Last year BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed plans for several all-new models including a design study dubbed the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). Beyond an obscure design brief for the new concept details have been relatively scarce, but the wait will soon be over - the car is set to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September next year.
Spy shots of the car taken over the past year have shown the car will pick up many of the lines from the X6, and it's expected to be available in both RWD and AWD configurations. Like the X6, the new PAS will only be a four-seater with individual bucket seats featuring full heating and massage functions. And despite the Progressive Activity Sedan name, the car appears to be more of an estate or hatchback, with a split-gate rear portal instead of a rear deck and boot-lid design, reports AutoTelegraaf. These new renderings preview the final car's expected appearance.
BMW will once again be stressing the car's coupe-like characteristics just as it did with the X6. Expect to see extremely short overhangs, flared fenders and optional 21in wheels. The wheelbase will stretch just over 3m with an overall length of at least 4.90m, making the new PAS slightly larger than the X6, which is appropriate for the car's position in the overall lineup, expected to fall between the existing 5- and 7-series cars.
The car will initially be available with four different engines as well as the latest EfficientDynamics technology including the possibility of a hybrid option. The engine range will kick off with a 245hp 3.0L turbodiesel, followed by a pair of 300hp 3.0L twin-turbo six cylinder engines, one diesel and the other petrol. The range topper will be a new 408hp 4.0L diesel V8 with an available 600Nm of torque.
During an interview last year, BMW exec Klaus Draeger said a second PAS could be built if the first model proves successful. Draeger also confirmed the name of the new range would start with the letter 'V' in the same way that the letter 'Z' is reserved for sports models and 'X' for the SUV range.
Reader Comments
Tue Jun 24 2008 10:42 AM
Brad says
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.
Tue Jun 24 2008 12:09 PM
Gus says
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.
Tue Jun 24 2008 12:10 PM
Gus says
"Hey, Baby, would you like to come outside and see my Progressive Activity Sedan?"
Tue Jun 24 2008 3:45 PM
james says
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
Tue Jun 24 2008 4:14 PM
Gus says
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!
Tue Jun 24 2008 4:53 PM
Alan says
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
Tue Jun 24 2008 5:20 PM
NaBUru38 says
There's a strong smell of minivan around this article...
Tue Jun 24 2008 5:23 PM
beken says
Another company tried this before. I think they called it the Aztek...
Tue Jun 24 2008 6:44 PM
HECTOR says
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.
Wed Jun 25 2008 3:14 AM
mofox says
i love it ..... though it resembles the X6.
Wed Jun 25 2008 11:02 AM
phreshone says
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.
Tue Jul 29 2008 10:22 PM
NoNameDenton says
Maybe they feel the name Progressive Activity Sedan will sell better in places where people shun hatchbacks (like the United States).
Tue Jul 29 2008 10:30 PM
justin says
Progressive Activity Sedan... yea ill PAS on this car
Tue Jul 29 2008 10:52 PM
Michael D. says
Looking quite good with much to offer - will this be available in the USDM?
Thu Jul 31 2008 4:53 PM
NaBUru38 says
I change my opinion: with four seats, this car isn't.
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