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Spy shots: BMW 5-series GT on the streets of Munich

 
24 30,479 views May 5, 2009

2009 bmw 5 series gt concept 003

The new 5-series GT will first go on sale in Europe this November and should arrive in the U.S. early next year

The new 5-series GT will first go on sale in Europe this November and should arrive in the U.S. early next year

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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, at March's Geneva Motor Show, BMW gave us the first tangible evidence of the new PAS in the form of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle. Today, we have new spy shots of the production version that's due to go sale in Europe this November and in the U.S. early next year.

Clear differences between the production 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's relatively unique in the automotive world. While the styling may not be to everyone’s taste, BMW insists there's 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.
2009 BMW 5-series GT concept
2010 BMW 5-series GT spy shots

2010 BMW 5-series GT production version teaser


HI-RES GALLERY: 2009 bmw 5 series gt concept 003

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 bmw 5 series gt spy shots february 005




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Comments (24)

  1. By Brad Posted: 6/24/2008 10:42am PDT

    I dont know if BMW's plan to create new classes of vehicles is going to work with the X6, and now this thing. It will be interesting to see if they work out bmw.
     
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  2. By Gus Posted: 6/24/2008 12:09pm PDT

    All I know is, "progressive activity sedan" is the single dumbest description for a car I have ever heard of in the western world.

    It definitely even out stupidifies "Sport Activity Vehicle" and the ubuquitous SUV.
     
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  3. By Gus Posted: 6/24/2008 12:10pm PDT

    "Hey, Baby, would you like to come outside and see my Progressive Activity Sedan?"
     
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  4. By james Posted: 6/24/2008 3:45pm PDT

    the most progressive thing they could do would be to give it zero emissions and 200 miles to the gallon. building a large, gas guzzling, useless "sedan" is just about the opposite of progressive
     
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  5. By Gus Posted: 6/24/2008 4:14pm PDT

    Yes, but Buffy and Miles will line up at the door in their crew neck sweaters, checks in hand, for the "progressive" vehicle that laps the Nurburgthing in under 5 minutes!
     
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  6. By Alan Posted: 6/24/2008 4:53pm PDT

    I hope BMW just stick to making proper sedan and coupe with sporting values. All these new weird looking niche cars doesn't seem to suit the brand for me
     
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  7. By NaBUru38 Posted: 6/24/2008 5:20pm PDT

    There's a strong smell of minivan around this article...
     
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  8. By beken Posted: 6/24/2008 5:23pm PDT

    Another company tried this before. I think they called it the Aztek...
     
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  9. By HECTOR Posted: 6/24/2008 6:44pm PDT

    What you say Gus is right on the money and a reason why BMW is in my shit house. A company with such a distinguished heritage should not pander to tools. And only tools will drive something called the Progressive Activity Vehicle.

    If the Ferrari 599 was called the Progressive Activity Vehicle I wouldn't buy it (had I the money) and even Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid cringe at hearing such a moronic name.

    But you can bet you ass the thing will sell well. Which will go to show you the many tools that surround us.
     
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  10. By mofox Posted: 6/25/2008 3:14am PDT

    i love it ..... though it resembles the X6.
     
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  11. By phreshone Posted: 6/25/2008 11:02am PDT

    PAS must be how you say 5-door to luxury car buyers so they don't realize they're buying a hatch-back... That said, if this thing weighs in at south of 4000lbs, there will finally be a modernized RWD SAAB back on the market.
     
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  12. By NoNameDenton Posted: 7/29/2008 10:22pm PDT

    Maybe they feel the name Progressive Activity Sedan will sell better in places where people shun hatchbacks (like the United States).
     
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  13. By justin Posted: 7/29/2008 10:30pm PDT

    Progressive Activity Sedan... yea ill PAS on this car
     
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  14. By Michael D. Posted: 7/29/2008 10:52pm PDT

    Looking quite good with much to offer - will this be available in the USDM?
     
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  15. By NaBUru38 Posted: 7/31/2008 4:53pm PDT

    I change my opinion: with four seats, this car isn't.
     
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  16. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 1/29/2009 6:26pm PST

    I bet good money they do an M version
     
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  17. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 1/29/2009 9:46pm PST

    Once again, an answer to a question nobody asked... It seems BMW is trying to out-niche everybody else. 1 series, 3 series, 5, 6, 7, X1(upcoming), X3, X5, X6, PAS, M versions of most of those, the car formerly known as Crossman etc, etc.
     
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  18. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 2/27/2009 6:58pm PST

    Once again, an answer to a question nobody asked... It seems BMW is trying to out-niche everybody else. 1 series, 3 series, 5, 6, 7, X1(upcoming), X3, X5, X6, PAS, M versions of most of those, the car formerly known as Crossman etc, etc.

    All the luxury makers are doing it, even Audi
     
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  19. ma_gazzed avatar gazzed Posted: 3/19/2009 10:50pm PDT

    Could understand BMW's way of thinking... there is a market for this sort of niche vehicles, especially with a lot of buyers preferring a medium-sized sporting crossovers which can haul good cargo and is easy to park - i.e. no trunk and not as huge as a station wagon or even a boring mini/midivan ( mostly for mums/shoppers etc... )
    Also their design statement is a little bit better than when Bangle was at the helm.
     
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  20. ma_Suggs avatar Suggs Posted: 3/20/2009 1:24am PDT

    Progressive Activity Sedan -- more like Completely Redundant And Pointless


    Just trying to copy Merc, VW, Audi etc
     
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  21. sidraja avatar Siddarth Raja Posted: 3/20/2009 4:01am PDT

    Wasn't the R-class a massive failure? I just don't see what this does that a 5-series wagon doesn't. Sure it might be a little more comfy because it's raised a little more but it still makes little sense to me.
     
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  22. ma_WizardsLore avatar WizardsLore Posted: 3/30/2009 5:50pm PDT

    Could understand BMW's way of thinking... there is a market for this sort of niche vehicles, especially with a lot of buyers preferring a medium-sized sporting crossovers which can haul good cargo and is easy to park - i.e. no trunk and not as huge as a station wagon or even a boring mini/midivan ( mostly for mums/shoppers etc... )
    Also their design statement is a little bit better than when Bangle was at the helm.

    Have you seen just how big the X6 is ??? its huge and looks exactly like a polished SsangYong nee turd.

    i think that BMW need to pull their proverbial heads out of their backsides and start concentrating on bringing out sedans and hatches that are affordable.

    then again they are going for the Porsche ideal in that they charge stupid prices and make massive profits because the margins are so large
     
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  23. ma_dougo1807 avatar dougo1807 Posted: 5/6/2009 1:18pm PDT

    I definitely do not like the new directions BMW is taking.
     
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  24. ma_solo84 avatar solo84 Posted: 5/7/2009 1:49pm PDT

    if this is any indication with how the new 5 series will look, then RIP BMW NA.
     
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