BMW is set to take a huge risk by pressing ahead with the launch of
the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) executive hatchback, a ‘5-series
GT’. The controversial BMW PAS is due to be unveiled in late
2009. One senior company source has told Autocar that the 5-series GT
is “one of the bravest designs ever signed off by BMW”. But insiders
describe the car as a ‘modern grand tourer with a luxury cabin and
interior flexibility’. The BMW PAS expected to be priced between
the BMW 5-series and BMW 7-series and pitched at drivers who like a
higher driving position but are not keen on full-scale SUVs. One
source has suggested that BMW is aware of an ageing population who now
find conventional saloons’ seat positions too low for comfort. Those who have seen the 5-series GT in the metal describe the BMW PAS as more of a ‘tall 7-series hatchback than a low-rise X6’. The car is based on the latest version of BMW’s large rear-drive platform, first seen under the recently launched BMW 7-series. Although
the precise dimensions are not yet known, the PAS is slightly longer
than a 5-series saloon and just shorter than a 7-series. It also rides
slightly higher on its wheels than a normal road car. The car’s overall height is pitched almost exactly between a 5-series and an X6, with higher than normal seating positions. Insiders
say this layout allows the PAS to offer the same rear leg room as a new
long-wheelbase 7-series. Despite the sloping roof line, head room is
said to be more than adequate. The cabin is based on the same
flowing theme revealed in the new Z4, with a wide centre console.
Sources say front passengers get a “relaxing, semi-raised position”. Although the 5-series GT gets a lower body similar to that of a saloon, the roof line and rear hatch are pure X6. The
car’s front end has more of a ‘nose cone’ look, rather like the
recently cancelled CS concept. It also gets frameless doors, though
there are no plans for a convertible spin-off. The gently sloping
roof line curves into an X6-style ‘fastback’ tailgate. The rear of the
car is also said to be like the X6, with a lip at the base of the hatch
window and a flat rear panel underneath it, between the rear light
clusters. Sources say the tailgate works in a similar way to the
Skoda Superb’s, either as a hatch or with a saloon-style boot lid. But
in the BMW it’s the upright rear panel that flips up, offering a letter
box-shaped opening. No definitive details have emerged about
the 5-series GT’s technical specification, but it’s thought most
European models will get a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine and most US
cars will use a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol. |