Thoughts from the Curb

Feb 13, 2009 - BMW 5 Series GT: An AMC Eagle for the 21st Century

BMW used to be the peddler of simple sedans and coupes. A convertible was thrown in occasionally. Now there are sedans, coupes, convertibles, wagons, roadsters, SUVs, sport utility coupes and now an AMC Eagle.

BMW released the official images of its 5 Series GT Liftback to be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show. It is dubbed a concept, but what you see here is incredibly close to the final version. (Read the full story on Inside Line News) It will be priced and sized in between the 5 and 7 Series, "pitched at customers seeking a raised seating position who may be uncomfortable with the idea of image of a conventional crossover SUV." Sounds like a Venza to me.

But Jiminy, look at the thing -- especially from the rear three-quarter view. That does not look pretty. Sure, you could say it looks like a BMW Prius (or maybe a huge Saab 9000) but I'm going with an AMC Eagle in overall concept. The Eagle and 5 Series GT are both taller than conventional wagons, shorter than SUVs, have all-wheel drive and sport a sloping rear roofline. Heck, look at the BMW's interior trappings, they look time warped from the '70s.

Is there really a market for this sort of vehicle -- whatever it is? Given the economy, it is hard to tell how the X6 and Venza (two other bizarre SUV-ish concepts) have done in the marketplace. And even if the concept is sound, especially the trick double tailgate, is it too ugly for its own good?

-James Riswick

9:20 am | Categories: car news commentary Permalink | Alert Administrator

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