.

BMW is yet to reveal what powertrain options will be available for the 5-series GT but expect to see most of the engines from the new 2010 5-series carry over. BMW is expected to launch the car initially with a new eight-speed automatic and six-cylinder engines and then expand the range to include an xDrive AWD option and V8 powertrains. A U.S. debut isn’t expected until early next year.

JPFS1 · 20-03-2009, 11:50 AM

Its success will determine if it will be 'another useless model'....

I suspect it will sell quite well... simply because the wealthy are still pretty wealthy and love to have the latest and greatest, if that means a PAS is it for them, then so be it... who cares.

Fev · 20-03-2009, 11:54 AM

looks like it wants to compete with that Audi offroad wagon thing - but uglier..

SM1DY · 20-03-2009, 11:58 AM

I probably won't be able to afford it, so I don't like it.

XR6_190 · 20-03-2009, 01:24 PM

Just when you thought the X6 was useless and pointless enough...

flappist · 20-03-2009, 03:13 PM

What is useless about that car?

JPFS1 · 20-03-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6_190

Just when you thought the X6 was useless and pointless enough...

And just like your ride is useless and pointless to a person that only likes to ride motorbikes....

Again... who cares!

How about we just show a bit more respect for varying tastes?

**Professor Farnsworth** · 20-03-2009, 03:38 PM

looks to me to be the possibility of a hot-seller. The styling isn't exactly to my tastes but i'm sure it is to many. Very few BMW's if any could be accused of being 'useless', in both ergonomics and sales figures.

dandandandan · 20-03-2009, 05:08 PM

Looks pretty cool in my opinion.
If it were to be tweaked by the M engineers at some stage, I reckon it'd be a popular vehicle of choice for those who could afford it.

Yellow_Festiva · 20-03-2009, 05:33 PM

Looks nice actually, almost a cross between sedan, hatch and wagon.

plext · 20-03-2009, 05:39 PM

Progressive Activity Sedan? Whatever happened to "Hatchback"? One suspects that the word is too low rent for the target market.

Bet they sell these by the shipload in the States.

**DJR-351** · 20-03-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SM1DY

I probably won't be able to afford it, so I don't like it.

I like it, but probably wont be able to afford it...

AUIIForte · 21-03-2009, 09:45 AM

Is having an 8 speed transmission actually more beneficial for daily driving and such? I've driven a few 6 speed auto's and it felt more than enough. Sometimes it even feels like (in the auto's) that 6 is too many because it struggles to choose which gear to be in.

Auslandau · 21-03-2009, 10:50 AM

I dont understand actually ....... Whats wrong with it?

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plext · 21-03-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by auslandau

I dont understand actually ....... Whats wrong with it?

Lacks a Cleveland.

GT0336 · 21-03-2009, 10:59 AM

I like it.

flappist · 21-03-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plext

Lacks a Cleveland.

It is a car not a boat, why would it need something to be moored to?

plext · 21-03-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

It is a car not a boat, why would it need something to be moored to?

You try to have a bit of fun and some jaunty nautical "Strength Through Joy" zealot starts talking about boats.

Though to be fair, one can see why an owner of certain vehicles would become confused on the issue.

**DJR-351** · 21-03-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

It is a car not a boat, why would it need something to be moored to?

No thats a fair comment, my brothers boat is moored to 4 Clevelands (and 2 Chevs).

Sorry, back on topic, if i could afford one i would probably buy one...

bigdude1011 · 21-03-2009, 07:21 PM

It will sell well, like other European "experiments", like the Mercedes CLS. But it doesn't stop you wondering what Chris Bangle spiked his former colleagues with.

EL_futuraistic · 21-03-2009, 08:49 PM

I dont understand the X6, and this new one looks like an X6 without the lift kit.

Surely concentrating on, less models with better equipment would be better considering the current economic climate.

Mercedes CLS isn't a bad looking car, although again they have a c,e and s class saloon cars and coupes............... so it probably is a little pointless.

Tles · 22-03-2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6_190

Just when you thought the X6 was useless and pointless enough...

X6 is good to drive and really has surprising performance and economy, an unbelievable handling. MIL has a Xdrive35i and they love it. Closest alternative for them was not a X5 or GL or RR Sport it was a Jaguar XF (can't tell me anyone here wouldn't have a XF-R happily) or a G6E-T which I suggested hungrily. They need the accessibility and seating position that these vehicles offer without it looking like a wagon or family truckster, but the ride and handling of a touring sedan.
Maybe BMW just realise that many of their owners are getting older and athritic but that shouldn't stop them being still active and enjoying driving, but don't want the compromise that come with a 2dr coupe as sometimes they pickup grandkids or take the dog.

Understand that you don't get it from your place in life, but makes great sense and is quite well executed crossover compromise - best choice from their place in life. I can already see the point in this other Beemer too.

Auslandau · 22-03-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plext

Lacks a Cleveland.

And here I was getting exciting about it :(

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

It is a car not a boat, why would it need something to be moored to?

Quote:

Originally Posted by plext

You try to have a bit of fun and some jaunty nautical "Strength Through Joy" zealot starts talking about boats.
Though to be fair, one can see why an owner of certain vehicles would become confused on the issue.

Love it

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