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.
Reader Comments
Tue Jun 24 2008 1:42 PM
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 3:09 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 3:10 PM
Gus says
"Hey, Baby, would you like to come outside and see my Progressive Activity Sedan?"
Tue Jun 24 2008 6:45 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 7:14 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 7:53 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 8:20 PM
NaBUru38 says
There's a strong smell of minivan around this article...
Tue Jun 24 2008 8:23 PM
beken says
Another company tried this before. I think they called it the Aztek...
Tue Jun 24 2008 9:44 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 6:14 AM
mofox says
i love it ..... though it resembles the X6.
Wed Jun 25 2008 2:02 PM
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.
Wed Jul 30 2008 1:22 AM
NoNameDenton says
Maybe they feel the name Progressive Activity Sedan will sell better in places where people shun hatchbacks (like the United States).
Wed Jul 30 2008 1:30 AM
justin says
Progressive Activity Sedan... yea ill PAS on this car
Wed Jul 30 2008 1:52 AM
Michael D. says
Looking quite good with much to offer - will this be available in the USDM?
Thu Jul 31 2008 7:53 PM
NaBUru38 says
I change my opinion: with four seats, this car isn't.
Thu Jan 29 2009 9:26 PM
NoNameDenton says
I bet good money they do an M version
Fri Jan 30 2009 12:46 AM
Mike says
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.
Fri Feb 27 2009 9:58 PM
NoNameDenton says
Quote:
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
Fri Mar 20 2009 1:50 AM
gazzed says
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.
Fri Mar 20 2009 4:24 AM
Suggs says
Progressive Activity Sedan -- more like Completely Redundant And Pointless
Just trying to copy Merc, VW, Audi etc
Fri Mar 20 2009 7:01 AM
Sid says
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.
Mon Mar 30 2009 8:50 PM
WizardsLore says
Quote:
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
Wed May 6 2009 4:18 PM
dougo1807 says
I definitely do not like the new directions BMW is taking.
Thu May 7 2009 4:49 PM
solo84 says
if this is any indication with how the new 5 series will look, then RIP BMW NA.
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