BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show

Well, it seems that BMW insists on producing more SUVs or SUV-like things, whether the sales figures or not. For example, here is BMW’s latest show car, uh, SUV, or whatever, the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, which will be unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

BMW says the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo “is the production-destined rendition of the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) development idea. For the first time, this concept car combines the looks and appearance of a sporty BMW Sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo.”

Oh, OK then. So this is a Progressive Activity Sedan or PAS, and it’s NOT an SUV. It only sorta, kinda, looks like one. Why does this remind me of Mercedes R- Class, that big, huge station wagon thing Mercedes calls anything BUT a station wagon.

And is BMW serious about the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo looking like “a classic Gran Turismo”? really? It doesn’t look much like a 60s-vintage Aston Martin DB4 or a Ferrari 250 Lusso to me. Sure, I bet this would be a great ride for a long journey, lots of room, and it’s probably as comfortable as BMW can make cars, er trucks, these days, but let’s not compare it to a “classic Gran Turismo”, shall we.

I can understand where BMW is coming from though. They’re torn by who they are, a company that makes some of the finest performing sedans on the planet, and what current market forces dictate.

And sadly, current market forces dictate that American car buyers (obviously this is squarely aimed at us first, and the rest of the world second) are still, for some damn reason, captivated by the SUV.

So you can see how this breaks down. You can almost see a bunch of buttoned-down German engineers sitting in a conference room bemoaning the state of affairs:

“What? SUV sales in America are STILL strong?”

“Yeah.”

“We don’t want to make more SUVs. When can we make another 2002?”

“America is our biggest market.”

“Yeah, but ... ”

“We have to satisfy American buyers.”

“Yeah, but ... ”

“HEY! Why don’t we cut it both ways? Why don’t we make something that’s sort of like an SUV, but as car-like as we can make it?”

“Good idea!”

So, off they went, trying to serve more than one master ... and God knows they’ll sell these things when they do bring the “production-destined”, er car, to market.

It’s got tons of space. Luggage capacity of 15.1 cubic feet, and with the rear seats moved forward and the rear bulkhead partition opened, luggage capacity increases to almost 20 cubic feet. With the bulkhead partition stowed in the floor of the luggage compartment, maximum luggage capacity becomes nearly 58 cubic feet. Oh, and the rear seats fold by pushing a button on the side panel of the luggage compartment, which will appeal to the terminally lazy out there.

It’s not exactly small either. The Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is between the BMW 7 Series and BMW’s various SAV models in size. Its length of 196.8′′ is second only within the BMW model range to the 7 Series, while the car’s height of 61.2′′ is exceeded only by BMW’s X models. The width is 74.8′′ and the wheelbase is 120.9′′. So you’ll be noticed (if that’s what you’re after).

Sadly, BMW doesn’t give any drivetrain specs, but I can guess what will be under the hood. Probably a range of engines starting with BMW’s evergreen straight 6 and ending up with an 8 for the top of the line. No doubt there’s also a diesel or to in the mix, and also a hybrid in the offing. Everyone is doing the diesel and/or hybrid deal with their SUVs these days.

Okay, wealthy suburban housewives, get your checkbook ready.