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BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the firm remains committed to launching a smaller, more affordable luxury crossover to accompany next year’s 5-series GT.

The new smaller BMW Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) will be based on the facelifted 3-series, due in 2010. As such, it will further bolster the burgeoning ranks of models based on the 3-series platform, slotting into the line-up between the Touring and the next X3.

As with the 5-series-based BMW PAS, the 3-seri...Read the full article

 

So as far as I can tell, the only noticable differences between this and a touring is a jacked up ride height and a slightly more advanced tailgate?

Hmm... may be pushing the niche idea a little too far. 

This new CS concept-esque style direction is somewhat challenging as well.

Remains to be seen if this can really be a volume money earner.

 

Audi Allroad, Golf Plus and Ford Fusion come to mind, somehow. I don't know how much market there is for cars like these, which are barely bigger than and different to the models they are based on. And I'm struggling to see what this and its 5-Series PAS sibling offer that the Touring versions of 3 and 5 Series don't.

I'm assuming BMW must've gone over all these issues and decided it simply needs these new models to expand its market share, especially in the family friendly sector of the market.........musn't it?

Gobsmackingly ugly

Yes, what´s the point?

I see where they've gone wrong.......will someone tell BMW that fool's day is APRIL, not Jan.

 

In the 80s and 90s BMW used to have one of the simplest model ranges in the industry - simply pick a size of car, number of doors and engine size - they all looked roughly the same and did pretty much the same thing.

Now they're heading towards having the most bafflingly complex range - I await the announcement of the X5 convertible, 7-series off-road estate and 3-series pick-up truck.

 Agreed -  although I fully expect the launch of this car and the horrible 3 door 5 Series to be cancelled along with the poor selling X6. With new car sales falling by 25% there surely is no demand for these models.

 Also - I hate the new grill, it reminds me of two beached whales. Am I right in thinking that the best looking 3 Series was the E46 and it's all been down hill since then?

Looks like BMW are doing a great job of flooding the market with vehicles that people do not want.  Their model line up is getting too complicated with too many pointless models.

You make assumptions based on a small market that don't necessarily apply on a global basis. BMW have obviously done their homework to see where market share will come from, so presumably launching the PAS will work in their favor, at least in larger markets like US where the X6 also makes sense. If this doesn't work for them on a global basis then they could drop both the 3 Series Touring and the X3, and just live with the 3 PAS + saloon + Coupe.

PiperUK:

Am I right in thinking that the best looking 3 Series was the E46 and it's all been down hill since then?

 

E30 M3 I'd say. Browse a page of E46 adverts and they start to look a bit dull. Not bad in the right spec/colour though.

This - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BMW_3er_Limousine07.jpg - just looks comically under-wheeled but they've done a better job on the coupe.

No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No and once again BMW; NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!