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BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo photos

BMW released photos and details of a new concept it will launch at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show. This concept attempts to create a new automotive segment, something BMW calls the Progressive Activity Sedan.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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A station wagon by any other name...

Just as with the X6, BMW attempts to create a new automotive segment with this 5 series Gran Turismo concept, but we can't help thinking BMW is merely reinventing the station wagon. BMW calls this concept a Progressive Activity Sedan, emphasizing its performance and utility.
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Riding high

The concept sits higher than the current 5 series sedan, allowing room in front for an air intake below the bumper and giving the passengers an elevated seating position. Although BMW hasn't released engine specs, we would expect the twin turbo 3-liter six cylinder as one choice.
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Gran Turismo?

BMW justifies the Gran Turismo appellation with the car's fastback design, but traditional GTs only have two doors.
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Dual-action tailgate

The press release on the concept makes much of the dual action tailgate, which can be opened completely (as shown in this picture) or just the bottom part can be flipped up, allowing more sedan-like access to the cargo area. The rear seats also fold down, increasing cargo space.
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BMW's future headlights?

LED surrounds on the headlights work as daytime running lights, while the casings themselves extend well back into the fenders. This design looks like a clue as to future of BMW production headlights.
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Naturally lit cabin

The concept is shown with a plenty of tech in the cabin, including individual rear-seat DVD screens and the navigation LCD at the top of the stack. A panoramic sunroof lights up the cabin.
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Innovative instruments

The instrument cluster is similar to what will be seen on the new 7 series, using an LCD instead of physical gauges. Black panel technology makes the LCD invisible when the car is turned off.

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