Real or Fake? First BMW PAS Concept Image Surfaces

 Real or Fake? First BMW PAS Concept Image Surfaces
BMW PAS low res image

Leaked ahead of tomorrow's press preview?

A low resolution image has surfaced on our sister site CarSpyShots.net that shows a concept version of BMW's upcoming 5-Series based PAS completely unmasked, but now we're left wondering if it's real or fake. While the image quality is too low for us to bet the farm either way, it does offer an interesting glimpse at what to expect when the model debuts.

The picture shows a hatchback that features BMW's newest design language and has a strong resemblance to the BMW X6. Perhaps the greatest factor that gives the image some credibility is the fact that BMW is scheduled to preview the new Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) to European journalists on February 11, meaning an official release of pictures could come as soon as tomorrow. Regardless of the authenticity of the image, BMW is expected to unveil the PAS concept at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

Power options for the production PAS will mirror that of those offered on the upcoming 2010 BMW 5-Series, meaning we can expect a variety of petrol and diesel engines to be offered.

In a teaser video that was released last month BMW hinted that the PAS would have several interesting design features such as a ride height higher than a car but lower than an SUV, adjustable rear seats, and a rear hatch setup that sounds similar to the Twindoor system used on the Skoda Superb.

[UPDATE] The image was found to be a rendering from the cover of Auto Zeitung magazine. Thanks to member skylab for the tip.

 

Source: carspyshots

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 politz politz
Looks good, at least. I just hate how conceited BMW has become, pretending they came up with this PAS concept - the Malibu Maxx, the Signum and the Vel Satis all featured the same shape and purpose, and giving it X6 looks won't make it any different. Still, looks good - at least better than most BMWs as for the late.
February 10, 2009 12:14 pm
 surubutna surubutna
the press will be tomorrow??
February 10, 2009 12:18 pm
 UnReal UnReal
Close shop, but fake!
February 10, 2009 12:19 pm
 AG4 AG4
Smells like a chop... looks shorter compared to the PAS in the spy photos.
February 10, 2009 12:32 pm
 Motor_Yakuza Motor_Yakuza
What's the point?
February 10, 2009 12:37 pm
 orlandocroccia orlandocroccia
I agree!the real one look's longer, and the rear door handle looks a little misplaced.
February 10, 2009 12:39 pm
 BMWPrince BMWPrince
The question is why would I choose this over the practical X5. I saw that video and everything. If I wanted to transport people in a first class manner - I would have gone for the 7 Series. Is the market really big enough for this "mix" car? This picture just looks like an ordinary 4x4 to me - perhaps just like an X6. It could even steal sales from BMW's own products like X6 and X5 and 5 touring.... hope BMW did their homework
February 10, 2009 1:14 pm
 AG4 AG4
Unlike BMW's X-models, the PAS is not a crossover SUV, it seems to be a long wheelbase tall-hatch version of the 5-series.
February 10, 2009 1:31 pm
 BMWPrince BMWPrince
So that wold be like an Audi Allroad... do we really need that?
February 10, 2009 4:17 pm
 afterace2 afterace2
It looks like X6 without the SUV part
February 10, 2009 1:28 pm
 Mike.F1 Mike.F1
Even if it is... who cares?
February 10, 2009 2:01 pm
 Iconic Iconic
WTF WTF WTF. If this is what it's really going to look like (highly doubt), just give me a Venza for half the price. This 'low res image' is a stretched out X6... I hope.
February 10, 2009 2:24 pm
I have been a big BMW fan for years and I wonder what direction is this vehicle really taking them. What market share are they aiming for that the X5 or X6 can't handle. Initially it was supposed to compete with the Mercedes people mover but it doesn't appear to offer seating for seven or even enhanced cargo capacity over their existing models. So what is the point unless they are veering away from wagons as a whole due to there lack of sales here in the U.S.
February 10, 2009 2:32 pm
 man1 man1
I think Toyota & BMW are sharing their design philosophy. Looks like the new Toyota Venza!
February 10, 2009 3:04 pm
 BMWPrince BMWPrince
BMW cars look so much sportier than the Toyota, that's not sharing design philosophy. Besides, the concept is not even close!
February 10, 2009 4:58 pm
 trekkerbin trekkerbin
The image does look convincing! I look forward to the official release!
February 10, 2009 3:21 pm
 surubutna surubutna
can anyone answer me please!!!!!!!!!! Will be the press tomorrow?
February 10, 2009 3:37 pm
 BMWPrince BMWPrince
Yes, visit www.bmw.com for the official site launch incuding a video and a few pictures - 12am UK time
February 10, 2009 4:59 pm
 moodyaaa moodyaaa
BMW STOP !!
February 10, 2009 4:02 pm
 alexyn alexyn
What a very nice fake!
February 10, 2009 4:42 pm
 RCarvalho RCarvalho
This will be an R-class competitor!
February 10, 2009 5:18 pm
 alessandro alessandro
This car is too big to be decent ride not because of being less green than it is politically correct in our days but because the sense of proportions is loosers one.
February 10, 2009 5:41 pm
 Uptohere Uptohere
At second glance it does look a lot like the Venza but not with it's sporty character. I have heard that BMW have had to make a lot of cuts in the quality of materials this time around and that inside the company there is not a lot of support for this car. Curious to see the finished product. Was the R-Class that successsful?
February 10, 2009 8:27 pm
 BMWPrince BMWPrince
Stop sucking out of your thumb - what non-sense are you talking about with cutting quality and stuff like taht. Did you not see the video by BMW, they want to make this more luxurious than the 7!
February 12, 2009 6:05 am
 DieselDog DieselDog
Total chop. All these look different than those of the test mule pics we have all seen: door handle placement, door sill hight, greenhouse height. Besides that, the "shadow" underneath the car appears fake. I could be wrong - but I hope I am not. The rear in the mock-up looks too thick. I guess we will know tomorrow...
February 10, 2009 8:38 pm
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