Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept

[BMW News]

Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagons/Estates, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchbacks, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 5 Series Gran Touring Concept

BMW is back at it again with the 5 Series Gran Turismo concept, inventing categories that don't yet exist with a vehicle that isn't quite a sedan, wagon, crossover or SUV. Instead, the Bavarian automaker refers to its new vehicle as a Progressive Activity Sedan, which apparently means that it's a fastback wagon that sits a bit higher off the ground than normal sedans. If you love the shape of the X6 but don't need the ground clearance, you'll probably find little to complain about from the 5 Series GT.

While we're not quite sure we're on board with the new bodystyle, one feature we do admire is the two-piece, double-jointed tailgate. It's a clever take on the classic problem of how to access the rear hatch in tight quarters. Once open, that space can hold a cavernous 58 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seats folded down. Regardless of the total amount of room, we've got to wonder if that oddly shaped opening will severely limit what can fit in the boot.

For such a large vehicle, there's not that much room inside for passengers. Just four occupants will find a spot for their keisters, though it does appear that each of them will be coddled with plenty of room (all four seats slide fore and aft) and electronic gadgetry. The center console extends from the dash all the way to the rear seating area, providing a spot to put elbows and doodads in their respective places. Our guess is that production won't be too far in the future and with only mild changes to this concept's basic design. Check back next month for live shots of the Tourer from the Geneva Motor Show. Complete press release and videos after the jump.

Gallery: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo concept



[Source: BMW]Continue reading Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept

Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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