Here we go again. Another BMW that objects to being put into any class of vehicles. Is it a sedan, crossover, station wagon, maybe a really long hatchback? Maybe just a squashed X6. Pretty soon BMW will be able to offer vehicles in 2 inch increments rather than the amount of doors or ground clearance.
Anyway, here it is, Chris Bangles last touch on BMW. This lifestyle vehicle know as a PAS (Progressive Activity Sedan) is Bimmers newest attempt at creating a niche vehicle proportion. The X6 was their first attempt at this and is a pretty impressive vehicle if you actually get a chance to see one on the road (not too many here is the D). It is great to see energy put into tweaking the norm as we know it and try to create a proportion that although may look awkward at first could become the new standard. Think of Mercedes CLS “4 door coupe, horrible headroom, ingress, egress for rear passengers, but it is the newest and greatest thing. Every OEM is coming out with one.
Is this a success? Hard to say with only a few photos. Put it on the road with everyone else and lets see how is compares. It is gerat to see BMW styling evolve in every new product. In some views this vehicle works very well, other views not so much. Check out the awkward crease above the front wheel opening. Side view is a little rough but the front tip up looks great.
I do enjoy the surfacing on this 5GT. Not over the top but still exciting. Funny how similar this looks to the Audi Sportback Concept. Color, proportion, how do these companies know what eachother are coming out with tp have a direct competitor from the get go?
The front air dam looks familiar to the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Yes, I compared it to a Hyundai. The kidneys are looking a little bloated to me and could use more tension in the form.
Is it a hatchback or an SUV? Really creative door opening in the rear. I love having options.
It will be great to see more photos of this as they become available. Kudos to BMW for pushing proportions and creating new niche market. So what do you think? Is this just unwanted excess or will consumers welcome a new PAS?
[pics via Autoblog]
2 Responses
Hey guys, good initial thoughts on an interesting and somewhat polarising car. What has been really interesting for me as more and more news has trickled out about this thing is how BMW intends to market it. I have a feeling Europe will not respond favourably, but there’s another market they could be chasing over in the east
Take a look at http://downsideupdesign.wordpress.com/ to see my take on the car and let me know what you think.
Keep up the good work,
Drew
Posted on February 13th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Thanks for the comment Drew. You have an interesting perspective on the marketing and one that could be quite true. With all of the markets slowing down no one has talked about China in awhile. The more I see pics of this car the more I am unsure about it. It is a BMW, os it will sell a few but I don’t think it will ever catch on as well as a 3 series or X5. It is yet another way to “not” buy a station wagon.
Posted on February 16th, 2009 at 8:07 am
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