We want to start with a disclosure: We don’t understand why BMW needs this car, and we fear the Bavarian master is slicing the sausage a little too thin.
BMW says the PAS, which stands for "progressive activity sedan," is designed to slot between the 5-series and X6, creating a new segment of sedan with the functionality of a multipurpose vehicle.
But the PAS is based on the next-generation 5-series, which amply fills mid-size-car needs already, and BMW is preparing to launch the X6 that, in size, is the SUV equivalent to the 5-series for those who want a bit more utility.
The PAS has a fastback like the X6 (which we also are not sure fills as big a demand niche as BMW thinks it does) but offers more headroom and presumably a more-dynamic, carlike ride, like the 5-series. Forgive our redundancy, hence our point.
Even so, based on these latest spy shots and illustrations, the PAS is an elegant take on a roomy mid-size passenger car.
Powertrains likely would mirror those already in the 5-series stable, and the PAS looks like a good candidate for all-wheel drive.
The PAS is plan B, replacing original plans by BMW to offer the vanlike Space-Functional concept that debuted at the 2005 Geneva auto show and was envisioned to compete against the Mercedes R-class—probably a good switch.
